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What is the Croup?

Croup is a common childhood illness involving a severe cough caused by inflammation of the upper and sometimes lower respiratory tracts. The inflammation causes swelling around the larynx (vocal cords) and trachea (windpipe). When the child coughs, air must be forced through the narrowed passage.

  1. Symptoms

    • Croup usually begins with cold symptoms, progressing to a harsh barking cough that people commonly say sounds like a seal. The child may be hoarse and have difficulty breathing.

    Viral Croup

    • Viral croup is the most common type of croup, usually caused by infection with parainfluenza virus type 1. It often begins with cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose and fever, and the condition progresses to the barking cough.

    Spasmodic Croup

    • The other type, spasmodic croup, comes on rapidly, often in a child with a mild cold. It usually begins during sleep and can leave the child gasping for air. Fever is not associated with this type of croup.

    Age Considerations

    • Croup is most likely in children under 3 years old because their airways are so small. However, it can also affect older children.

    Treatment

    • Most cases of croup can be treated at home by having the child breathe moist air and drink plenty of fluids. For prolonged cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or epinephrine. A child with a severe case of croup may benefit from a hospital stay to receive humidified oxygen.

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