Croup is a viral infection that affects infants mostly between the ages of 3 months to 3 years. It can also present in children under the age of 6. It is characterised by a distinct ‘barking cough’, which affects the voice box and windpipe. A child can start with a common cold and cough, which can develop further into croup.
Some children have croup episodes that happen suddenly at night and settle after an hour. This is known as spasmodic croup.
Spasmodic croup is more common in children with asthma or a family history of asthma and allergies.
— Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Fact Sheet,
For a discussion with a doctor at the North Dandenong Clinic, please book an appointment .
What to do if you think your child has Croup?
Listen to your child’s cough. If you hear a distinct barking noise, check for other symptoms of croup such as difficulty breathing, drowsiness, or a pale appearance.
If more than one of these is present, contact the North Dandenong Clinic and speak with the Reception staff. Book an appointment and let them know you are concerned about your child’s health.
Should symptoms worsen or your child be clearly in distress with their breathing, contact the Emergency Ambulance service on 000 immediately.
If your child has croup, it’s important to keep them comfortable and calm, provide plenty of hydration and encourage them to rest. Using a humidifier in their room at night may minimise symptoms.
Breathing Infections/Chronic Diseases
There are a number of infections that children can suffer from that result in respiratory or breathing difficulties. The following table describes some of the most common ones:
Illness | Description | Common Age Range | Mild Symptoms | Worsening Symptoms – Seek Medical Attention immediately |
Croup | A viral infection causing inflammation of the upper airway, leading to a distinctive “barking” cough and hoarse voice. It often worsens at night. | 3 months to 6 years | Mild cough, hoarse voice, low-grade fever, noisy breathing when crying | High pitched wheezing, laboured breathing, bluish lips, high fever |
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) | A highly contagious bacterial infection with severe coughing fits followed by a “whooping” sound. Vaccination reduces severity. | Under 6 months (most vulnerable), but can affect older children | Runny nose, mild fever, occasional cough | Vomiting after coughing, exhaustion, trouble breathing, rib fractures in severe cases |
Asthma | A chronic condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, often triggered by colds, allergens, or exercise. | 18 months old and up | Cough (especially at night), wheezing, mild shortness of breath | Persistent wheezing, chest tightness, severe difficulty breathing, fatigue |
Bronchiolitis | A viral infection affecting the small airways (bronchioles). It’s common in infants and can lead to hospitalisation. | Under 2 years | Runny nose, mild cough, slight wheezing | Poor feeding, rapid breathing, chest in-drawing, dehydration |
Common Cold (Viral URI) | Caused by many types of viruses, colds are usually mild but can linger and sometimes lead to secondary infections. | All ages (especially preschoolers) | Runny nose, sneezing, cough, mild fatigue | Ear infections, sinusitis, worsening cough, high fever if complications develop |
If your child is experiencing a persistent cough, and especially if it’s accompanied by other cough and cold symptom like a high fever and signs of distress, then seek medical attention immediately. Dial 000 for an ambulance.
Early assessment and appropriate management can make a big difference to your child’s comfort and recovery, especially during the colder months when these infections are more common.
The North Dandenong Team
At North Dandenong Medical Clinic, the GPs are supported by a team of Allied Health practitioners who will contribute to your child’s recovery through respiratory care, nutritional support, and asthma education if needed.
Call the Reception today on (03) 9793 5395 to book an appointment to get the advice you need.
