Croup, which is marked by a harsh, repetitive cough similar to the noise of a seal barking, can be scary for both children and their parents. After all, attacks of croup may jar your children awake at night and leave them gasping for breath. The harsh, barking cough of croup is the result of swelling around the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). When the cough reflex forces air through this narrowed passage, the vocal cords vibrate with a barking noise. Because children have small airways to begin with, those younger than age 5 are most susceptible to having more symptoms with croup. Croup usually isn't serious. In fact, for most cases, croup can be treated at home. Sometimes, your child will need prescription medication.

Complications of Croup

Most cases of croup are mild. Rarely, the airway swells enough to interfere with breathing. Ear infection and pneumonia are other rare but potentially serious complications.

Causes of Croup

• Croup is often caused by the parainfluenza virus. Less often, respiratory syncytial virus or various other respiratory viruses cause croup.
• Your child may contract a virus by breathing infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Virus particles in these droplets may also survive on toys and other surfaces. If your child touches a contaminated surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth, an infection may follow.
• Rarely, croup may be caused by a bacterial infection.

Signs & Symptoms of Croup

The classic sign of croup is a loud, harsh, barking cough — which often comes in bursts at night. Your child's breathing may be labored or noisy. Fever and a hoarse voice are common, too.

Diagnosis of Croup

Croup is typically diagnosed based on signs, symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor will observe your child's breathing, listen to your child's chest with a stethoscope and examine your child's throat. Sometimes X-rays or other tests are used to help make the diagnosis.

Treatments of Croup

• In most cases, self-care measures at home — such as breathing moist air and drinking fluids — can speed your child's recovery. More aggressive treatment is rarely needed.
• If your child's symptoms persist or worsen, his or her doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, epinephrine or another medication to open the airways. Antibiotics are effective only if your child has a bacterial infection.
• For severe croup, your child may need to spend time in a hospital receiving humidified oxygen. Rarely, a temporary breathing tube may need to be placed in a child's windpipe.
• Croup can be scary — especially if it lands your child in the doctor's office, hospital or emergency room. Hold your child, sing lullabies or read quiet stories. Offer a favorite blanket or toy. Speak in a soothing voice. Your presence can help keep your child calm.

Prevention of Croup

• To prevent croup, take the same steps you use to prevent colds and flu. Frequent hand washing is most important. Also keep your child away from anyone who's sick, and encourage your child to cough or sneeze into his or her elbow.
• To stave off more-serious infections, keep your child's immunizations current. The diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and measles vaccines offer protection from some of the rarest — but most dangerous — forms of upper airway infection.

When to seek Medical Advice

Most cases of croup can be treated at home with a few simple self-care measures. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if your child:

• Makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling (stridor)
• Begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing
• Seems agitated or extremely irritable
• Struggles to breathe
• Develops blue or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails
• Has a fever of 103.5 F (39.7 C) or higher