What causes croup?

What causes the barking cough that croup babies have?

Because the whole of the upper respiratory tract is swollen, including the windpipe and voice box, there is considerable swelling in this area. This causes all the wheezing, grunting, hoarseness and of course the barking cough.

Your baby will probably have a fever, and the symptoms of a cold, which worsen as the throat area swells and the barking cough starts. The problem is that generally the symptoms worsen considerably at night, and can be quite frightening for the child and parents. If you do not have a humidifier, then it is worth taking the baby into the bathroom, closing the door, and running the shower to steam up the room. This can dramatically improve the symptoms. Letting baby breathe through a warm facecloth can also be helpful.

If your baby is really struggling to breathe you should not hesitate to call the doctor. Your doctor will understand that this really is alarming situation, and will be better able to judge the severity. Some babies get extremely sick with croup, so it is better to consult your doctor if you are unsure.

See also:
Croup – Description
Croup – Healing process
Croup – When to call the doctor