Symptoms of Croup
Symptoms of croup are distinctive and often begin suddenly, usually at night. The hallmark feature of croup is a barking cough, which sounds similar to a seal or dog. This is accompanied by other upper airway symptoms caused by inflammation and narrowing of the larynx and trachea.
Early Symptoms
Croup typically starts with:
Cold-like symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, mild fever
Hoarseness: Caused by inflammation of the vocal cords
Mild cough: Progresses to the classic barking sound within 24–48 hours
Key Signs of Croup
Barking cough: Loud, dry, and raspy
Stridor: A high-pitched, whistling sound when breathing in, especially during crying or exertion
Hoarse voice
Laboured breathing: Use of chest and neck muscles to breathe, known as retractions
Restlessness or irritability: Due to breathing difficulty
These symptoms are typically worse at night and may improve during the day, only to return the next evening.
Severity Levels | Symptoms of Croup
Croup is often categorised as:
Mild: Occasional barking cough, no stridor at rest, normal breathing between episodes
Moderate: Frequent barking cough, stridor at rest, some chest retractions
Severe: Continuous stridor, significant retractions, poor oxygen intake, or signs of lethargy
Red Flags
Parents should seek urgent medical attention if the child experiences:
Difficulty breathing
Bluish lips or skin
Drooling or difficulty swallowing
Extreme fatigue or listlessness
Rapid breathing or pulling in of the skin between ribs
In summary, symptoms of croup range from a distinctive barking cough to potentially severe breathing difficulties. Recognising the early signs and knowing when to seek medical care can ensure safe and effective treatment.
