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Croup is a common condition that mainly affects babies' and young children's airways. It's usually mild, but it's important to call NHS 111 if you think your child has croup as they may need treatment.
Symptoms of croup include:
Your child will usually have cold-like symptoms to begin with, such as a temperature, runny nose and cough.
Croup symptoms usually come on after a few days and are often worse at night.
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
|
Symptoms
Runny nose, sneezing, cough and temperature |
Possible cause |
|
Symptoms
Cold-like symptoms, wheezing, rapid breathing, not feeding |
Possible cause |
|
Symptoms
Cold-like symptoms with bouts of coughing – your child may "whoop" when breathing in |
Possible cause |
Occasionally, your child may be referred to hospital if they're more seriously ill or they're under the age of 3 months.
Croup usually gets better on its own within 48 hours. There are things you can do to help.
sit your child upright and try not to let them lie down
comfort them if they're distressed and try to keep them calm (crying can make the symptoms worse)
give them plenty of fluids
check on them regularly, including at night
give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a high temperature or any discomfort
do not put your child in a steamy room or get them to inhale steam
