Croup is a viral infection that causes an inflammation of the upper airways — the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea).

What Are the Symptoms of Croup?

Croup often leads to a barking cough or hoarseness, especially if a child cries. It's most often seen in the fall, and can affect kids up to age 5.

What Causes Croup?

The same viruses that cause the common cold also cause croup. Most often seen in the fall, croup can affect kids up to age 5. Viruses that cause croup spread easily from person to person when a sick person sneezes or cough and releases virus-filled droplets into the air.

Treating Croup

Most cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home. For a fever or throat discomfort, medicine such as acetaminophen (or, only for kids older than 6 months, ibuprofen) may make a child more comfortable. Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.

Breathing in moist air can help kids feel better. You can use a cool-mist humidifier or run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 10 minutes. Breathing in the mist will sometimes stop the severe coughing. In cooler weather, taking your child outside for a few minutes to breathe in the cool air may ease symptoms.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.