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What is Croup?


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Croup is a common childhood illness

Croup can cause babies to suffer a bark-like cough. It can also cause difficulty breathing, which can be frightening for both you and your child.

Croup is most commonly caused by parainfluenza viruses, which affect the airways to the lungs including the air tubes of the lungs (bronchi), windpipe (trachea) and voice box (larynx). The virus causes them to swell and become narrower. It usually affects children between the ages of six months and three years old, with most cases occurring in one-year-olds. As children become older, their breathing tubes become firmer and wider, and thus croup becomes uncommon after the age of six.

Autumn, winter and spring are prime times for this condition, thanks to the prevalence of colds and flu around these times of the year.

What are the symptoms?

Your child will have a harsh, barking cough. Many people liken this sound to the noise seals make. Raspy-sounding breathing difficulties are also common. Croup symptoms cause the airways to narrow, which may cause harsh grating sounds when breathing in, called stridor. These croup symptoms are generally worse at night.

Other symptoms may include runny nose, sore throat, fever and a lack of appetite.

How can you manage croup?

There are a few treatments you can try to help manage croup:

Doctors will advise parents to manage mild cases of croup at home. Croup tends to get better on its own within 48 hours, although a very mild but irritating cough may persist for a further week or so.

What medications can treat croup?

Give your child paracetamol to lower a fever and to treat any pain. Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle.

Your GP may also prescribe a single dose of an oral corticosteroid. This will treat the swelling of the throat and make your child much more comfortable.

What you should not do:

You should see the GP if:

What are the complications?

It is rare for complications to develop from croup. However severe cases can cause a child to struggle to breathe and will require hospitalisation.

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

How can you prevent croup?

Croup itself cannot be prevented. It spreads like colds and flu. Washing your hands and cleaning surfaces can help. Routine vaccinations will help protect against some of the infections that can lead to croup.

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