Croup in Children: What Parents Should Do When It Happens at Night
There is a harsh, “barking” cough, a strange whistling sound when they inhale, and a frightened face looking at you. For parents, it can be terrifying.
“The most common cause is a pseudocroup, caused by swelling of the upper airways due to a harmless viral infection,” explains Prof. Dr. Ute Spiekerkötter, Medical Director of the Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Medical Center –University Freiburg. „The most important thing is to stay calm, comfort your child, and help it breathe as easily as possible“.
What is pseudocroup?
Pseudocroup usually occurs when a viral infection causes swelling around the larynx and upper airways. Parainfluenza viruses are among the common causes. It most often affects children between one and six years old and can appear suddenly, especially at night. It usually resolves on its own without complications within a short period of time.
In contrast, true croup is a severe bacterial infection of the larynx that occurs as a complication of diphtheria. Today, this condition is extremely rare, largely due to widespread combination vaccination against diphtheria, which the Robert Koch Institute recommends starting in infancy.
How can you recognize pseudocroup?
Typical signs include:
- A dry, barking cough
- Hoarseness
- A high-pitched or whistling sound when breathing in
- Difficulty breathing
The symptoms can look frightening, and crying or panic may make breathing even harder.
What should parents do?
1. Keep your child upright.
Let them sit or hold them upright, as this may make breathing easier.
2. Hold your child, speak softly, and reassure them. Your calm presence can help reduce panic and crying.
3. Try cool air.
Opening a window or briefly going outside into cool air may provide relief for some children.
4. Watch their breathing.
Pay close attention to whether the breathing improves or becomes more difficult.
In most cases, pseudocroup resolves on its own without complications within 20–30 minutes. However, if the child has significant difficulty breathing, medical attention is needed.
When should you seek medical help?
Breathing problems in a child should always be taken seriously.
Get emergency medical help immediately if the child has severe difficulty breathing, becomes very drowsy, develops bluish lips or skin, or appears seriously unwell.
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