At a glance
- Croup is usually a viral swelling near the voice box. It causes a barking cough and hoarseness, often worse at night. A harsh sound when breathing in is called stridor; it differs from a wheeze when breathing out.
- Keep the child calm and comfortably upright while awake. Offer small drinks if swallowing is easy. Contact a clinician: a steroid may reduce airway swelling. Avoid hot steam because of burns; cough medicines do not treat the swelling.
- Stridor while resting, chest pulling in or difficulty drinking needs urgent assessment. Blue/gray lips, exhaustion, severe breathing difficulty, drooling with inability to swallow or reduced responsiveness are emergencies. Do not delay for a diary or home remedy.
- Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- This guide organizes warning signs; it cannot rule out illness. Follow the child’s clinician and local guidance.
What this can mean
Croup is usually a viral swelling near the voice box. It causes a barking cough and hoarseness, often worse at night. A harsh sound when breathing in is called stridor; it differs from a wheeze when breathing out.
Practical next steps
Keep the child calm and comfortably upright while awake. Offer small drinks if swallowing is easy. Contact a clinician: a steroid may reduce airway swelling. Avoid hot steam because of burns; cough medicines do not treat the swelling.
Notice, act, reassess
- Barking cough, noise at rest, breathing effort, drinking and clinician advice
- Keep the child calm and comfortably upright while awake. Offer small drinks if swallowing is easy. Contact a clinician: a steroid may reduce airway swelling. Avoid hot steam because of burns; cough medicines do not treat the swelling.
- Stridor while resting, chest pulling in or difficulty drinking needs urgent assessment. Blue/gray lips, exhaustion, severe breathing difficulty, drooling with inability to swallow or reduced responsiveness are emergencies. Do not delay for a diary or home remedy.
When to seek help
Stridor while resting, chest pulling in or difficulty drinking needs urgent assessment. Blue/gray lips, exhaustion, severe breathing difficulty, drooling with inability to swallow or reduced responsiveness are emergencies. Do not delay for a diary or home remedy.
Call local emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue/gray lips, collapse, a seizure with failure to recover, or a child who is very difficult to wake. Do not delay to complete this tool.
A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if they look well. Do not delay assessment to try medicine or complete a diary.
Prepare for the visit
Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- Barking cough, noise at rest, breathing effort, drinking and clinician advice
Common questions
What does this pattern mean?
Croup is usually a viral swelling near the voice box. It causes a barking cough and hoarseness, often worse at night. A harsh sound when breathing in is called stridor; it differs from a wheeze when breathing out.
What can families do next?
Keep the child calm and comfortably upright while awake. Offer small drinks if swallowing is easy. Contact a clinician: a steroid may reduce airway swelling. Avoid hot steam because of burns; cough medicines do not treat the swelling.
When should we seek medical help?
Stridor while resting, chest pulling in or difficulty drinking needs urgent assessment. Blue/gray lips, exhaustion, severe breathing difficulty, drooling with inability to swallow or reduced responsiveness are emergencies. Do not delay for a diary or home remedy.
What should I write down?
Barking cough, noise at rest, breathing effort, drinking and clinician advice
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.