Croup

Croup is a common childhood illness that affects the airways, causing a characteristic barking cough, hoarseness, and sometimes difficulty breathing. It’s usually caused by a viral infection and is most common in children aged 6 months to 5 years. 

Croup is most often caused by a virus, usually parainfluenza virus, but it can also be triggered by other viruses such as: 

• Influenza (flu) 

• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) 

• Adenovirus 

The virus causes inflammation and swelling in the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and the airways to the lungs (bronchi). 

• Barking cough (often worse at night) 

• Hoarse voice 

• Noisy breathing (stridor) when inhaling 

• Fever (may be mild) 

• Runny nose or cold symptoms before the cough starts 

Most cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home 

Home Care: 

• Keep your child calm – crying can make symptoms worse. 

• Offer fluids regularly to prevent dehydration. 

• Sit with your child in a steamy bathroom (warm mist can help breathing). 

• Use a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom if available. 

• Paracetamol (Calpol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) can be used to reduce fever and discomfort. 

• A doctor may prescribe a steroid (dexamethasone or prednisolone) to reduce airway swelling. 

• In more severe cases, hospital care and breathing support may be needed. 

Contact your doctor or go to A&E immediately if your child: 

• Has difficulty breathing or seems to be struggling to breathe 

• Has blue or grey lips, tongue, or skin (a sign of low oxygen) 

• Is drooling or cannot swallow (may indicate more serious infection) 

• Is very tired, drowsy, or hard to wake 

• Has stridor at rest (noisy breathing when calm and not crying) 

• Is under 6 months old with croup symptoms 

• Is getting worse despite treatment at home 

• Symptoms usually peak within 1-2 days and improve over 3 to 5 days. 

• The cough may linger for a week or more. 

• Croup is contagious – keep your child at home until they are fever-free and feeling better. 

• Good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of viruses. 

• If your child has recurrent or severe croup episodes, discuss with your GP.