Parents urged to look out for potentially 'dangerous' cough in children that is highly contagious
Croup is recognised by its distinctive barking cough 🤒
- Croup is a common and highly contagious childhood infection.
- It has a distinctive barking cough.
- Although most cases are mild, for some, it can have serious complications requiring hospitalisation.
Seasonal illnesses are continuing to spread this winter, with hospitals left feeling the pressure following a surge in norovirus cases. However, other common illnesses are also on the rise, including Parainfluenza, the virus associated with croup.
A common childhood illness, croup is recognised by its distinctive barking cough. It is highly contagious, spreading easily through close contact.
Whilst parents are being advised to keep a lookout for norovirus, RSV and the flu, symptoms of croup should not be overlooked, as although cases are generally mild, it can cause serious complications requiring hospitalisation.
What is croup?
Croup is a common childhood infection that mainly affects babies and young children. It occurs when a virus, often the parainfluenza virus, affects the windpipe, the airways to the lungs and the voice box.
It is highly contagious and spreads through close contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces or by breathing in contaminated droplets from infected coughs and sneezes.
What are the symptoms of croup?
The signs of croup usually get better on their own within 48 hours. They start as cold-like symptoms, such as a temperature, runny nose and cough, with croup symptoms appearing after a few days.
Croup symptoms include:
- a distinctive barking cough that may sound like a seal
- a high-pitched, rasping sound when breathing in
- a hoarse voice
- difficulty breathing
It is no longer recommended to put a child with croup in a steamy room or have them inhale steam; there is no evidence of any benefits, and there is a real risk of scalding from the hot water.
Whilst most cases of croup are mild, it can have serious complications, including respiratory failure, which requires hospitalisation.
Can adults get croup?
Croup is not just a virus that affects children; adults can catch it, but are less likely to develop severe symptoms, including the distinctive barking cough. Instead, in adults, croup often presents as a bad cold, laryngitis, or bronchitis; it can also have serious complications that may need hospitalisation.
Seasonal illnesses are continuing to spread this winter. You can find out about the signs of croup, what treatment is available and when to see a medical professional at NHS.UK.