CROUP

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Main Symptoms

• The croupy cough is tight, low-pitched, and barky (like a barking seal).
• The voice or cry is hoarse (laryngitis).
• Stridor is a harsh, raspy sound heard with breathing in. Loud or continuous stridor means severe croup. All stridor needs to be treated with warm mist.

Cause

•  Usually a parainfluenza virus

First Aid Advice for Stridor (also use for any difficulty breathing or severe coughing)

1. Inhale warm mist in a foggy bathroom with the shower running, from a wet washcloth held near the face, or from a humidifier (add warm water) for 20 minutes.
2. If that fails, inhale cool air from breathing near an open refrigerator or taking outside for a few minutes.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

•  It doesn't sound like croup, see COUGH
• Tight purring sound when breathing out, see WHEEZING

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

See Other Topics:

• Cough
• Wheezing (other than Asthma)

View Anatomic Index of Topics