Croup

Croup is a common viral illness affecting children of pre-school age. The viral illness causes inflammation of the voice box (larynx) leading to a hoarse voice, barking cough and noisy breaths in (stridor) when more severe.

If your child has croup at home, it will often come on at night, with your child waking in distress with the above symptoms.

What can I do for my child at home?

✅ Settle your child and try to keep them calm

✅ Administer paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (croup often causes a sore throat)

✅ It is safe to stay home if your child has normal breathing and settles easily

🫰🏻 We'll see you in a Snap on our next clinic day

❌ If your child has noisy breathing (stridor) even when settled you should go to your nearest Emergency Department

❌ If your child is in significant distress or cannot swallow their own saliva you should call an ambulance 🚑

Croup is often caused by the virus Parainfluenza (but can be caused by any respiratory virus). It usually only lasts a few days and is often treated with an oral steroid in the first couple days of illness.

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