02/07/2026
Croup is a common viral illness in the winter months. It is common in young children between the ages of 3months to 5yrs of age. Children affected with croup have the classic "bark cough" that is dry sounding and deep cough. If your child was diagnosed with croup, there are several things you can do to help at home:
π Keep your child calm as much as possible
π May use fever reducers for any temperature over 100.4F
π Lots of liquids to keep your child hydrated
π Exposure to cold air or the use of a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom may be helpful
When to seek medical care:
π Babies younger than 6 months with a barky cough
π Poor oral intake
π Worsening wheezing especially if your child has underlying asthma
π Excessively drooling
π Coughing so severe that your child wakes up several times at night
π Fast breathing/unable to speak in sentences because of fast breathing
π Bluish lips/fingernails
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Croup-Treatment.aspx
Croup is a common illness in young children. It can be scary for parents as well as children. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about croup, including types, causes, symptoms, and treatments.Β