Croup

What is Croup?

Croup is a common childhood illness/viral infection. It affects your child’s airway including their voice box, windpipe and lungs and can cause swelling/narrowing of the airways. The condition is more common during the late autumn and early winter months. It usually affects children aged between 1 and 3 years of age.

Some children may have croup on 2 or more occasions throughout their childhood.

Most cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home. In some cases, however, severe breathing difficulties can develop. A steroid medicine is often given to the child to help relieve their symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include:

• A harsh, dry, barking cough often described as ‘barking like a seal or dog’.

• Noisy breathing when breathing in (known as stridor).

• Hoarseness of the voice.

• Difficulty in breathing (a sucking in of the muscles between the ribs and around the neck).

• Restlessness and being irritable.

• A high temperature.

• Difficulty swallowing in severe cases.

• Runny nose, sore throat and general aches

These symptoms can become worse at night and usually last for 1 to 3 days and then slowly improve. A mild, dry cough could last for a further week.

What should I do if my child gets croup?

You should:

• Try to stay calm and reassure your child. Children with croup may become distressed and crying may make their symptoms worsen.

• Try to keep your child in an upright position to allow them to breathe more easily.

• Give your child paracetamol if they feel hot or have a sore throat. You should always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with your medication. This can help to lower their temperature and ease their discomfort.

• Encourage your child to eat and drink. Cool drinks little and often help to soothe their throat.

• Stay with your child and check them regularly, as you need to know if their symptoms are getting worse.

If your child is having difficulty breathing, swallowing or is drooling, you must contact your local Emergency Department immediately.

What will happen if my child is admitted to hospital?

If your child is admitted to hospital:

• Oxygen will be given through a mask, placed over their face, if needed.

• A steroid medicine (dexamethasone or prednisolone) may also be given to help reduce any swelling in your child’s airways.

• Adrenaline may be given through a nebuliser (a machine that creates a mist of medicine, which is then breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece). This is rare.

• They may need to stay overnight for observation.

Most children fully recover, however, the cough may last up to 5 to 7 days especially when tired and upset.

Is croup contagious or infectious?

As with coughs, colds, flu and other similar viral illnesses there is a chance the infection can be passed on.

Contact numbers

Children’s Ward

Telephone: 01642 382815

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Children’s and Young Person’s Emergency Department

Telephone: 01642 624533

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones

or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]