Croup

Croup is a common condition that affects the windpipe, the airways to the lungs and the voice box due to inflammation. It affects mainly babies and young children from 6 months to 3 years olds, specifically 1 year olds. It tends to start during the night and can become aggravated with the child crying and being in distress. The child usually starts off with cold-like symptoms and then croup symptoms develop a few days afterwards. Croup is more common in autumn and winter months.

Recognition

  • A barking cough, often compared to a seal sound
  • A hoarse, croaky voice 
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A raspy sound when breathing in
  • Blue/grey skin

Click the audio below to hear a child with croup

Treatment

  • Calm and reassure the child, remember if they panic the attack may become worse
  • If you have written permission from the child’s parent or guardian to give medication, relieve a high temperature with painkillers such as Calpol
  • Sit the child on your knee and support their back
  • Keep the child hydrated and encourage them to drink fluids
  • Steam is not recommended, there is no evidence this relieves symptoms
  • Seek medical advice from the child’s GP or call 111

When to call 999/112-

  • If the child has severe breathing difficulties
  • Rapid breathing or they can not feed or talk
  • The child uses muscles around the nose, neck and upper arms to try and help them breathe
  • The child is in distress
  • Their skin becomes blue-grey
  • Abnormal drowsiness/ sleepiness
  • They have a high temperature
  • They are usually tired or still
  • Unable to drink fluids

There is a small chance that the condition could be ‘epiglottitis which is a life-threatening condition as the airway can become completely blocked due to inflammation or swelling.