HealthInfo Canterbury

Croup

Croup is a common viral infection that narrows the upper airways. It's more common in pēpi (babies) over 6 months old and young tamariki (children) under 3, though older tamariki can also get it.

Symptoms of croup

Croup symptoms can last for several days, but they're usually worse at around three to five days. The symptoms are usually worse at night or when there's a sudden cold change in temperature.

Typical symptoms include:

• a loud, barking cough (sounding like a seal)
• a high-pitched whistling or rasping sound when breathing in
• fast or difficult breathing
• distress, anxiety and agitation
• pale or blue skin and lips
• a hoarse voice.

Your tamaiti (child) may have other signs of a viral illness such as a sore throat, a fever a runny nose and red eyes.

Helping a child with croup

Having croup can be scary. Help your tamaiti child stay calm. Reassure and comfort them as crying can make their symptoms worse.

Sit them upright – this makes it easier for them to breathe.

• If they have a fever or sore throat, give them paracetamol (Pamol). Follow the instructions on the packet for how much to give. Ask your pharmacist or GP if you aren't sure.
• Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids. This can help to soothe their throat, as well as keeping them hydrated.
• Avoid any sudden changes in temperature.
• Don't put them in a steamy room. It doesn't help and increases the risk of an accidental burn.
• Don't give them cough medicines – they make the airways smaller by drying out the mucus (sputum or phlegm).

Getting help for your child with croup

Croup isn't usually serious, and you can usually safely treat it at home. But croup can become serious quickly. Take your tamaiti to a doctor straight away if:

• they're getting worse
• they aren't better after 48 hours
• you're worried or concerned about them.

Treating croup

As croup is caused by a virus, antibiotics don’t help. In moderate to severe croup, steroids are sometimes prescribed to help reduce any swelling in your child’s airways.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Asthma and Respiratory Foundation – Croup

  Information about the symptoms and treatment of croup and when to seek medical help.

• KidsHealth – Croup

  Detailed information about croup including how to care for your tamaiti at home and when to seek help.

• Ministry of Health – Croup

  This page explains what croup is, its symptoms, how to care for your tamaiti at home and when to get medical help.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2021.

Sources

Page reference: 47572

Review key: HICRP-34398