Croup

If your little one has an especially persistent cough that worsens at night, they might have a viral illness called Croup. Actually, it’s pretty common for children to get mild croup, but it must not be overlooked, because it can quickly become severe. 

That’s because croup narrows the upper airways, making it harder for little ones to breathe. Namely, Croup affects the windpipe, voicebox, and airways to the lungs. Children between 6 months old and six years are most likely to get croup. However, toddlers are the most common age group. If your child gets croup more than once, see your GP.

Symptoms of mild Croup include:

• a cough that sounds like a seal barking
• noticeably more coughing at night time
• other symptoms of viral illness, including a temperature; cold-like symptoms or sore throat

Signs the croup may be getting more severe.

• Breathing gets noisier and becomes a Stridor in more severe cases. This will occur even when your toddler or baby appears to be calm or at rest.
• Your child might appear to be struggling to breathe
• Blue or greyness on the face or around fingernails is a sign your child needs urgent care

If you can hear a severe croup cough or Stridor, bring your child to urgent care immediately. Occasionally, a bacterial infection can affect the windpipe and requires professional care.