croup
by william samuels·
croup is a common childhood illness that causes swelling around the voice box and windpipe. it usually affects children between 6 months and 3 years, and is most common in autumn and winter. the distinctive barking cough often sounds worse than it is.
contagious
yes
incubation
2–4 days
contagious for
most contagious in the first few days
exclusion
no exclusion required if well enough to attend
symptoms
- •barking cough (sounds like a seal)
- •hoarse voice
- •stridor (harsh breathing sound when breathing in)
- •symptoms usually worse at night
- •runny nose and mild fever before cough starts
- •symptoms often improve during the day
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •stridor when resting (not just when crying or upset)
- •difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- •skin around the neck or ribs sucking in with each breath
- •drooling or difficulty swallowing
- •child is very pale or blue around lips
- •child is unusually sleepy or hard to wake
- •fever above 39°C that doesn't come down with paracetamol
in an emergency, call 000.
home treatment
- •keep your child calm — crying makes symptoms worse
- •sit your child upright or hold them in your lap
- •give paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort
- •offer small sips of fluid regularly
- •cool night air can sometimes ease symptoms — try standing near an open window
- •stay with your child and monitor breathing
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000.