Croup is a breathing illness often caused by a virus. Antibiotics do not usually help the croup. Most children with croup do very well and can be treated at home.

The infection causes a swelling around the voice box. Croup usually gets worse for the first 3 days, and goes away by 5 or 6 days.

Signs and symptoms:

• Trouble breathing in, making a "crowing" noise
• Harsh, barking cough
• Symptoms are mostly at night
• Hoarseness
• Sucking in of the chest

What can you do?

1. Take your child into the bathroom and close the door. Turn the hot water on in the shower to steam up the room. Do not put your child in the shower. If your child is better in about 10 minutes, you and your child can leave the bathroom.
2. If you have no shower, open a window to let in cold air, or place your child's face in front of an open freezer door.
3. Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier while he or she is ill.
4. Do not leave your child alone.
5. Encourage your child to drink fluids.
6. Give your child toys to play with to help him or her relax.

Call or take your child to see the doctor if:

1. After 10 minutes of steam or cold air, your child's breathing is not better.
2. Your child cannot drink fluids or is drooling.
3. Your child's breathing becomes very fast.
4. Your child seems much worse.
5. Your child turns blue.