Overview
Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which becomes narrow, making it harder to breathe. Croup also causes a cough that sounds like barking.
The cough and other signs and symptoms of croup are the result of swelling and irritation around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi). When a cough forces air through this narrowed passageway, the swollen vocal cords produce a noise like a seal barking. Taking a breath often produces a high-pitched whistling sound called stridor.
Healthy airway
This shows a child's healthy airway.
Croup
When the upper airway is infected with the virus that causes croup, tissues around the voice box (larynx) and the windpipe (trachea) will swell. When a cough forces air through this narrowed passageway, it may sound like a seal barking.
Croup most often occurs in younger children. It usually isn't serious. Most children can be treated for croup at home.
Symptoms
Croup often begins as an ordinary cold. If there's enough swelling, irritation and coughing, a child can develop:
- Loud barking cough that's made worse by crying and coughing, as well as anxiety and distress, setting up a cycle of worsening symptoms.
- Fever.
- Hoarse voice.
- Noisy or labored breathing.
Symptoms of croup are often worse at night and usually last for 3 to 5 days.
When to see a doctor
Contact your child's health care provider if symptoms are severe, worsen, last longer than 3 to 5 days or aren't responding to home treatment.
Seek immediate medical attention if your child:
- Makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds when breathing both in and out.
- Makes high-pitched breathing sounds when not crying or upset.
- Begins drooling or has problems swallowing.
- Seems anxious, upset and restless or extra tired and has no energy.
- Breathes at a faster rate than usual.
- Struggles to breathe.
- Develops a blue or gray tint around the nose, in or around the mouth, or on the fingernails.
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Causes
Croup is usually caused by a viral infection, most often a parainfluenza virus.
Your child may get a virus by breathing infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Virus particles in these droplets may also survive on toys and other surfaces. If your child touches a surface with a virus on it, and then touches the eyes, nose or mouth, an infection may follow.
Risk factors
Children between 6 months and 3 years of age have the highest risk of getting croup. Because children have small airways, they're likely to have more symptoms with croup. Croup rarely occurs in children older than 6 years of age.
Complications
Most cases of croup are mild. In a small number of children, the airway swells enough to cause problems with breathing. Rarely, a bacterial infection of the windpipe can occur in addition to the viral infection. This can result in trouble breathing and requires emergency medical care.
Only a small number of children seen in the emergency room for croup require a stay in the hospital.
Prevention
To prevent croup, take the same steps you use to prevent colds and flu.
- Frequent hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most important step.
- Keep your child away from anyone who's sick.
- Encourage your child to cough or sneeze into the elbow.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces.
To prevent more-serious infections that may cause croup, keep your child's vaccinations up to date. The diphtheria and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines offer protection from some of the rarest — but most dangerous — upper airway infections. There isn't a vaccine yet that protects against parainfluenza viruses.
