Croup

Croup is usually a viral infection that causes swelling around the voice box in young children. A barking cough and hoarseness are typical; stridor at rest, chest retractions, blue lips, drooling or exhaustion need immediate medical assessment.

• A loud barking cough that often sounds like a seal and may start suddenly at night.
• Hoarseness and cold symptoms such as a runny nose and mild fever before the cough.
• Stay calm yourself, keep your child close and let them choose a comfortable upright sitting position.
• Offer small sips regularly if your child can drink without becoming more breathless.
• Call your GP immediately for urgent assessment if stridor can also be heard at rest; outside office hours, call HAP 9252 immediately.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.