Viruses aren't the only cause of croup. A deep cough that sounds like a bark is the calling card of croup. This cough is so distinctive that a doctor can usually diagnose croup just by listening to your baby over the phone. The cough often strikes during or after a bout with a traditional cold. For some babies, breathing can become difficult.
Most parents think of croup as a nighttime illness.
Your baby may seem fine in the morning, but as the day and evening wear on symptoms get progressively worse. Doctors aren't sure why croup is most often a problem at night. Many children with croup also have a low fever , but some have temperatures as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Add your comments to the bottom of this page. When the croup virus strikes, it swells the throat, including the voice box.