Croup is caused by a virus and antibiotics will not help. The best tool for treatment is a cool mist humidifier placed by the bedside. The closer the humidifier is to the bed the better. We do not recommend warm mist because it can tip over and cause a burn to occur. Cough medicines and other cold remedies do not make the virus go away, but may help the symptoms.
Mild croup can progress to more severe forms and can threaten breathing.
Several children each year need to be in the hospital for more intensive observation and breathing treatments to open up the airway. There are also a list of other illnesses that may act like croup, but can be much more severe, and therefore consulting a physician is important. High fever may cause the doctor to look for other problems. You can expect 5-7 days of cold symptoms with an evening cough. The illness is contagious to other children in the same age group and takes about a week for symptoms to show up.