Description:

Croup

Croup is a common condition that mainly affects babies' and young children's airways. It's usually mild, but it's important to call NHS 111 if you think your child has croup. They may need treatment.

Check if your child has croup

These are the symptoms of croup:

a barking cough that sounds like a seal (you can search online to hear examples)
a hoarse voice
difficulty breathing
a rasping sound when breathing in

Your child will usually have cold-like symptoms to begin with, such as a temperature, runny nose and cough.

Croup symptoms usually come on after a few days and are often worse at night.

If you're not sure it's croup

Possible causes of cough and cold-like symptoms in children
Symptoms	Possible cause
Runny nose, sneezing, cough and temperature	Cold
Cold-like symptoms, wheezing, rapid breathing, not feeding	Bronchiolitis
Cold-like symptoms with bouts of coughing – your child may "whoop" when breathing in	Whooping cough

Non-urgent advice: Call NHS 111 or see a GP if :

you think your child may have croup – the doctor may give your child medicine to shorten the illness
you're worried
your child is getting worse
they're no better after 48 hours

Occasionally, your child may be referred to hospital if they're more seriously ill or they're under the age of 3 months.

How to look after a child with croup at home

Croup usually gets better on its own within 48 hours.

During this time:

Do

stay calm
sit your child upright
comfort them if they're distressed (crying can make the symptoms worse)
give them plenty of fluids
give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a high temperature or any discomfort

Don’t

do not put your child in a steamy room or get them to inhale steam
do not give them cough or cold medicines

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

your child is struggling to breathe (you may see their tummy sucking inwards or their breathing sounds different)
their skin or lips start to look very pale or blue
they're unusually quiet and still
they suddenly get a very high temperature or become very ill

Page last reviewed: 18 September 2020
Next review due: 18 September 2023