Croup: Managing a croup attack
What is an episode of croup?
Croup is a disease that causes swelling and narrowing in a child's voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and breathing (bronchial) tubes leading to the lungs. A child infected with croup may at first seem to have a common upper respiratory
infection (URI), such as a cold. The first symptoms of URI, such as runny nose and congestion, usually last about 1 or 2 days. Croup symptoms, such as a barking cough, usually follow and last an additional 2 to 5 days.
An episode, or attack, of croup often occurs at night, with symptoms improving during the day. Because the coughing can occur suddenly and sound severe, the attacks can frighten both you and your child. However, the condition usually is less serious than it appears or sounds. Usually, the symptoms gradually become less severe each night.
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: June 21, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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