Croup Cough in Kids: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & When to Worry 

Introduction

Hearing your baby or child wake up in the middle of the night with a loud, barking cough can be frightening. This can often be a sign of croup cough, which is an inflammation of the windpipe. This blog will cover interesting facts, causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis, treatment, home remedies, and prevention of croup cough¹.

What Is Croup?

Croup is an upper airway infection that is characterised by hoarseness and coughing that sounds like a seal barking. It is usually caused by viruses such as parainfluenza and RSV but can also be caused by bacteria. It is common in children under the age of 6. Most children with croup exhibit mild symptoms and can be treated at home, but in a few severe cases, hospitalisation is required^1,2.

What Causes Croup?

Croup is caused by viruses such as^1,2:

• Parainfluenza  
• RSV 
• Measles  
• Adenovirus 
• Influenza 
• Rhinovirus 
• SARS-CoV-2 

Croup can also be caused by a bacterium, usually Staphylococcus aureus. In this case, it is called bacterial tracheitis.  

Croup Symptoms

Croup symptoms include^2,3

• Cough that sounds like a seal barking 
• Cold 
• Fever 
• Hoarse voice 
• Difficulty in breathing 
• Stridor (A harsh and crowing noise made while breathing in) 

Types of Croup

The common types of croup that may occur in babies and kids include²:

• Spasmodic croup: This type mostly occurs abruptly at night for a short duration. It may recur in the same night and continue for 2-3 days. It is sometimes called allergic croup because it is associated with a positive family history of allergies. 
• Viral croup: This type of croup is most often caused by the parainfluenza virus, usually type 1 and 2. In this case, the symptoms are continuous, unlike spasmodic croup. 
• Recurrent or atypical croup: In this, frequent episodes of symptoms that resemble croup appear more than twice a year.  
• Bacterial tracheitis: This is most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It usually occurs after a viral upper respiratory infection⁴.

Diagnosis of Croup

Croup is diagnosed with the following examinations and laboratory tests¹:

• Chest examination: The doctor will examine your child’s chest to check for wheezing, reduced breath sounds, and difficulty breathing. 
• Throat examination: A throat examination may show a red epiglottis, which likely indicates croup. 
• Neck x-ray: This may reveal narrowing of the trachea, which may be indicative of croup. 

Croup Treatment

The options for croup treatment in babies and children include²:

• Steroids: The steroid dexamethasone may be given orally to children with croup. It is safe, effective, and can be easily administered.  
• Epinephrine: This is shown to improve symptoms within minutes when given via nebuliser. 
• Intubation: In rare cases, when a child is hospitalised for croup, endotracheal intubation may be required. 
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are administered to children when primary or secondary bacterial infection is suspected. 

Home Remedies for Croup

Home remedies that may help soothe the symptoms of croup include³:

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to help keep them hydrated. 
• Warm fluids may help soothe the throat and make your child feel more comfortable. 
• Make sure your child’s head is elevated when lying down for ease of breathing. You can use pillows in children older than 12 months. Do not use pillows in babies younger than 12 months. 
• Sit with your child in a steamy bathroom for 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure that you do not leave your child alone. 
• You may try using a humidifier in your child’s room as dry air may worsen the cough. 
• Take your child outside at night to breathe in the cool night air. Make sure to cover up your child.  
• If your child is over 12 months of age, a spoonful of honey may help to soothe the cough.  
• Avoid smoking at home as it can worsen the cough. 
• Stay next to your child at night in case the cough worsens.  
• Stay calm and comfort your child. Try to avoid anxiety in the child. 
• Keep your child as calm as possible to avoid worsening of cough.  
• Acetaminophen can be administered to the child for comfort and to reduce fever^1,3,5,6,7.

How to Prevent Croup?

You may be able to avoid croup cough in your child by ensuring that they^1,2: 

• Wash their hands regularly, especially before a meal. 
• Are not in close contact with people who have respiratory infections. 
• Are immunised with the diphtheria, influenza and measles vaccine on time. 
• Get appropriate care and treatment of croup to prevent a recurrence. 

Also Read: Home Remedies for Cold in Infants and Babies

When to Consult a Doctor?

It is important to consult a doctor if your child has croup and is not responding to any home remedies. If your child has trouble breathing, a high-pitched sound with every breath, extreme drowsiness, decreased consciousness, and bluish coloured lips and face, you should contact your doctor immediately³.

Conclusion

Although croup cases are usually mild and improve with care at home, some children may require hospitalisation. If your child develops breathing problems, extreme fatigue, and trouble swallowing, ensure that you go to the doctor as soon as possible. Recognising and diagnosing croup early, timely treatment, and appropriate care can help prevent complications. It is important to ensure hygiene and timely vaccinations for your child to avoid viral and bacterial infections in general. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Reference

1. Croup: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Accessed July 3, 2026. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000959.htm 

2. Kadam S, Daley S, Carr B. Croup. StatPearls. Published online June 2, 2025. Accessed July 3, 2026. Available from: https://app-statpearls-legacy-prod.azurewebsites.net/point-of-care/20142 

3. Croup – discharge: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Accessed July 3, 2026. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000994.htm 

4. Tracheitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Accessed July 3, 2026. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000988.htm 

5. Content – Health Encyclopedia – URochester Medicine. Accessed July 16, 2026. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p02942 

6. Treating Your Child’s “Barking Cough” at Home | University of Utah Health. January 2, 2023. Accessed July 16, 2026. Available from: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/kids-zone/all/2026/04/treating-your-childs-barking-cough-home 

7. The-PEARL-No.-33_-Croup. Accessed July 20, 2026. Available from: https://flemsc.emergency.med.jax.ufl.edu/wordpress/files/2024/02/The-PEARL-No.-33_-Croup.pdf 

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