Croup is a viral infection of the vocal cords, voice box and windpipe. It makes the breathing passages in the throat and windpipe swell and get narrower.
Without treatment, croup usually gets worse in the first 3 days before it stabilizes. It usually lasts for 5 to 7 days and generally is worse at night.
Bring your child to a doctor if:
- Your child has difficulty breathing, rapid breathing or noisy breathing.
- Your child is unable to drink or feed.
- Your child is drooling.