What is croup and what causes it?
Croup is a common childhood illness that affects babies and young
children. It is caused by a viral infection which causes the lining
of the windpipe to swell and produce sticky fluid that narrows the
passageway and makes it difficult for the child to breath.
Most cases are mild. It can occasionally be more serious, causing
the child to have trouble breathing which can be frightening for both
you and your child.
Croup normally lasts 1 to 7 days, the first 2 days being the worst.
Some children get croup more than once and it is not preventable.
However, croup is less problematic in older children as the size and
strength of the windpipe improve with age.
• A hoarse voice and/or sore throat
• A harsh bark-like cough
• Noisy high-pitched breathing
• These symptoms are often worse at night or when your child is
excited or upset and crying
Your child may be given a steroid drug to help reduce the swelling in
the airways to ease breathing. It takes a little while to start working.
This is normally a one-off dose but can occasionally be repeated
after 12 hours.
Antibiotics do not help and are not given because croup is caused by
a virus and antibiotics only kill bacteria.
Advice at home
• If your child becomes scared or upset, their symptoms will
become worse. Help them relax by reading a book or watching
a video
• Do not smoke cigarettes in the same room or near your child
• Give your child plenty of fluid, little and often, especially if they
have a fever
• Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to be given for pain
- Paracetamol 4-6 hourly last given at:...............................
- Ibuprofen 6-8 hourly last given at:...............................
Always seek medical help if have any concerns about your child
• If your child has trouble breathing, goes blue or pale in colour
• If your child becomes floppy
• If the muscle between the ribs or tummy sucks in when
breathing
• If your child is dribbling and refusing to eat or drink
• Call NHS 111 (24 hours a day)
• Contact your GP
