Overview

Croup is a common childhood condition that mainly affects babies' and young children's airways.  It's usually mild, but call 111 Wales or see a GP if you're worried.

Check if your child has croup

These are the symptoms of croup:

• a barking cough that sounds like a seal (you can hear examples online)
• a hoarse voice
• difficulty breathing
• a rasping sound when breathing in

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.

Call 111 Wales or see a GP if:

• you think your child may have croup – the doctor may give your child medicine to shorten the illness
• you're worried
• your child is getting worse
• they're no better after 48 hours

Occasionally, your child may be referred to hospital if they're more seriously ill or they're under the age of 3 months.

How to look after a child with croup at home

Croup usually gets better on its own within 48 hours.

Until it does:

Do:

• stay calm
• sit your child upright
• comfort them if they're distressed (crying can make symptoms worse)
• give them plenty of fluids

Don't:

• do not put your child in a steamy room or get them to inhale steam
• do not give them cough or cold medicines

Go to A & E or call 999 if:

• your child is struggling to breathe (you may see their tummy sucking inwards or their breathing sounds different)
• their skin or lips start to look blue or grey
• they're unusually quiet and still
• they suddenly get a very high temperature or become very ill