Introduction
Your baby has Croup. It can be a frightening experience supporting your baby with difficulty in breathing, so we have provided you with this leaflet to explain croup to you. If you have any questions or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please contact:
Children’s Assessment Unit on 02476 865 631
George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust switchboard number: 02476 351 351
What is Croup?
Croup is a childhood condition commonly affecting children aged between six months and three years. However, it can affect children up until the age of fifteen. Croup usually develops due to a viral infection and often follows a cold and mild temperature. It affects the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and the airways to the lungs become blocked. This causes a barking cough and difficulty in breathing.
How long does Croup last and what are the symptoms?
Croup usually lasts for a couple of days, however it can occasionally last for up to two weeks. Symptoms tend to get worse at night or when your child is upset so it is important to keep your child calm and relaxed as much as possible.
Typical signs include a barking cough, hoarse or croaky throat, difficulty in breathing and sometimes a harsh noise on breathing is known as a stridor.
Other signs of croup include a sore throat, cough, runny nose, and a fever.
What is the Treatment?
Whilst your child is in hospital, they may be given a one-off dose of medication (a liquid steroid) if the doctor feels it is needed. This should help reduce the swelling in your child’s upper airways. Depending on the severity they may be given a nebuliser which will help further. If we feel your child is struggling to breathe, we may provide some oxygen through a face mask.
What should I do now at home?
Give paracetamol (Calpol) and ibuprofen (Nurofen) at home as this will ease any pain and help lower your child’s temperature if they have one. Please ensure you follow the instructions on any medication.
Keep your child well hydrated and encourage them to drink fluids.
Keep your child calm and relaxed to prevent their symptoms from getting worse.
Steam treatment is not recommended as there is no evidence to prove that it helps.
Your child last had Paracetamol at ………….
They are due paracetamol again at……………….
Your child last had Ibuprofen at ………….
They are due Nurofen again at……………….
When should I seek medical advice?
If your child is still unwell after 48 hours, contact your GP or 111 for further advice. If you are worried or your child is getting worse.
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Dial 999 for an ambulance in any of these cases:
Difficulty in breathing causing harsh noises on breathing in and out when settled
Drooling or not able to swallow
Unresponsive
They suddenly get a very high temperature or become very ill |
For further advice/information:
Call NHS 111 (24 hours a day)
Contact your GP/ Health Visitor
Visit Croup - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://
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