What is croup?

Croup is a condition where the trachea (the tube carrying air to the lungs) and the vocal cords are swollen and may have some muscle spasm.

What causes croup?

It's usually caused by a virus.

What are the symptoms of croup?

Croup causes a hoarse, barky cough (like the barking of a seal) and noisy breathing. Fever, runny nose, and a hoarse voice may also be present.

How do children get croup?

If your child's croup was caused by a virus, it may have easily been "caught" from someone who has a cold or respiratory infection. Your child can get it or give it to someone else by direct contact — cuddling or touching something (clothes, hands, tables) that has been coughed or sneezed on.

How do you treat croup?

Your doctor might order:

• X-rays to determine how severe the illness is.
• Mucous collection to determine if the infection is caused by a virus.
• Cool mist tent (with oxygen if needed) to decrease swelling.
• A monitor, if needed, to watch the heart rate and to watch for the need for oxygen.
• Aerosol breathing treatments to open the airways and make breathing easier.
• An IV (intravenous line) if your child has difficulty breathing and can't drink safely.
• Steroid therapy to decrease inflammation of the airways.
• Antibiotics if he/she thinks your child might have a bacterial infection. (Generally antibiotics are not used with a virus.)

Nurses will:

• Encourage your child to rest.
• Try to keep calmness and quiet around the child.
• Encourage fluids when the child is ready.

How long does croup last?

The croupy cough usually lasts 3 to 10 days, but some viruses cause coughing that last up to 6 weeks.

What happens after the hospital?

• Remember to wash your hands before and after touching a person with an infection or the things around them.
• Encourage your child to rest in a position that lets him or her breath easiest.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.

Call the doctor immediately if your child:

• Can't stop coughing after 10 minutes in a hot steamy bathroom.
• Has more noisy breathing.
• Has fever greater than 101°F.
• Has more difficulty finding a comfortable position to breath.
• Lips or nails become bluish.
• Shortness of breath is worse.
• Refuses to drink fluids.
• Is not making urine at least six times a day.