Overview

Croup is a viral infection that mostly affects children and can begin with little warning. It involves swelling of the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and the beginning of the lungs (bronchi) making it difficult to breathe.

It is usually seen in children under the age of 6 but can present in children up to 12 years of age – adults do not typically suffer croup.

Croup is caused by a virus called parainfluenza virus, but can also be caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus.

Like many viruses, the croup virus can spread easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. It’s important to stay home if someone is infected and practice good hygiene.

Unfortunately, croup can get worse quickly so if you observe worsening symptoms, it's important to seek urgent medical help immediately.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of croup may last for 3 to 4 days, however, a cough may linger for up to three weeks.

It’s important to know that often croup can worsen at night when the air becomes cooler and it irritates the lungs and airways even more.

Symptoms of croup in children (and adults) includes:

• Fever

• Runny nose

• A barking, seal-like cough

• Hoarse voice

• Difficulty breathing

• Stridor (a squeaky, high-pitched noise when breathing in)

In severe cases of croup, the skin between the child’s ribs or under their neck may suck in when they breathe, making it difficult to breathe.

Signs of a severe episode of croup include:

• Blue lips or tongue

• Subcostal breathing

• Needing to use their neck muscles to breathe in

• Tiredness

• Stopping breathing

If it looks like your child is having any difficulty breathing, you think they have a severe symptom above, or you are concerned, call 000 or take your child immediately to the emergency department.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the croup, treatment can vary significantly.

This may include using a humidifier and keeping the environment around your child warm may help to ease symptoms.

Your doctor will talk to you about managing symptoms and delivering treatment if the case is severe.

As with any health concern the best place to start is with a doctor's consultation, they can guide you through a diagnosis and treatment options.