Croup is a viral infection that usually affects children between the ages of three months to five years. In most cases, croup follows an upper respiratory infection. This illness is most often seen in the fall and winter during the cold season. Croup tends to reoccur during childhood, but attacks disappear as the child grows. These symptoms are caused by swelling and muscle spasm in the throat and windpipe.
Symptoms usually appear in the evening and worsen at night.
Croup may last from several days to several weeks. Parents should expect a complete recovery. In most cases, croup can be treated effectively at home. Treatment with cool mist will relieve some of the distress of croup. Cool mist is effective in reducing fever, reducing the swelling in the airway and liquefying mucus secretions in the airway for easy expectoration.