What is it?
Croup is common. It causes swelling of the upper airway. It usually affects children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, but can affect older children as well.Croup is often caused by viruses and mostly happens in the autumn and winter months.
What are the symptoms?
Croup causes a barking cough that often sounds like a seal. There can also be a hoarse or raspy voice and difficulty breathing, especially at night. Children may also have a noisy breathing sound called stridor. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and may come on suddenly at night.
How is it diagnosed?
It’s important to seek medical attention if your child is having difficulty breathing or if their symptoms are severe. A healthcare professional will diagnose croup by listening to the story and examining your child.
What is the treatment?
Children with mild cases of croup can stay at home and be given simple treatments such as paracetamol and lots of fluids. In more severe cases, your child may be given a dose of steroids to improve breathing. Sometimes your child might need to be admitted to the hospital for monitoring and other treatments.
Remember, most cases of croup are mild and get better after a few days. If your child is getting worse and having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.
Use this quick guide to know what signs to look out for in your child.
