Some children never get croup while others seem to be plagued by it. If your child is prone to croup, you should learn how to ease his discomfort. Croup is caused by a viral infection of the upper airway and usually accompanies a cold. Your child will have a noisy, high-pitched breathing that is especially harsh when he breathes in. He'll be hoarse and have a very tight cough that sounds a bit like a seal barking.
Symptoms usually get worse at night.
Having trouble breathing can be very frightening for a child. You may be able to open the breathing passages by having your child sit in a warm, moist environment for at least 10 minutes. If the vapor mist doesn't help, take your child outside for a few minutes if the night is just a bit cool. Keep a humidifier in the room. Take your child's temperature if he feels hot.