What to Do About Croup

Croup is a viral infection in the upper airway, around the vocal cords and windpipe. Swelling in this area may cause a barking cough. Croup, most often seen in the late summer and fall, usually affects young children.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Croup?

• a barking cough
• a high-pitched sound when breathing in (known as stridor)
• breathing harder than usual
• stuffy or runny nose
• fever

What Can I Do About Croup?

• Run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 20 minutes.
• Take your child outside during cooler months for a few minutes. This may help breathing.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier. Having your child breathe in the moist air will sometimes ease symptoms.

Get Medical Care If Your Child:

• has trouble breathing (breathing too fast or skin between the ribs is pulling in)
• has a pale or bluish color around the mouth
  
• drools or has trouble swallowing
• becomes tired easily

How Can I Help Prevent Croup?

Washing hands well and often and avoiding contact with people who have respiratory infections are the best protection against the spread of viruses that cause croup.