Croup is a common childhood illness in children under the age of five and is characterised by a harsh, barking cough.

What causes croup?

Croup is contagious and caused by a variety of viruses, often the parainfluenza virus, that may begin as what appears to be a common cold. The barking cough that gives croup its name is caused by inflammation of your child's windpipe and voice box (trachea and larynx) that partially causes a blockage in the windpipe. Children have very small airways to begin with, so croup can cause air passages to narrow quite a bit. Occasionally, croup is caused by a bacterial infection, but this is not common.

Is croup serious?

Croup is usually not serious and goes away in a few days by itself. However, because croup narrows a child's airways, you should watch your child carefully for signs that she is having trouble breathing, as that can signal that she may not be getting enough oxygen.

Can I prevent croup?

Like any virus, croup is best prevented by teaching kids to wash their hands often with soap and water. Avoid contact with other children who have the virus as it is contagious. And, teach kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue that they then throw away.

How do I know if my child has croup?

The most obvious sign of croup is a harsh, barking cough that is usually at its worst the second and third day of the illness. The cough is often worse at night because of the cool night air. Your child's breathing may also appear noisy or laboured. Croup may follow what appears to be the beginning of a common cold or a mild flu.

How do I treat croup?

Croup usually appears at night when the air temperature gets cooler and it is for this reason that historically doctors have advised parents to treat croup with steam. There is now little evidence that steam actually helps relieve croup.

Because the sensation and sound of croup can be distressing for your child, and distress can exacerbate the symptoms (crying leads to more coughing and additional phlegm), the best thing you can do for your child with croup is keep him calm at all times. Crying generally results in the temporary worsening of symptoms.

Croup generally goes away all by itself in three to four days. You can give your child paracetamol for a fever or general aches and pains.

Should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if your child's breathing seems strained or if she has a fever higher than 39.7° C. Seek emergency medical treatment if your child's skin appears blue or grayish around her mouth, nose, or fingernails. This may signal that your child is not getting enough oxygen and needs immediate medical attention.

What you need to know about croup

  • Croup is caused by a number of viruses, most often the parainfluenza virus.
  • Croup is most common in children five and under because their airways are very narrow.
  • Croup is best prevented by washing hands often with soap and water.
  • Croup usually goes away untreated in a few days.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if your child can't breathe.


Last revised: Monday, 30 November 2009


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