Croup has an unmistakable sound a harsh, repetitive cough similar to the noise of a seal barking. It is a respiratory disease which afflicts infants and young children, typically aged between 3 months and 3 years. Croup is characterized by a harsh "barking" cough and sneeze, inspiratory stridor (a high-pitched sound heard on inhalation), nausea/vomiting, and fever. Hoarseness is usually present. More severe cases will have respiratory distress. Stridor will be provoked or worsened by agitation or crying. If stridor is also heard when the child is calm, critical narrowing of the airway may be imminent. Croup is most often caused by parainfluenza virus, primarily types 1 and 3, but other viral and possibly bacterial infections can also cause it.

In the Northern hemisphere, it is most common between October and March, but can occur at any time of the year. It is most common in the fall and winter but can occur year-round, with a slight predilection for males. Approximately one in ten children are admitted to hospital for a short time until the symptoms ease. Croup is characterized by a loud cough that may sound like the barking of a seal and may be accompanied by fast or difficult breathing and sometimes a grunting noise or wheezing while breathing. Croup is typically much worse at night. It often lasts 5 or 6 nights, but the first night or two are usually the most severe. The symptoms of croup are caused by inflammation, swelling and the buildup of mucus in the larynx, trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes.

Children with croup will usually also have a hoarse voice, decreased appetite and a fever, which is usually low grade, but may rise up to 104 degrees F. The treatment of croup depends on the severity of symptoms. Cool or moist air can bring relief. You might first try bringing the child into a steamy bathroom or outside into the cool night air. Acetaminophen can make the child more comfortable and lower a fever, lessening his or her breathing needs. Avoid cough medicines. Medications are used to help reduce upper airway swelling. This may include aerosolized racemic epinephrine, corticosteroids taken by mouth, such as dexamethasone and prednisone, and inhaled or injected forms of other corticosteroids.Intravenous fluids are given for dehydration.

Croup Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Oral, or injected steroids may be given in croup cases.

2. Breathing moist air and drinking fluids can speed your child's recovery.

3. Steroid medicines can be very effective at promptly relieving the symptoms of croup.

4. Medications such as epinephrine or corticosteroids may be given to reduce swelling in the upper airways.

5. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with those who have a respiratory infection.

6. Haemophilus influenzae and measles vaccines protect children from some of the most dangerous forms of croup.