Croup how many days

Croup is an illness that is usually caused by a virus. The tissues of the windpipe trachea and voice box larynx become swollen. The swelling narrows the trachea, which makes it harder for air to get into the lungs. Croup occurs most often during the fall and winter seasons, but it can occur year round.

It usually affects children 3 months to 5 years of age. Croup is contagious can be spread to others. A child can get croup more than once. At first, your child may have a stuffy or runny nose and may have a low fever. Close alert. Informational Alert. Is this your child's symptom? Barky cough and hoarse voice caused by a virus Croup is a viral infection of the voicebox larynx The croupy cough is tight, low-pitched, and barky like a barking seal The voice or cry is hoarse called laryngitis Some children with severe croup get a harsh, tight sound while breathing in.

This is called stridor. Stridor: A nother Health Problem of Croup Stridor is a harsh, raspy tight sound best heard with breathing in Loud or constant stridor means severe croup.

So does stridor at rest when not crying or coughing. All stridor needs to be treated with warm mist Most children with stridor need treatment with a steroid such as Decadron For any stridor, see First Aid for treatment Causes of a Croupy Cough Viral Croup. Viruses are the most common cause of croup symptoms. Many respiratory viruses can infect the vocal cord area and cause narrowing. Even influenza the flu can do this. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

Signs and symptoms of croup Croup usually begins like a normal cold, e. Your child's cough will change to become harsh and barking, and might sound like a seal. Your child's voice may be hoarse. When your child breathes in, they may make a squeaky, high pitched noise, which is called stridor.

Care at home A mild attack of croup is when your child has the harsh, barking cough but does not have stridor when they are calm and settled, and they are not struggling to breathe.

You can usually manage mild croup at home with the following care: Keep your child calm, as breathing is often more difficult when upset — the more a child is distressed, the worse their symptoms can become.

Try sitting quietly, reading a book, or watching TV. If your child has a fever and is irritable, you may give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. See our fact sheet Pain relief for children. Croup often becomes worse at night.

Many children will be more settled if someone stays with them. You should see a doctor if: your child is under six months old and has signs and symptoms of croup your child's breastbone or the skin between their ribs sucks when they breathe in your child has stridor when at rest your child is very distressed or their symptoms are getting worse you are worried for any other reason.

Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Croup is typically diagnosed by a doctor. He or she will: Observe your child's breathing Listen to your child's chest with a stethoscope Examine your child's throat Sometimes X-rays or other tests are used to rule out other possible illnesses.

More Information X-ray. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Croup child. Rochester, Minn. Bjornson CL, et al.

Croup in children. Canadian Medical Association Journal. Johnson DW. BMJ Clinical Evidence.