Croup is a childhood condition that affects the windpipe (trachea) and the two airways that branch off from it to the lungs (the bronchi).
A child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and they will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in. A blocked airway can also cause a hoarse voice and breathing difficulties. See Croup - symptoms for more information.
Types of croup
There are two types of croup:
- viral croup (laryngotracheitis), which develops over several days and is caused by an infection
- spasmodic croup, which involves repeated, short-lasting episodes of croup where no infection is present
The same treatments are recommended for both viral croup and spasmodic croup.
How common is croup?
Croup is a fairly uncommon condition that tends to affect more boys than girls. For example, during 2008 and 2009 just over 8,800 children were admitted to hospital in England with croup and epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a flap of tissue at the back of the throat). Most of these cases were emergency admissions.
Croup usually affects young children aged between six months and three years, with most cases occurring in two-year-olds. However, croup can sometimes develop in older children up to 15 years of age.
It is occasionally possible for a child to experience croup more than once during childhood, with one study finding that it recurs in around 5% of cases.
Outlook
Most cases of croup are mild and get better on their own, without the need for treatment.
Around 60% of croup cases clear up within 48 hours. However, in some cases, the symptoms of croup can last for up to a week.
Urgent hospital admission is needed in more severe cases of croup where the airway is blocked and the child has life-threatening breathing difficulties.
It is very rare for a child to die from croup. In 2008, there were seven deaths in England and Wales as a result of croup.
See Croup - symptoms for more information about when to seek urgent medical advice.
