Croup is a respiratory infection involving the voice area (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It is usually caused by a virus, including some of the same viruses that cause a cold. Croup usually occurs in younger children—about age 4 or less. It can be scary because of the sound of the “barking” cough, one of the main symptoms. Although most children recover in a few days, often there is some difficulty breathing.

Your child may have symptoms of a cold (runny nose, sore throat, or cough) for a few days before the typical symptoms begin.

• A “barking” cough is the most common symptom.
• It usually involves hoarseness.
• A harsh sound when breathing in is common. This is called stridor. This stridor can be mild or severe and cause difficulty breathing.
• If there is a lot of difficulty breathing, the ribs may stick out and the chest may get sucked in with each breath. This type of breathing is called retraction.
• Retractions can also occur where the neck meets the collar bones.
• Fever may be present.

Symptoms, especially stridor, are worse when the child is upset or crying.

Symptoms are usually worse at night and last a few days, but should be gone within a week.

You should call our office or seek medical attention if:

• You are concerned that your child is having difficulty breathing.
• Stridor (harsh sounds when breathing in) occurs when your child is resting or calm.
• Your child shows evidence of stridor (chest caving in and ribs sticking out when breathing).
• Your child drools excessively.
• Your child turns blue (cyanosis) at any time. This is an emergency—call 2356.
• Symptoms do not improve after a few days.