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Croup in Children

Croup is an illness that causes swelling around the voice box and upper airway. It usually causes a barking cough and may also cause a harsh sound called stridor when a child breathes in.

Viruses cause most cases of croup. Similar barking coughs or noisy breathing can also occur with other problems that narrow or irritate the upper airway.

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AAP Guide to Croup in Children

The AAP guide below explains croup symptoms, what stridor sounds like, what you can do at home, and when your child needs urgent care.

AAP Symptom CheckerCroup

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child has stridor, especially while calm or resting.
  • Your child is breathing faster or harder than usual.
  • Your child has trouble drinking, swallowing or handling saliva.
  • The symptoms are getting worse or you are unsure how hard your child is working to breathe.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has severe trouble breathing or constant severe stridor.
  • Your child’s lips or face turn blue or gray.
  • Your child cannot swallow and is drooling or spitting.
  • Your child passes out, stops breathing or has another life-threatening symptom.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on coughs and breathing

See all 164 symptoms