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A barking cough inspires dread in parents of young kids — and sometimes also leads to emergency room visits. As far as childhood illnesses go, croup is fairly common but still unpleasant. How do you know when it’s serious, and what can you do to help your kid feel better while the condition runs its course?
Croup is a respiratory infection that is common at this time of the year, during cold and flu season. And since it’s cause by a virus, it spreads the same way as influenza and the common cold. Its most obvious symptom is a barking cough that often gets worse at night.
Because croup is a condition that young children get, and one that affects breathing, it can be quite scary for both parents and kids. Most of the time croup isn’t serious and your child will feel better in a few days, but because it’s occasionally serious, it’s important to know what to look out for and when to seek medical attention.
Here are 11 things you should know about croup, from what causes it, to how to treat it — and when it’s serious.
11 Things You Should Know About Croup
What is Croup?(01 of39)
Croup is an infection of the upper airway that is usually caused by a virus, like parainfluenza virus (the kind that also causes bronchitis). Croup often begins like a cold, then progresses as inflammation in the airways increases, usually beginning in the nasal passages and then spreading to the windpipe and vocal chords. (credit:ICHIRO via Getty Images)
Who Gets Croup?(02 of39)
Croup occurs in young children — their smaller airways make them more susceptible to the symptoms associated with the condition, especially kids younger than three. Croup is most common in children aged between 18 and 24 months. When children older than five have an infection of the throat and vocal chords, it’s called laryngitis, according to the Canadian Paediatric Society. (credit:PhotoAlto/Anne-Sophie Bost via Getty Images)
The Symptoms Of Croup(03 of39)
The main symptom of croup is a cough that sounds something like a seal barking (you can hear an example here). The cough is often worse at night (often symptoms improve during the day then become worse again in the evening) and is aggravated by crying, anxiety, agitation — and coughing, which can set up a vicious cycle. Other symptoms include hoarse voice, noisy or laboured breathing, and a fever, according to the Mayo Clinic. (credit:Design Pics/Don Hammond via Getty Images)
What Causes The Cough?(04 of39)
A loud, barking cough is the tell-tale sound of croup. The cough is caused by inflammation around the vocal chords, windpipe, and bronchial tubes in the upper airway, according to the Mayo Clinic. The swelling that results from the inflammation narrows the passageway, and when air is forced through in a cough, it often comes out sounding like a seal as a result. Breathing in can also have a whistling sound (called stridor), for the same reason. (credit:binabina via Getty Images)
Is Croup Contagious?(05 of39)
Not exactly. Croup often starts as a cold, the Mayo Clinic says — and of course, the common cold is contagious. A cold become croup when inflammation in the upper airway increases to the point of causing the barking cough. That means croup is sort of like bronchitis: not contagious itself, but something that can occur as the result of a contagious illness. (credit:Asia Images via Getty Images)
How Serious Is Croup?(06 of39)
The symptoms of croup generally last three to five days, and most cases of croup can be treated at home. The condition leads to emergency room visits because it’s worrying to hear your young child coughing loudly and sounding short of breath, but less than five per cent of children with croup have airways obstructed enough by swelling to be hospitalized, according to the Mayo Clinic. (credit:DavidWhalen via Getty Images)
When To See A Doctor(07 of39)
Though croup is rarely serious, there are signs that you should seek immediate medical attention. If your child exhibits stridor when inhaling and exhaling, drools or has trouble swallowing, seems anxious or fatigued, is breathing more quickly than normal, is struggling to breath, or has blue or greying skin tone around the nose, mouth, or fingernails (a sign of cyanosis), the Mayo Clinic advises that you get immediate medical care. If your child’s face is blueish-grey for more than a few seconds, if your child is unusually sleepy or glassy eyed while making croup-like sounds like coughing, or if your child is extremely agitated and struggling to breath, Towards Optimized Practice recommends calling 911. (credit:Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)
Diagnosis(08 of39)
A doctor usually diagnoses croup without tests — it can be detected by listening to the child’s breathing and chest and examining her throat. Sometimes an x-ray is done to rule out other possible respiratory conditions. (credit:BSIP/UIG via Getty Images)
Medication(09 of39)
If symptoms last longer than three to five days, your child may be prescribed a steroid to reduce inflammation, which can start to work within hours. If hospitalization is required for croup, a temporary breathing tube might be necessary, but this is rare. Remember that over-the-counter cough and cold medications aren’t recommended for children younger than six. Croup is caused by a virus, not bacteria, so it doesn’t require antibiotics. (credit:Ruslan Dashinsky via Getty Images)
How To Care For Croup At Home(10 of39)
One of the best things you can do is help your child stay calm, the Mayo Clinic advises, because crying and agitation can aggravate the symptoms of croup. Engage in your child’s favourite low-key activities, like cuddling or reading stories together, and try to keep your child sitting upright as much as possible — it can make breathing easier. Encourage your child to rest and consume lots of fluids, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if older than six months) can help with a fever. It’s not supported by research but some parents report relief through the use of a humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom. (credit:AlexSava via Getty Images)
How Do You Prevent Croup?(11 of39)
Like colds and the flu, croup is most common during winter and early spring. Croup can be prevented by preventing parainfluenza viruses — and the best way to do this is by washing your hands frequently. Keep your child away from those who are sick as much as you can, and encourage your child to cough or sneeze into his elbow. Also, keep your child vaccinated, including by getting the flu shot each season. (credit:boachi via Getty Images)
Productive Chest Cough(12 of39)
Coughing up phlegm may not be pleasant, but it gets rid of irritants in your lungs. In this case, it’s best to stay away from cough suppressing medicine and let the coughs clean out your system.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)
Non-Productive Or Dry Cough(13 of39)
Dry coughs are more common near the end of a cold when the body stops producing phlegm.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)
Barking Cough(14 of39)
This cough is loud, dry and painful. It can be a sign of a respiratory disease or viral infection. Sometimes swelling during a common cold can cause these coughs, especially at night.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)
Whooping Cough(15 of39)
These uncontrollable fits of coughs are usually contagious. The coughs can be so bad that they lead to vomiting. Whooping cough typically lasts longer than other coughs.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)
Psychogenic Cough(16 of39)
This cough is more common in children than in adults and is known as a ‘habit cough’, meaning coughing after a cold or flu is over out of habit. (credit:Shutterstock)
Reflex Cough(17 of39)
These coughs aren’t due to illness but irritants in the air such as dust. (credit:Shutterstock)
Temperature(18 of39)
Feeling feverish or having a fever of 100°F or higher can be an indicator for the flu or H1N1 virus, though not everyone with the flu will get a fever. Fevers are unlikely with a common cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Body Aches(19 of39)
Feeling achy all over or getting a headache is another symptom of the flu or H1N1, and not generally associated with getting a cold. This tends to show as more general aches, as opposed to those confined to one area. (credit:Shutterstock)
Nausea, Vomiting Or Diarrhea(20 of39)
Nausea is the most symptom of the flu, and less likely to occur with a cold. However, if you're vomiting continuously, this can indicate a more severe strain of the flu, and you should seek medical help. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sore Throat(21 of39)
A sore throat is usually the first indicator of the beginning of illness, whether it's a cold, the flu or worse. (credit:Shutterstock)
Cough(22 of39)
Coughing occurs when one has a cold or the flu, though if it worsens, that can indicate a more severe strain, like H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)
Fatigue(23 of39)
An intense feeling of exhaustion, like not being able to get out of bed, is a sign that you have the flu or H1N1. This does not usually occur with a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Chills(24 of39)
Chills can occur as a result of many kinds of bacterial and viral illnesses, including colds, the flu and H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)
Runny Nose(25 of39)
Though a runny nose is most closely associated with a cold, it can also be part of having the flu or H1N1. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand to keep germs from spreading. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dizziness(26 of39)
Dizziness is not a normal symptom for a cold or flu, and should be treated with seriousness. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dehydration(27 of39)
Dehydration is a serious risk when you're ill, either because you feel too sick to drink or eat, or you've been vomiting and/or having diarrhea. Being dehydrated can indicate H1N1, and you should seek medical attention. (credit:Shutterstock)
Pain In Stomach Or Chest(28 of39)
Feeling pains in your stomach or chest while or immediately after you have the flu can indicate a serious complication, like pneumonia. Seek medical help immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)
Blue, Purple Or Grey Lips(29 of39)
Discoloured lips can indicate a lung infection, which poses a serious health risk. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)
Make Yourself A DIY Germ Barrier(30 of39)
To help keep the germs at bay, use a cotton swab to apply petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils. Voila! You've got yourself an enhanced germ barrier. Our noses are often soft spots for bacteria and viruses and a small layer of jelly can act as a protective barrier. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sanitize(31 of39)
Keep an all-natural hand sanitizer that promises to kill 99.9 per cent of germs in your pocket or purse at all times. (credit:Shutterstock)
Protect The Kids(32 of39)
Kids are primary germ carriers and will inevitably fall ill this season. To prevent yourself from getting sick, make sure your children are also protected either with a flu shot or medication. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get Fresh With Garlic(33 of39)
Bacteria love warm, humid environments. If what you've got now is a bacterial infection, garlic is a powerful, all-natural antibiotic solution. Of course we're not telling you to eat a raw clove straight — instead try adding garlic to soups, salads or your favourite pasta. (credit:Shutterstock)
Reach For Probiotics(34 of39)
A happy gut means a healthy immune system. Reach for probiotic supplements or yogurt. Probiotics can boost the immune system and increase resistance to the cold and flu by producing antibiotics. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get Some Zzzs(35 of39)
Lack of sleep is proven to contribute to an unhealthy immune system. To ensure you have a congestion-free sleep, whether you're sick or not, use a nasal strip to help open your airways. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sneeze In The Sleeve(36 of39)
Much like hand washing, this is one of the simplest ways to help prevent the spread of germs. (credit:Shutterstock)
Shower Your Nose(37 of39)
Irrigate your nasal cavity with a neti-pot. It will flush out the viruses and bacteria reducing chances of impending infections. (credit:Shutterstock)
Don't Forget The D(38 of39)
When it comes to the flu, it’s not all about Vitamin C, Vitamin D is just as important. Since we may not get as many hours of sunshine as we do in the summertime, taking vitamin D supplements during the winter can help boost immunity and protect our bodies from catching a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Flower Power(39 of39)
Research suggests the use of a properly formulated Echinacea means fewer colds, reduced duration of cold symptoms, and less reliance on synthetic pain relievers. (credit:Shutterstock)