Croup is usually caused by a viral infection. It can be a very frightening illness as it has alarming symptoms and usually shows up very unexpectedly in the middle of the night in a child who seemed mildly ill or well before going to bed.

Symptoms include:

• Deep, barking cough
• Appearance of difficulty breathing
• Fever (sometimes)

Treatment:

Call your health care provider, who may suggest that you take your child into the bathroom and turn on hot water in the tub so that the room fills with steam. Letting the child breathe in the steam as you hold them upright may help them breathe a bit easier. Exposure to cool night air may also help.