At Coppell Emergency Room, we understand how worrying it can be when your child has trouble breathing or a strange cough. Croup is a common issue, especially in young kids, and we’re here to help you learn more about it.

Understanding Croup: A Simple Overview

Croup is an infection that affects the upper part of the airway, making it narrow and hard to breathe. It often causes a cough that sounds like a bark, like a seal. This happens because of swelling around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and bronchial tubes (bronchi). 

It’s most common in children between 6 months and 3 years old because their airways are small. But older kids and even adults can get it too. Croup usually starts like a cold and gets worse at night. Most cases are mild and can be handled at home, but some need medical help.

What Causes Croup

A virus almost always causes croup. The most common one is the parainfluenza virus. Other viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, or even the common cold virus can also lead to croup.

Kids catch these viruses by breathing in droplets from someone who’s coughing or sneezing. They can also get it by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching their face.

In rare cases, bacteria or allergies can cause similar symptoms, but viruses are the main reason.

Common Symptoms of Croup

Symptoms often start with a cold, like a runny nose or fever. Then, the classic signs appear:

• A loud, barking cough
• Hoarse voice
• Noisy breathing, especially a high-pitched sound called stridor when breathing in
• Trouble breathing, which might make the chest pull in
• Fever (usually low-grade)

Croup vs Other Viruses

Here’s a simple table to show croup symptoms compared to a common cold, RSV, and whooping cough:

Symptom	Croup	Common Cold	RSV	Whooping Cough
Cough	Barking, loud	Mild, hacking	Wet, persistent, wheezing on exhale	Severe fits with “whoop” on inhale, gasping, may cause vomiting
Breathing Sound	Stridor (high-pitched on inhale)	None or wheezing	Wheezing (whistling on exhale)	“Whoop” gasp after cough fits
Voice	Hoarse	Normal or stuffy	Normal or congested	Normal, but fits may exhaust
Fever	Possible (low-grade)	Possible	Possible (mild)	Low-grade early on
Duration	3-5 days	7-10 days	1-2 weeks, can lead to bronchiolitis	Weeks to months
Other Notes	Upper airway swelling; worse at night	General cold symptoms	Lower airway; severe in infants	Bacterial; long coughing spells, apnea in babies

RSV vs. Croup: What’s the Difference?

RSV and croup are both viral respiratory illnesses, but they affect different parts of the airways. RSV primarily impacts the lower airways (like the bronchioles), causing wheezing, a wet cough, and potentially bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in infants under 6 months. 

Croup focuses on the upper airways, leading to the signature barking cough and stridor. While RSV can sometimes trigger croup symptoms by causing swelling in the larynx and trachea, RSV itself is a specific virus that may lead to more widespread lung issues. 

If your child shows signs of RSV, such as rapid breathing or severe wheezing, seek care promptly.

Whooping Cough vs. Croup: What’s the Difference?

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection, unlike croup, which is viral. It starts like a cold but progresses to intense coughing fits with a high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling, often leading to vomiting, gagging, or even apnea (pauses in breathing) in infants.

Croup’s cough is barking and resolves faster (3-5 days), while whooping cough can last weeks and requires antibiotics. It’s more dangerous for young babies and can cause complications like seizures or pneumonia.

Is Croup Contagious?

Yes, croup is contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Kids are most contagious in the first few days of symptoms, but they can spread the virus until the fever goes away or they feel better.

To stop the spread, wash hands often, cover coughs, and keep sick kids away from others. In the US, following CDC guidelines for respiratory viruses helps prevent outbreaks.

How Is Croup Diagnosed?

Doctors can often diagnose croup by listening to the cough and breathing. They might check the throat or do a quick test for viruses. In some cases, an X-ray shows the narrowed airway, called a “steeple sign.”

Treatment Options for Croup

Most croup is mild and treated at home:

• Use a cool-mist humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to ease breathing.
• Give plenty of fluids and rest.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen for fever (follow age-appropriate doses).

For more serious cases, doctors may give:

• Steroids to reduce swelling.
• Breathing treatments in the ER.

What Are the Complications of Croup

Complications are rare, as most cases are mild. However, in severe instances, croup can lead to bacterial tracheitis (a secondary infection), pneumonia, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), dehydration, or even respiratory failure. 

Fewer than 5% of children need hospitalization, and less than 2% require intubation. Premature babies or those with asthma or other lung conditions are at higher risk.

How Can the Spread of Croup Be Prevented

Prevent croup like you would a cold:

• Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.
• Avoid sick people.
• Keep vaccinations up to date, like flu and Hib vaccines, which can prevent some causes.
• Clean toys and surfaces often.

When to Seek Emergency Care at Coppell ER

Most croup gets better on its own, but watch for serious signs. Come to Coppell Emergency Room right away if your child:

• Has stridors even when calm.
• Struggles to breathe or has fast breathing.
• Drools or can’t swallow.
• Looks very tired or has blue lips.
• Has a high fever that won’t go down.

Our 24/7 ER in Coppell, Texas, is equipped to handle pediatric emergencies with quick care and compassionate staff.

FAQs

What age group is most affected by croup?

Croup mostly affects kids from 6 months to 3 years old, but it can happen at any age.

How long does croup last?

Symptoms usually last 3 to 5 days, but the cough might linger longer.

Can adults get croup?

Yes, though it’s rare. Adults might have milder symptoms.

Is there a vaccine for croup?

No specific vaccine, but flu and other vaccines can prevent some viruses that cause it.

How can I soothe my child’s croup at home?

Try cool air, humidifiers, and keeping them calm. Always check with a doctor first.

Is croup more common in certain seasons?

Yes, it’s more common in fall and winter when viruses spread easily.