What it is
It mostly affects children between 6 months and 3 years and is often worse at night.
Keeping the child calm and upright helps. A single dose of steroid medicine from a doctor reduces the swelling. Severe croup needs hospital care.
Common signs
- A barking cough, like a seal
- A hoarse voice
- A harsh, rasping sound when breathing in
- Fever and runny nose
How it is usually diagnosed
- Recognised from the cough and examination
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Notes of episodes and treatment, especially if it recurs
- Hospital discharge summaries
Questions to ask your doctor
- Does my child need steroid medicine?
- How can I tell if the breathing is getting worse?
- Why does it keep coming back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Struggling to breathe, the skin sucking in under the ribs, blue or grey lips, drooling or being unable to swallow, or unusually quiet and drowsy: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.