CROUP

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CROUP

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If:

Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, unable to speak or cry because of difficulty breathing, continuous severe stridor)
Child has passed out or has bluish lips
Croup started suddenly after taking a medicine or allergic food
Child is drooling, spitting or having great difficulty swallowing
(EXCEPTION: drooling due to teething)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick
Child choked on a small object that could be caught in the throat
Difficulty breathing (age < 1 year old) not relieved by cleaning the nose.
Difficulty breathing (age > 1 year old) present when not coughing
Ribs are pulling in with each breath (retractions)
Stridor (harsh noise with breathing in) is present or has occurred today
Child can't bend the neck forward
Fever > 104°F (40° C) at any age
Age < 12 weeks with fever > 100.4°F (38° C) rectally
Severe chest pain

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen
Continuous (nonstop) cough
Age less than 1 month (EXCEPTION: coughs a few times)
Age 1 to 3 months with a cough for > 3 days
Earache is also present
Fever present > 3 days

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Croup is a recurrent problem
Barky cough present > 10 days

Parent Care at Home If

Mild croup with no complications and you don't think your child needs to be seen

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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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