Patient Information Leaflet
Croup
Children’s Ward
01625 661080
Accident and Emergency
01625 661452
Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11017
Published: 01/16
t @eastcheshirenhs
t @echonhscharity
Review: 01/19
Page 1
Patient Information Leaflet
What is croup?
Croup is a childhood infection that affects the voice box (larynx) and the airway to
the lungs (trachea). The scientific name for croup is laryngotracheitis.
Croup is normally caused by a viral infection that can be caught by droplets of the
virus being in the air. In rare cases it can be caused by a bacterial infection or by an
allergic reaction.
Croup causes the airways to swell which can make it very difficult to breathe.
Occasionally, the airways may swell so much that emergency treatment is needed.
Symptoms
Croup is much more likely to occur during the winter months. The initial symptoms of
croup are very similar to having a cold. If your child has croup, they may have:
 a runny nose,
 a sore throat,
 a mild fever, and they may also
 feel run down.
After a couple of days, your child will develop a barking cough and may make a
harsh sound when they breath in, known as a stridor. This is the characteristic sign
of croup. The 'bark' is caused by the vocal chords being swollen
The symptoms of severe croup include:
 tiredness,
 a hoarse voice
 difficulty breathing that may be apparent by the tissue around the neck and
ribcage being drawn in during a breath,
 rapid breathing, and
 a blue mouth area.
Causes
Croup is often caused by a viral infection being passed on from one person to
another. It is possible for a child to get croup several times before their airway is
large enough to be unaffected by croup.
Diagnosis
A Doctor will diagnose croup based on the sound of your child's cough, and the
symptoms that are experienced around the same time as the cough, such as a
hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment
A mild case of croup can be treated at home by making sure your child has plenty of
fluids, keeping them comfortable and preventing them from crying. This will all help
towards relaxing their vocal cords and helping them to breathe easily. If your child
has a fever, you can give them paracetamol, which will help to lower their
temperature. If your child is admitted to hospital with croup, they may be given
oxygen to help them to breathe easier. Your child may also be given steroids to
reduce the swelling of their airways.
Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11017
Published: 01/16
t @eastcheshirenhs
t @echonhscharity
Review: 01/19
Page 2
Patient Information Leaflet
Prevention
There is not much that you can do to prevent croup from occurring because the
infection can be airborne and is passed on easily. However, to prevent spreading
infections, you can practice good personal hygiene. For example, you should wash
your hands regularly, and always cough and sneeze into a tissue, before discarding
it immediately.
Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11017
Published: 01/16
t @eastcheshirenhs
t @echonhscharity
Review: 01/19
Page 3
Patient Information Leaflet
For further information on the references and sources used for this leaflet, please contact
01625 661184.
Comments, compliments or complaints
We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our
care and our services. Contact us: Freephone: 0800 1613997
Phone:
01625 661449
Textphone: 01625 663723 Customer Care, Reception,
Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road,
SK10 3BL
For large print, audio, Braille version or translation, contact
Communications and Engagement on 0800 195 4194.
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(including e-cigarettes)
For advice on stopping smoking please contact our Stop Smoking
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Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11017
Published: 01/16
t @eastcheshirenhs
t @echonhscharity
Review: 01/19
Page 4