Croup Croup is a form of laryngitis and is a common ailment among young children. It is characterized by a barking cough and general hoarseness. Children with croup often awake with a loud crowing noise and this tends to grow more harsh as the condition worsens. For a child, an attack of croup can be alarming, so every effort should be made to calm the child. Attacks of croup generally last no more than a few hours, but is a good idea to consult a physician, especially if the attacks are frequent and severe.
Standard treatment involves the use of a vaporizer or exposure to steam from a hot shower.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat the onset of infection. In serious cases, hospitalization and treatment with oxygen, antibiotics and humidified air may be called for. Croup is generally associated with a shrill wheeze when breathing, a condition known as stridor. So, any child exhibiting noisy, fast or difficulty breathing, should be taken for medical attention immediately. With prompt treatment, croup can usually be cured.