Croup is a common viral infection that affects the upper airway in young children, causing swelling and narrowing of the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and bronchial tubes. This narrowing makes it harder to breathe and produces a distinctive "barking" cough, often compared to the sound of a seal, as well as a high-pitched, squeaky noise called stridor when the child breathes in
. The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and fever, then progresses to hoarseness and the characteristic barking cough. The swelling can cause breathing difficulties, which may worsen at night. In severe cases, children may show signs of respiratory distress, including fast breathing, retractions (skin pulling in around ribs), pale or bluish skin around the mouth, and difficulty swallowing
. Croup primarily affects children between six months and five years old and is most common in autumn and winter. It is usually caused by viruses such as parainfluenza and influenza, and rarely by bacterial infections. Most cases are mild and can be managed at home with supportive care, including keeping the child calm and comfortable, providing cool air, and giving fluids and fever reducers like paracetamol. Steroids are often used to reduce airway swelling, and in more severe cases, inhaled epinephrine may be necessary. Hospitalization is rare but required in about 1-5% of cases
. Urgent medical attention is needed if a child has stridor when calm, increasing difficulty breathing, persistent pale or blue skin, or altered behavior such as drowsiness or agitation
. In summary, croup is a viral respiratory illness in young children characterized by upper airway swelling, a barking cough, and noisy breathing due to airway narrowing, generally manageable with supportive care and sometimes requiring medical treatment
