Croup

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Overview Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care

Overview

Croup has an unmistakable sound — a harsh, repetitive cough similar to the noise of a seal barking. Attacks of croup often jar children awake and leave them frightened and gasping for breath. Croup can be scary for parents, too, but it's usually not serious. At its worst, croup can be treated in the doctor's office most of the time.

The harsh, barking cough is the result of swelling around the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). When the cough reflex forces air through this narrowed passage, the vocal cords vibrate with a barking noise. Because children have small airways to begin with, those younger than age 5 are most susceptible to croup.

Fluids, moist air and other self-care measures can speed recovery from croup. If you stay calm, you can quiet your child's cough so that everyone can get back to sleep.

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Signs and symptoms