Croup cough is an infectious illness of the respiratory system that commonly affects babies over 6 months of age and young children during the winter months when the weather is colder. It can be life threatening as it can lead to breathing difficulties in those infected. If the child is not properly treated and monitored it can lead to death.

Before Croup can become this serious, there are early warning signs parents should look for when determining if their child has croup. Early warning signs include but are not limited to hoarseness, sore throat, hacking cough, gagging or vomiting, and fever. The earliest signs of croup cough infection takes place two to three days after being infected. Hoarseness, or a rough quality to the voice, is one of the first signs to lookout for when determining if a child has croup. Even in babies as young as six months, that do not speak, you should be able to distinguish a hoarseness in their babbles and gurgles. If the hoarseness is accompanied by a sore throat this is the first sign that an appointment should be made with the doctor.

Another early warning sign of Croup cough is the dry hacking cough. The cough is sometimes described as a barking seal, the way it sounds. At night the cough becomes progressively worse and can lead to gagging or vomiting. It is the “barking seal” cough that parents distinctly recognize from other childhood illnesses. The major part of the illness can last for three days with a wet cough following for up to two weeks. Although croup can be frightening for children and parents alike, it can be easily treated. With the proper medical guidance and treatment.

Treatment can include nasal drops to open blocked and narrowed passage ways. Cough suppressants and decongestions can also aide in relieving symptoms while the child is being treated. Before giving any over the counter medicine to your child it is recommended that you seek professional medical advice, see a doctor. A doctor can give you the proper diagnoses and recommend steps that will ensure your child’s health and well being.