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Croup

Croup is a common childhood illness that can cause a distinctive, bark-like cough. It can also cause difficulty breathing which can be frightening for both you and your child.

If your child has any of the following:

  • Breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
  • Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs (recession)
  • Breathing that stops or pauses
  • A harsh noise as they breathe in (stridor) present all of the time (even when they are not upset)
  • Drooling more than normal and struggling to swallow their own spit
  • Is pale, blue, mottled and/or unusually cold to touch
  • Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
  • Has a fit (seizure)
  • Has a rash that does not go away with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
  • A harsh breath noise when they breathe in (stridor) present only when they are upset
  • Dry skin, lips or tongue
  • Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
  • Temperature of 38 o C or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors)
  • Temperature less than 36°C
  • Getting worse or you are worried about them

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to
either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your
child has not developed any red features

If you child has none of the above:

● Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms

● If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

 

Survey for parents/carers - what was the outcome of you looking at this page?
What is croup?

Croup (also called laryngotracheobronchitis) can be caused by several viruses which affect the airways including the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and lungs (the bronchi) causing them to swell and become narrower. It usually affects babies and young children between the ages of 1-6 years old and gets better in 1-2 days’. 

What are the symptoms of croup?

Your child may have:

  • A cough – the cough is usually harsh and barking. This ‘croupy cough’ is due to inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords in the voice box (larynx).
  • Noisy breathing symptoms – the inflammation can narrow the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea) and cause an extra noise called a stridor. This noise is normally heard on breathing in.
  • Breathing may become difficult if the narrowing becomes worse.
  • Other symptoms – these may include a runny nose, hoarseness and a sore throat. Croup may follow a cold but can also appear without any earlier illness. Children may also experience a high temperature (fever), general aches and pains and be off of their food.
  • The symptoms of croup appear worse at night. They usually peak after one to three days and then improve. A mild but irritating cough may persist for a further week or so.
How can I help my child?
  • Stay calm in order to reassure your child – children with croup may become distressed and crying may make their symptoms worse.
  • Sit your child upright on your lap if their breathing is noisy or difficult. Let them find the most comfortable position.
  • Encourage your child to drink cool drinks regularly (little and often) to help soothe their throat and keep them hydrated.
  • Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen liquid, following the instructions on the bottle.
  • If their temperature is high, dress them in cool, loose clothes (if any) and don’t use anything warmer than a sheet to cover them in bed.
  • Stay with your child, or check him or her regularly, as you need to know if the symptoms are getting worse.
  • Some people find that taking their child outside in the cool, fresh air helps to relieve their symptoms

  • It used to be thought that steam inhalation was helpful but there is no evidence to support this.  

  • Do not give cough syrup. It is not recommended for children under 6 years, can make children drowsier and shows no benefit in treating croup.  

How is Croup treated? 

Your child may be given a steroid medicine called dexamethasone which can reduce airway swelling. As croup is caused by a viral illness, antibiotics are not needed.