Croup is not a particular illness, rather it is a name for what happens when the throat and the voice box are so swollen it leads a child’s cough to sound like a bark and the inhale to sound squeaky. Doctors say that croup usually happens after a couple of days of cold symptoms and tends to be caused by viruses, though sometimes bacteria or allergies are to blame. Most cases of croup nowadays tend to be mild, though a bad case of croup can be dangerous. Doctors say croup can look very frightening, but that there are some simple measures you can take to treat croup at home. Sitting with your child in a steam-filled bathroom or taking a walk in cool outdoor air can help subdue a croup attack. However doctors say if the croup seems bad and if your child has difficulty breathing, or turns blue, he should be taken to see a doctor. In some cases doctors prescribe steroids to reduce the swelling. Croup usually strikes children between ages three months and five years, and happens more often in the winter months. Some children seem to be more prone to croup than others, and will get repeated bouts of croup throughout childhood.
Children, Youth And Women’s Health Service
“Croup”
"Croup is caused usually by a virus infection. A young child (usually under 5 years) becomes mildly unwell with what seems to be a normal ‘cold’. The virus infection then causes the lining of the airway (windpipe) in the child’s neck to swell, causing the airway to get narrower and making it harder to breathe." …read the full article
BabyCentre Australia
“Croup”
"If your baby has croup, you’ll know. One parent we know was woken up at 5 a.m. by barking – but she didn’t have a dog. It took her only an instant to know it was croup. Although the cough is easy to recognise, its bark is worse than its bite in most cases." …read the full article
Children’s Hospital Westmead
“Croup”
"Mild croup can be managed at home. The symptoms of croup are often worse at night when the air is cooler. Humidification of the air is often recommended but there is no information to prove that it does benefit the symptoms of croup. In fact the risk of hot water or steam burns is potentially more dangerous for your child than the croup itself." …read the full article
MyDR
“Croup: Symptoms and Treatment”
"If your child has croup, it’s important you take him or her to your doctor for assessment. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid suspension or inhaled steroids, even if the croup is mild, because this can prevent the symptoms from getting worse. These medicines are usually very effective, but in more urgent situations children with croup need to be admitted to hospital. " …read the full article
Ask Dr Sears
“Croup”
"Your child has had a mild cold for the past day or two, then around bedtime, you hear it starting. That barky, raspy cough that sounds like a seal asking for his next meal. If you have heard a ‘croupy’ cough before, there’s no mistaking it. If you child has never had croup, it can be a frightening experience. Here is a quick lesson on croup to help you get through the night." …read the full article
