Croup

Croup is an infection of the upper airway that causes it to narrow due to swollen tissues around the voice box, bronchial tubes, and windpipe. It might make it harder for your child to breathe, but it’s usually not dangerous.

It often starts with a loud barking cough and can come with a high-pitched whistling sound called ‘stridor’ when your child breathes in. The condition can lead to fever, less appetite, hoarseness, and noisy or labored breathing. Symptoms often worsen at night and typically last between 3 to 5 days. But the wet cough might linger for up to 1 or 2 weeks.

While the cough can be distressing, comforting your child and keeping them calm can help. Anxiety and activity can make the symptoms worse. You can try at-home treatments, like taking your child into a bathroom filled with steam for about 10 to 15 minutes and then exposing them to cool night air or the cool air from the refrigerator.

Using a cool mist humidifier can also be helpful. For children aged 6 years and older, a cough suppressant might ease the barking cough.

However, if you notice your child breathing very fast, showing a bluish color around the lips, having trouble breathing or swallowing, or if they develop a persistent cough or a high fever of 103°F or more, seek immediate medical attention. Also, contact our pediatric specialists if croup symptoms last longer than 5 days, or don't improve with home treatments.

Remember, most cases of croup are manageable at home, but staying alert and knowing when to seek help is key to keeping your child comfortable and safe.