Croup
Croup is a common childhood illness that causes a bark like cough. It can also cause difficulty breathing which can be frightening for both you and your child.
Croup is caused by a virus which affects the airways including the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and lungs (the bronchi) causing them to swell and become narrower.
Some children have croup two or more times in their childhood.
Please see Red-Amber-Green tables for advice on when and where to seek care for your child.
Related topics: bronchiolitis, cough and colds, difficulty breathing
When should you worry?
If your child has any of the following:
- Breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
- Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs
- Breathing that stops or pauses
- A harsh noise as they breathe in (stridor) present all of the time (even when they are not upset)
- Drooling more than normal and struggling to swallow their own spit
- Is pale, blue, mottled and/or unusually cold to touch
- Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
- Has a fit (seizure)
- Has a rash that does not go away with pressure (the glass test)
You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or call 999 - dial 999.
If your child has any of the following:
- Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
- A harsh noise as they breathe in (stridor) only when upset
- Dry skin, lips or tongue
- Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
- Temperature of 38oC or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors)
- Temperature less than 36°C in those over 3 months
- Getting worse and I am still worried
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.
Please contact your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111.
If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your child has not developed any red features.
If your child has none of the above
- Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms
- If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111.
Self care and Prevention
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