For Parents

Is Your Child Sick?

Select from over 100 symptoms to read more about managing your child's illness.

Powered by Pediatric Web

callout-forparents-blog-3
Our Blog

Find out what's new at Intown Peds!

Croup

We are currently seeing cases of croup, a viral respiratory illness that most often is caused by the parainfluenza virus. The cough and breathing that are associated with croup make it distinctly different from other viral colds or respiratory illnesses. This is because the parainfluenza virus infects and irritates the voice box, the vocal cords, and the windpipe. The cough is worse at night, and it has a distinct bark that sounds much like a seal's bark. Associated with the barky cough, your child may have difficulty when inhaling air, making a labored and whistling sound when breathing in -- called stridor. Humidified air and fluids often are the most helpful treatments.Please call the office to have your child evaluated by the doctor if he/she has symptoms of croup.

See also: Cough | Croup | It doesn't sound like croup, see Cough | Tight purring sound when breathing out, see Wheezing (Other Than Asthma)