A sharp, barking cough, usually accompanied by trouble inhaling and sometimes by a hoarse voice caused by inflamed vocal cords.
Labored breathing that seems to put strain on the neck muscles, ribs or breastbone, thereby making these areas retract noticeably with each breath.
Call Your Doctor If:
Your child has croup accompanied by a high fever (103 F or more).
Home remedies are not working and the croup symptoms seem to be worsening; hospitalization may be required.
Your child has croup and seems to be breathing faster than normal, is having extreme difficulty breathing, cannot talk, or is turning pale or blue. These are all symptoms of severe respiratory distress. Call 911 or your emergency number for immediate emergency help.
Your child has noisy, rapid breathing; a foreign object may be stuck in his throat.
Your child suddenly begins drooling or can't swallow, has a high fever but no cough, and is leaning forward but can't bend his neck and can't talk. Your child may have a dangerous bacterial infection called epiglottitis, which causes a blocked airway. Do not open the mouth to look inside; doing so can completely close the throat and shut down the child's breathing. Call 911 or your emergency number for immediate emergency help.
Medically reviewed by Steven Spark, MD, June 2005.
Sources: Academy of Pediatrics. 2003 Red Book Report on the Committee of Infectious Diseases (American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infections Diseases//Report of the Committee on Infections Diseases).
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