Croup
Croup is a respiratory illness usually caused by a virus. It causes swelling and irritation of the upper airways – the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea).
Causes
It’s caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. Kids with croup have a barking cough or
hoarseness. Croup is most common in kids 6 months to 3 years old, but some older children also get croup. Most cases happen in the fall and early winter. More severe cases may be caused by bacteria.
Symptoms
The main symptom is a cough that sounds like a seal barking. Many children have mild cold symptoms prior to the barking cough. Croup is typically worse at night. It is usually mild but it is possible for symptoms to become severe and life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention for the following features of severe croup:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or blue-tinged skin, especially lips, fingers, toes, earlobes
- Severe coughing spells
- Drooling or difficulty swallowing
- Inability to speak due to difficulty taking a breath
- A whistling sound with breathing
- Sucking in of skin around the ribs when breathing
Parents should not attempt to drive their child to the hospital if the child is severely agitated, cyanotic, struggling to breathe, or excessively drowsy (lethargic). Call 911.
Treatment
Breathing in moist air may help kids feel better. The best way to expose a child to moist air is to use a cool-mist humidifier or run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where the child can sit with an adult for 10 minutes. Pain medicine (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may make them more comfortable. Kids should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and rest often. Contact your child’s physician for advice. Avoid cough medicines, decongestants, sedatives unless you discuss them with your provider first. Antibiotics do not treat viruses.
Prevention
- Many cases of croup can be prevented with immunizations. Keep your child’s immunizations up to date.
- Wash your hands frequently and teach your children good hand washing.
- Avoid close contact with people who have a respiratory infection.
- Keep your child at home with a cough that keeps them up at night.
Your child should be without a fever for a full 24 hours without the use of medication before returning to school and well enough to participate in normal school activities.