Croup is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly the parainfluenza virus. Symptoms of croup include a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing, especially at night. While croup can be scary for both the child and parents, it is usually mild and can be managed at home with humidified air, fluids, and in some cases, corticosteroids.
In severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary, including the use of nebulized epinephrine or hospitalization for monitoring and support. It’s important for parents to stay calm and reassure the child during a croup episode, as stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms. If you suspect your child has croup, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on how to manage the condition.
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Children with croup exhibit a barking cough known as stridor when inhaling. Additional symptoms include a hoarse voice and breathing difficulties, typically worsening at night and lasting a few days.
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- bluish skin or lips
- severe breathing difficulty
- rapid breathing
- tracheal tug or prominent windpipe
- limp or unresponsive behavior
- fever in infants under 3 months
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- increased shortness of breath
- pain when breathing or coughing
- confusion or dizziness
- inability to keep fluids down
- coughing up blood
- signs of dehydration
- elevated or reduced body temperature
- barking cough
- chest pain
- excessive fatigue or weakness
If your regular doctor is unavailable, contact 111.
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A diagnosis of croup is typically made by a healthcare provider based on symptoms, particularly the distinctive barking cough sound. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a throat swab or other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for croup varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. Mild cases may be managed at home with rest and humidified air. In more severe cases, healthcare providers may recommend corticosteroids or inhaled epinephrine to help reduce swelling in the airways.
It is important to note that home remedies should not be administered without consulting a medical professional. Seeking medical advice is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for croup.
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Mild cases of croup can often be managed at home by ensuring the child remains upright, comforting them, and encouraging fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Medications may be prescribed to reduce throat swelling, while steam treatment is not recommended.
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Paracetamol can help alleviate pain and reduce fever in children. Refrain from giving aspirin to individuals under 16 years. Seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor for suitable pain relief options. Avoid using cough medicines and decongestants.
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In severe instances, hospital treatment involving adrenaline or oxygen may be required.
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The primary cause of croup is viral infections, with the parainfluenza virus being a common culprit. The infection spreads through close contact and infected droplets.
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- Parainfluenza virus
- RSV
- Influenza virus
- Adenovirus
- Enteroviruses
- COVID-19
Croup typically affects children under 5 years old, with symptoms worsening at night. Common symptoms include a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. It is important to keep your child calm and comfortable and to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Croup is usually caused by a viral infection, and supportive care such as humidified air or steam can help ease symptoms. Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and other irritants, as they can make symptoms worse. Remember to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing your child’s croup.
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Croup is a common respiratory condition in children, characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. It is usually caused by a viral infection, such as parainfluenza virus. In addition to younger children, older children can also be affected by croup, although it tends to be less severe in older age groups.
Symptoms of croup can worsen at night and may be triggered by cold weather or exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke. Mild cases of croup can often be managed at home with humidified air and plenty of fluids, while more severe cases may require medical intervention, including medications to reduce airway inflammation.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of croup, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the best course of action. While croup can be distressing for both children and parents, with proper care and treatment, most cases resolve within a few days.
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- nasal congestion and cough
- seal-like barking cough
- loss of voice or hoarseness
- fever
- stridor when inhaling
Most children recover within 3 to 7 days, but symptoms may resemble other illnesses.
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Healthcare providers diagnose croup based on symptoms and may order tests to rule out other conditions.
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Treatment depends on symptoms and severity, with severe cases potentially requiring hospitalization and milder cases managed at home with medication and supportive care.
- Improve a bathroom steam room by running hot water in the shower and sitting with your child in the steam for 15 to 20 minutes with the door closed.
- If your child wakes up during the night, dress warmly and go outdoors to breathe in the cool night air.
- Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of fluids such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks.
- Encourage rest and ensure your child gets plenty of sleep to aid in recovery.
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Prevent the spread of croup by:
- Regularly washing hands and teaching children proper handwashing techniques.
- Avoiding sharing cups and utensils.
- Keeping children home until they recover.
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Immediately dial 911 if your child:
- Experiences worsening stridor with each breath or at rest.
- Has trouble swallowing saliva, drooling, or increased breathing difficulties.
- Shows discoloration around the mouth, nose, or nails.
- Struggles to breathe, speak, or vocalize.
Contact your child’s healthcare provider if your child:
- Has a persistent fever, cough, or worsening symptoms.
- Does not improve within a week or experiences a seizure.
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For accurate temperature readings, use a digital thermometer:
- Rectal: Most accurate for children under 3 years of age.
- Forehead (temporal): Suitable for children over 3 months old.
- Ear (tympanic): Accurate after 6 months of age.
- Armpit (axillary): Least reliable but can be used initially.
- Mouth (oral): Suitable for children over 4 years old.
Follow the thermometer instructions carefully, label it, and avoid sharing to prevent the spread of germs.
Understand when to contact healthcare providers based on your child’s temperature.
When to contact a healthcare provider regarding your child’s fever
For babies under 3 months old:
- Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher.
For children aged 3 months to 36 months (3 years):
- Rectal or forehead: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
- Ear (over 6 months): 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
- Armpit: 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
- Temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in any child.
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- Croup, a prevalent viral infection in children, results in airway inflammation.
- Children with croup may experience breathing challenges.
- Symptoms include a barking cough, fever, runny nose, and wheezing during breathing.
- Most cases are mild and can be managed at home.
- Proper handwashing aids in preventing croup.
- Seek medical attention if the child’s breathing becomes severely compromised or if they have difficulty swallowing.
- Cool mist from a humidifier can help relieve symptoms of croup.
- A doctor may prescribe steroids to reduce airway inflammation in more severe cases.
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Prepare for your child’s healthcare provider visit by:
- Understanding the purpose and expected outcomes of the visit.
- Noting questions and instructions provided by the provider.
- Familiarizing yourself with the new diagnosis, medications, and potential side effects.
- Asking about alternative treatments and test implications.
- Obtaining details of follow-up appointments and after-hours contact information.
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In case of breathing difficulties, immediately call triple zero (000) for ambulance assistance.
Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have during your visit. It’s important to fully understand your child’s condition and treatment plan. Stay informed and be proactive in managing your child’s health.
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- Croup is most common in young children, especially those between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
- Viral infections, such as parainfluenza virus, are the most common cause of croup.
- Treatment for croup often involves humidified air to help reduce swelling in the airways.
- In severe cases of croup, medications such as corticosteroids or nebulized epinephrine may be necessary.
- It is important for parents to stay calm during a croup episode and seek medical help if the child is having difficulty breathing.
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Common viral infections like parainfluenza and RSV cause croup, resulting in airway constriction.
Severe breathing difficulties caused by croup warrant immediate medical care.
Croup primarily affects children aged 6 months to 5 years.
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Initially resembling cold symptoms, croup can escalate to:
- Hoarse voice, wheezing, stridor, and a barking cough.
- Chest retractions and floppiness in severe cases.
Symptoms peak on the second or third night and can persist for a few days.
Spasmodic croup may occur suddenly without warning and is more prevalent in children with asthma or allergies.
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If your child displays severe croup symptoms, contact triple zero (000) immediately.
- If your child is experiencing severe breathing difficulties or appears very sick and lethargic
- Should you notice pale skin or a bluish tint to their lips
- Pay attention if they are dribbling and having trouble swallowing
- Observe if they seem floppy or have decreased consciousness (less alert than usual)
If your child is showing signs of struggling to breathe due to croup, seek immediate medical assistance. Do not try to drive them to the hospital if they are severely agitated, have blue-tinged skin, difficulty breathing, or extreme drowsiness. Instead, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Remember, croup is a common childhood condition that can usually be managed at home. Keep your child calm and comfortable in a humid environment. If they are experiencing mild croup symptoms, you can try using a cool-mist humidifier or taking them into a steamy bathroom to help ease their breathing. However, if their symptoms worsen or if they display any severe symptoms as mentioned above, seek immediate medical attention. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health.
What should I do while waiting for the ambulance?
While waiting for an ambulance:
- Keep yourself and your child calm
- Avoid forcefully changing your child’s position; they will find the most comfortable way to breathe
- Stay vigilant for any changes in your child’s symptoms
- Make sure the area is clear for the ambulance to have easy access
- If possible, gather any relevant medical information about your child to provide to the paramedics
If your child does not need emergency healthcare, but you are still concerned about their condition, it is important to monitor them closely and seek medical advice if necessary. In addition to the signs mentioned above, other reasons to take your child to the doctor include:
- High fever that does not improve with medication
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe stomach pain or vomiting
- Unexplained rash or skin irritation
Remember to trust your instincts as a parent – if you feel that something is not right with your child, it is always better to seek medical attention sooner rather than later.
And don’t forget to keep track of your child’s symptoms and any changes in their condition, as this information can be helpful for healthcare providers in making an accurate diagnosis.
REACH OUT FOR HELP – If you are unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional or use the Service Finder tool to locate appropriate medical services for your child.
What causes croup?
Croup can be caused by various common viruses, such as the parainfluenza virus, which spread easily through coughing or sneezing.
In addition to viruses, croup can also be triggered by allergies or irritants in the air, such as smoke or pollution. In some cases, croup can be a result of a bacterial infection. However, viral infections are the most common cause of croup.
How is croup diagnosed?
Diagnosing croup involves a doctor inquiring about symptoms and observing breathing. Croup can sometimes be recognized by the distinctive ‘barking’ cough even before a medical examination.
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How is croup treated?
Treatment for croup depends on the severity. For mild to moderate cases:
- Your doctor may prescribe a single dose of a steroid
- Provide pain relief such as paracetamol if necessary
- Ensure your child remains hydrated
- Keep your child calm to prevent worsening of symptoms
Avoid using humidified air or steam as they can be harmful and are not proven to be effective. Severe cases of croup require immediate hospitalization via ambulance.
Always follow medical advice as antibiotics are ineffective in treating croup.
What are the complications of croup?
Usually, croup does not lead to long-term complications but in severe cases, it may cause breathing difficulties or dehydration requiring urgent care.
Can croup be prevented?
Preventing croup is challenging, but you can reduce the spread of viruses through infection control measures. While vaccines are not available for most croup-causing viruses, immunization against influenza could provide some protection.
What you can do
Prevent virus transmission by:
- Keeping sick children at home
- Avoiding contact with sick individuals
- Teaching good hygiene practices
- Maintaining overall health and hygiene
- Offering a nutritious diet
Resources and support
Contact your doctor or child health nurse for croup-related inquiries, or call the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 for assistance at any time.
Refer to factsheets on croup from Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network or learn about related viruses on NSW Health’s website.
Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?
Explore resources on croup in various community languages at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Connect with maternal child health nurses at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 or via video call from 7am to midnight (AET) every day.
Source s :
Consult the Therapeutic Guidelines, Children’s Health Queensland, Sydney Children’s Health Network, The Royal Children’s Hospital, and other sources for additional information.
Last reviewed in July 2024
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