What to do when your child has croup

Croup is a common respiratory illness caused by a viral infection.

 

Croup can cause swelling of the upper airways, including the windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx) and vocal cords. This swelling can lead to a hoarse voice, barky cough and sometimes difficulty breathing. Infections are common in babies and children up to 2 years of age because their airways are smaller, but older children can also get group. Croup is especially common in the fall and winter months, but children can get infected  any time throughout the year.

 

This is a short, animated video about what to do when your child has croup. This video was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

 

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The information contained in the video/multimedia content (the “Multimedia”) is provided on an “as is” basis and is offered for general information and educational purposes only; it is not offered as and does not constitute professional advice. There is no guarantee about the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the information found in the Multimedia. This information is provided without warranty of any kind, and the University of Alberta, its agents, employees, and students disclaim responsibility to any party for any loss or damage of any kind that may arise directly or indirectly as a result of the use of or reliance on the information contained in the Multimedia.

These resources may not be modified, reproduced or distributed without prior written consent of ECHO Research. Contact shannon.scott@ualberta.ca.

Physical treatments can include physiotherapy, prescribed exercise plans, strengthening exercises, massage, and more. 

Psychological treatments can include counselling or talk therapy, supportive therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, mediation, and more. They can be provided on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting.