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Croup
Croup is a viral infection that swells the voice box and windpipe, giving a barking cough and noisy breathing. Most cases are mild, but severe breathing difficulty needs urgent care.
Causes & risk factors
- Viral infections (often parainfluenza)
- Spread by coughs and sneezes
- Most common in children aged 6 months to 3 years
- More frequent in cooler months
Common symptoms
- A barking, seal-like cough
- A hoarse voice
- Noisy, harsh breathing in (stridor)
- Mild fever
- Symptoms often worse at night
Tests & diagnosis
- Usually diagnosed by the typical cough and sound
Treatment & management
- Keep the child calm — crying worsens the breathing
- Most mild croup settles at home over a few days
- A single dose of steroid medicine is often given to reduce swelling, as the doctor advises
- Hospital care with steroids or nebulised medicine for severe cases
- Comfort, fluids and fever relief at weight-based doses confirmed with a doctor
When to see a doctor urgently
- Noisy breathing at rest, struggling to breathe, or ribs pulling in — seek urgent care
- Blue or pale lips, or the child becoming drowsy — emergency
- Drooling and unable to swallow — urgent
- A child who is very distressed or not improving
Frequently asked questions
Why is croup worse at night?
Airway swelling and lying flat tend to make the barking cough and noisy breathing worse in the evening and at night. Keeping the child calm and upright can help until it settles.
When is croup an emergency?
Seek urgent care if the child has harsh noisy breathing at rest, is struggling to breathe, has ribs pulling in, blue lips or is becoming drowsy or very distressed.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.