Symptoms

Croup often begins as a typical cold. If there's enough inflammation and coughing, a child will develop:

• Loud barking cough that's further aggravated by crying and coughing, as well as anxiety and agitation, setting up a cycle of worsening signs and symptoms
• Fever
• Hoarse voice
• Breathing that may be noisy or labored

Symptoms of croup are typically worse at night and usually last for three to five days.

When to see a doctor

If your child's symptoms are severe, worsen or last longer than three to five days or aren't responding to home treatment, contact your child's doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if your child:

• Makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds both when inhaling and exhaling
• Makes high-pitched breathing sounds when not crying or agitated
• Begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing
• Seems anxious and agitated or fatigued and listless
• Breathes at a faster rate than usual
• Struggles to breathe
• Develops blue or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails (cyanosis)