Symptoms
Croup often begins as a typical cold. If there is enough inflammation and coughing, a child will develop a loud barking cough. This often is worse at night, and is further aggravated by crying and coughing, as well as anxiety and agitation, setting up a cycle of worsening symptoms. Fever and a hoarse voice are common, too. Your child's breathing may be noisy or labored.
Because children have small airways, they are most susceptible to having more marked symptoms with croup, particularly children younger than 3 years old.
Symptoms of croup usually last for three to five days.
When to see a doctor
Approximately 5 percent of children seen in the emergency department for croup require hospitalization. You should seek immediate medical attention if your child:
- Makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds (stridor) both when inhaling and exhaling
- Begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing
- Seems anxious and agitated or fatigued and listless
- Breathes at a faster rate than usual
- Struggles to breathe
- Develops blue or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails (cyanosis)
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com