Croup

Contact: (0191) - 2825558 or 2829721 - Sally Hails

What is croup?

Croup is a viral infection caused by the swelling of the child’s airway. Most commonly croup occurs in winter months when weather gets cooler. It affects children aged between six months and six years.

What are the symptoms?

• Generally this starts with a mild, dry, barky cough often described as ‘barking like a seal’
• Noisy breathing when breathing in (known as stridor)
• Hoarseness of the voice
• Restless and irritable
• Raised temperature
• When breathing in, pulling in of the muscles between ribs and around the neck.

These symptoms may all be worse at night and the symptoms may vary.

What to do if your child gets croup?

• Try to stay calm for your child - anxiety could affect your child’s breathing.
• Allow them to stay in the position they prefer, to allow easier breathing – usually an upright position.
• If your child is having difficulty breathing, swallowing or is drooling a doctor should see them immediately. (GP or if unavailable, local Accident and Emergency department).
• If your child has a temperature, give them the medicine that you would normally use to lower their temperature, following the instructions on the bottle or as advised by the chemist.
• Your child may be reluctant to eat so encourage them to have plenty of clear drinks.

What happens if your child is admitted to Hospital?

• Your child may require oxygen at first.
• A steroid medicine is usually given or a nebuliser of inhaled steroids.
• An overnight stay may be necessary for your child to be observed.

Most children fully recover with no complaints however the cough may last up to 5-7days especially when tired and upset.

If you have concerns that the cough is lasting longer than this, please contact your own GP.
If you have any further questions you can contact the Children’s Respiratory Nurses at the hospital.
Sally Hails 0191 2825558 or 2829721
Ann Kirk 0191 2137243 or 2348337