Croup
Croup is a common childhood illness that causes a barking cough, hoarse voice, and breathing difficulty due to swelling of the upper airway.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
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Symptoms of croup
Symptoms of croup include:
- a barking cough – this may sound like a seal
- a hoarse voice
- difficulty breathing
- a high pitched, rasping sound when breathing in
Your child will usually have cold-like symptoms to begin with, such as a temperature, runny nose and cough.
Croup symptoms usually come on after a few days and are often worse at night.
If you're not sure it's croup
Other conditions can have similar symptoms to croup
Symptoms Possible cause
| Runny nose, sneezing, cough and temperature | Cold
| Cold-like symptoms, wheezing, rapid breathing, not feeding | Bronchiolitis
| Cold-like symptoms with bouts of coughing – your child may "whoop" when breathing in | Whooping cough
How to look after a child with mild croup at home
Croup usually gets better on its own within 48 hours. If 112, or a doctor, confirms your child has mild croup, there are things you can do to help them feel better.
Do
- sit your child upright and try not to let them lie down
- comfort them if they're distressed and try to keep them calm (crying can make the symptoms worse)
- give them plenty of fluids
- check on them regularly, including at night
- give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a high temperature or any discomfort
Don’t
- do not put your child in a steamy room or get them to inhale steam
Call 112 or go to A&E if your child:
- is struggling to breathe (you may notice grunting noises, see their tummy sucking under their ribcage, or their breathing may sound different)
- has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- is sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
- is unusually quiet and still
- is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
- is very upset or restless, is having difficulty breathing and can't be calmed down
- is unwell and drooling more than they normally do, finding it hard to swallow, or wants to sit rather than lie down
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
