Croup is more common in winter and mainly affects children between six months and five years old, but it can affect older children.
Croup is a condition caused by a viral infection. The virus causes swelling of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea), which narrows the airway and makes breathing harder.
Croup can get worse quickly. If your child is having problems breathing, seek urgent medical attention.
Signs and symptoms of croup:
🤒 Croup usually begins like a typical cold, e.g. fever, runny nose, and cough.
🦭 Your child's cough will change to become harsh and 'barking', much like a seal. It is a very distinctive cough; if you hear it, you will know!
🔕 Your child's voice may be hoarse.
👂🏼 When your child breathes in, they may make a squeaky, high-pitched noise called stridor.
🚨 In severe cases of croup, the skin between the child’s ribs or under their neck may suck in when they breathe, and they may struggle to breathe.
The symptoms are often worse at night. Try to keep your little one as calm as possible to avoid coughing fits, and offer pain relief if they are uncomfortable with a fever (always follow the dosing instructions on the bottle).
The signs and symptoms of croup may last three to four days; however, a cough may linger for up to three weeks. The stridor should not linger.
If you believe your child has croup or you are concerned about their symptoms for any reason, seek medical advice.
Call 000 immediately if your child:
🚑 is breathing very quickly
🚑 is struggling to breathe
👉🏼 Note that Vaporisers and steam treatments are no longer recommended to help relieve symptoms of croup, as they have not been shown to help croup symptoms.
References - [ Ссылка ]
RCH Croup fact sheet
[ Ссылка ]
Laryngotracheobronchitis. Stacey Ernest; Paras B. Khandhar. StatPearls Publishing 21st July 2021
