What is Croup?
Croup is a common sickness in young kids caused by a virus. It can make their throat and windpipe swell, causing a barking cough and trouble breathing.
This virus is most common in kids aged 6 months to 5 years. It often starts suddenly at night, and symptoms can feel worse during the night.
How did my baby get Croup?
The Croup virus spreads easily through coughs and sneezes. It’s the same kind of virus that causes colds. If your baby has been near someone unwell, they might have caught the virus.
How does Croup affect my baby?
At first, croup might seem like a cold, with a runny nose and mild cough. After a day or two, it might get worse, particularly at night time and your baby may:
- Have a barking cough (like a seal).
- Make a high-pitched noise when breathing in (stridor).
- Struggle to breathe (you might see the muscles between their ribs or the space between their collarbones pulling in or nostrils flaring).
- Be restless, upset, or very tired.
- Have a hoarse voice or fever.
- In severe cases may have trouble talking.
Croup usually lasts 3–4 days, though the cough can last longer.