Croup Cough: The “Bark” That Sounds Worse Than It Is

Once you’ve heard a child with croup cough, it’s a sound you never forget. The deep, harsh, repetitive croup cough is often compared to the sound of a seal barking. Parents who hear croup cough in their own children are often alarmed that the cough is part of influenza symptoms, but croup cough is usually not as serious as it sounds.

The barking croup cough is caused by several different viruses that trigger a swelling around the vocal chords and windpipe. As the child coughs through this swollen area, it results in the vocal cords vibrating in a way that makes the hoarse, croup cough noise. Croup cough is usually caused by a virus and not a bacterial infection, therefore antibiotics usually do not ease the symptoms of croup cough.

Croup cough symptoms may become more severe at night. Other signs of a croup cough are noisy or labored breathing, fever, and a hoarse voice. Croup cough is most common in children 5 years old and younger, and children under the age of 3 have the most severe symptoms. Rarely, a child with croup cough will struggle to breathe or swallow, at which time the child may need emergency medical attention.

It’s best to care for croup cough in a peaceful, comforting environment. Children with croup cough should get plenty of rest and fluids to speed recovery. It is also important to keep the child as calm as possible, since any upset can make croup cough symptoms much worse. Parents should speak in a soothing voice, read quiet stories, and go out for a few minutes of fresh, cool air if possible. Breathing moist, steamy air may also help the child to feel better. Croup cough symptoms usually run their course within 3-7 days.

Croup cough viruses are contagious and tend to peak in the winter and early spring. Since croup cough comes from multiple viruses, a child can catch it more than once. Preventing croup cough is similar to preventing colds, the flu, and infectious mononucleosis. Encourage your children to wash their hands often and not share cups or utensils so that they can avoid the croup cough and other viruses.