Croup

Croup is the common name for a group of conditions that cause your baby’s upper airways to become inflamed leading your child to have a distinctive cough which sounds like a seal barking.

It usually arises out of a virus, such as a cold or measles; but can also be related to an allergic reaction or bacterial infection.

Croup can happen at any time but usually appears in the winter months and early spring, when viruses are more prevalent. Children are most susceptible to croup between the ages of three months and six years, but symptoms are worse in children under three because their airways are narrower and are more likely to become inflamed. Croup can last up to three weeks, and tends to be worse at night. Although it isn’t usually severe, some children have to be admitted to hospital until their symptoms have eased if they’re having breathing difficulties. Most children who experience mild croup recover quickly at home.

Treatment

If you suspect your child has croup, take her to your pediatrician, who can diagnose the condition and suggest a suitable course of action. An X-ray of your child’s chest may be needed for diagnostic purposes.

In most cases children need no medical treatment and the condition will clear up by itself. Don’t panic if your child is having an attack, as this will likely make her more distressed. Try to soothe her and reassure her she’ll be fine, especially if she’s finding it hard to catch her breath. Make sure your child gets lots of fluids – a warm drink before bed will help soothe her vocal cords. If she has a fever, give a fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Use a humidifier in your child’s room to keep the air as moist as possible, as this will ease her breathing. A good trick during an attack is to take her to the bathroom and run the hot faucet or shower until the air is steamy; alternately if it’s a cool night, take her outside so the cool air can help reduce the swelling in her airways.

Because croup affects your child’s airways it can become serious, so be sure to closely monitor your child’s breathing during an attack. If she’s finding it very difficult to breathe, starts to breathe rapidly, is running a high fever or develops a blue tinge to her lips, call 911 or take her to the ER straightaway. In severe cases, a hospital stay may be necessary and your child may be given oxygen and steroids to ease the inflammation in her airways. Complications from croup are rare but can include ear infections and pneumonia.

The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.