Croup: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Croup is a common childhood infection that causes a barking cough, a hoarse voice and a harsh sound when breathing in. It is usually mild and gets better within 48 hours, but a child with croup should be checked urgently by a GP or urgent care service, and a child who is struggling to breathe needs emergency help.
Overview
Croup mostly affects young children, often between 6 months and 3 years old. It usually starts like a cold, then develops into a distinctive barking cough, a hoarse voice and a rasping sound when breathing in (called stridor). Symptoms are often worse at night.
Most children get better on their own, but because croup affects the airway, it is important to get it checked, and to watch closely for signs of breathing difficulty.
What may help
- Keep your child calm and comfortable, as crying can make breathing harder
- Sit your child upright, for example on your lap
- Give plenty of fluids
- Give children's paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature if needed, following the dose on the pack
- Do not put your child in a steamy room or give them steam to breathe in
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- You think your child has croup: get an urgent appointment or advice the same day
- Your child's symptoms are getting worse
- Your child is not drinking or is showing signs of dehydration
When it could be an emergency
- Your child is struggling to breathe, or you can see the skin sucking in under the ribs
- Pale, blue or grey lips or skin
- Your child is unusually drowsy, floppy or unresponsive
- Your child is drooling or cannot swallow
- Your child is making a high-pitched noise when breathing in even when calm
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Croup" in the appCommon questions
Is croup serious?
Most cases are mild and get better within 48 hours. But croup can affect breathing, so a child with croup should be checked the same day, and difficulty breathing is an emergency.
Is croup contagious?
The viruses that cause croup spread easily through coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces.
Does steam help croup?
No. Steam is not recommended, as it does not help and can cause scalds.
Can adults get croup?
It is rare. Croup mainly affects young children because their airways are smaller.
Official sources
Related topics
Cough
How long a cough lasts and when to get it checked.
Fever in Children
Safe self-care and warning signs to watch for.
Common Cold
What's normal, self-care, and when to get checked.
Ear Infections
Earache in children and adults, and when it needs help.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.