croup
also known as: laryngotracheobronchitis, barking cough
croup is a common childhood illness that causes swelling around the voice box and windpipe. it produces a distinctive barking cough that sounds like a seal. symptoms are almost always worse at night and can be frightening for parents, but most cases are mild.
contagious
yes — the viruses that cause croup are contagious for the first few days
duration
3-5 days typically, worst on night 2-3
common age
6 months to 3 years
symptoms
- •barking cough (sounds like a seal)
- •hoarse voice
- •stridor (harsh breathing sound when breathing in)
- •symptoms usually much worse at night
- •runny nose and mild fever before cough starts
- •symptoms often improve during the day and return at night
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •stridor when resting (not just when crying or upset)
- •difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- •skin around the neck or ribs sucking in with each breath
- •drooling or difficulty swallowing
- •fever above 39degC that does not come down with paracetamol
- •your child has had croup before and it seems worse this time
when to call 000
call 000 immediately if:
- •your child is very pale or blue around lips or fingernails
- •your child is struggling to breathe — chest and neck sucking in deeply
- •your child is unusually sleepy, hard to wake, or floppy
- •your child is drooling and cannot swallow — may indicate epiglottitis
- •stridor is getting worse, not better
home treatment
- •keep your child calm — crying and distress make symptoms worse
- •sit your child upright or hold them in your lap
- •cool night air can ease symptoms — try standing near an open window or stepping outside briefly
- •give paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort
- •offer small sips of fluid regularly
- •stay with your child and monitor breathing
- •your GP may prescribe oral steroids (prednisolone/dexamethasone) which reduce swelling quickly
- •steam from a hot shower has NOT been proven to help but some parents find it soothing
prevention
- •croup is caused by common viruses — regular handwashing helps
- •keep immunisations up to date
- •avoid contact with people who have colds where possible
- •there is no specific vaccine for croup
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.