In this Article

• What is croup? What causes it?
• Is croup contagious?
• What are the symptoms of croup?
• What is the treatment for croup?
• What warning signs should parents look for?
• Croup At A Glance
• Croup Glossary
• Croup Index

What warning signs should parents look for?

The major concern in croup is the accompanying breathing difficulties as the air passages narrow. Close monitoring of the child's breathing is important. The child should be especially observed at night or when napping for breathing difficulty. The doctor should be notified if the child is having breathing difficulty, restlessness, fever over 103 degrees F, or if the parent feels frightened!

The breathing difficulty can progress rapidly, turning into a life-threatening emergency. Some children must be rushed by ambulance into the emergency room because of serious breathing difficulty. Signs of serious trouble include swallowing difficulty, nonstop drooling, bluish discoloration of the skin or lips, sucking in of the chest, and rapid breathing (over 80 breaths per minute).

While most children recover from croup without hospitalization, some children can develop life-threatening breathing difficulties. Therefore, close contact with the doctor during this illness is important.

Croup At A Glance

• Croup is an infection of the larynx, trachea, and the bronchial tubes usually caused by viruses, less often caused by bacteria.
• Croup is contagious, especially during the first few days of illness.
• A cough that sounds like a barking seal and a harsh crowing sound during inhaling can be symptoms of croup.
• Treatment of croup can include moist air, saltwater nose drops, decongestants and cough suppressants, pain medication, fluids, and occasionally antibiotics.
• The major concern in croup is the accompanying breathing difficulties as the air passages narrow.
• Close monitoring of the breathing of a child with croup is important, especially at night.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Laryngitis - Learn about laryngitis causes such as viral infections, which causes vocal cord inflammation, voice overuse, GERD, polyps, nodules, vocal cord paralysis, and more.

Read more Croup related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Steroid Can Ease Severe Sore Throat