What should you know about spasmodic croup causes?

Croup causes swelling around the voice box and upper windpipe. A viral infection such as a [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) can irritate this narrow passage, producing a barking [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) and a rough or high-pitched sound when the child breathes in. In spasmodic croup, symptoms may appear abruptly, sometimes after the child has gone to sleep, and the child may not have much fever. The amount of swelling and the child’s breathing effort matter more than the label.

Stay calm, comfort the child, and keep them upright if that feels easier for breathing. Offer fluids in small amounts when swallowing is comfortable. Avoid smoke and do not force food or examine the throat if the child is distressed. Contact a clinician for a new or recurring episode; a [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can help assess breathing and decide whether treatment is needed. A [Nebuliser Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/nebuliser-treatment/) may be used in urgent care for selected breathing problems, not as a routine home response.

Call emergency services if the child is struggling to breathe, has blue or grey lips, cannot speak or drink, becomes very sleepy, drools, or makes a harsh breathing sound while resting. Seek prompt medical advice if [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) is persistent, the cough is worsening, or symptoms return repeatedly. Do not wait for a cough to become severe when the child’s breathing effort is increasing.

Ask what may have triggered the episode, how to recognise noisy breathing at rest, and which treatment plan to follow if symptoms recur overnight. Discuss whether the child needs review for another cause of cough, fever, or breathing difficulty, and when normal activities can resume.