Croup


Viral croup or acute laryngotracheobronchitis

  • Croup is the description given to a "barking" cough, which generally results from infection, inflammation, and swelling in the upper airways. This leads to breathing difficulties.

  • "Barking" or hoarse cough
  • Stridor (whistling/wheezing sound in the neck)
  • Restlessness
  • Fever
  • Nasal flaring with breathing
  • Blue lips and skin in severe cases
  • Breathing difficulties


  • Examination:
    1. Chest -- prolonged inspiration and expiration, wheezing, and decreased breath sounds
    2. Throat -- red epiglottis (this exam must be undertaken cautiously by a physician)
  • X-Ray may show a foreign body

  • Mild cases caused by viruses:
    1. Warm or cold humidified air
    2. Cold outside air sometimes help
  • Bacterial causes

- Needs antibiotic treatment, e.g., Augmentin

  • Foreign bodies
  • Removal by physician (usually and ear, nose & throat specialist)


  • Croup can be mild or very severe. Contact your physician early if you have any doubts about the seriousness of the case. Any respiratory distress or suspicion of foreign body aspiration needs immediate emergency medical attention.