The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

My child has croup. Could it be COVID? What do I need to know?

  • Written by Thea van de Mortel, Professor, Nursing and Deputy Head (Learning & Teaching), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University
My child has croup. Could it be COVID? What do I need to know?

With the surge in Omicron cases, doctors are finding presentations of croup in children seeking hospital care for COVID in Australia[1] and internationally[2].

In some cases, children presenting to hospital with croup are infected only with SARS-CoV-2[3], the virus that causes COVID.

In other cases, they’re co-infected[4] with SARS-CoV-2 and another virus that typically causes croup.

What is croup and what are the symptoms?

Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) occurs when there is inflammation and swelling in the upper respiratory tract of young children (usually aged under five years[5]) in response to a viral infection.

The most common cause[6] is the parainfluenza virus. Other culprits[7] include adenoviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Read more: Move over flu, there's more than one respiratory virus around[8]

A typical sign of croup is a barking cough, which sounds like a seal or barking dog.

Croup is more common in boys[9] and typically lasts about three to five days[10].

Here’s what a typical croup cough sounds like.

Croup often presents initially as a respiratory tract infection[11], with a runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever.

As the inflammation progresses, the inflammatory chemicals that are produced cause capillaries (small blood vessels) to leak fluid, leading to swelling of air passages[12] in the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe) and the bronchi (upper airways of the lungs).

Because young children have narrower airways than older children and adults, this swelling can lead to partial airway obstruction, particularly in younger or smaller children.

Graphic of croup airways.
Swelling can block the airways . Shutterstock[13]

This may lead to inspiratory stridor[14] (a high pitched noise when breathing in) and increased work of breathing.

Their respiratory rate (number of breaths per minute) may increase[15] and they may show signs of increased respiratory effort, for example, their nostrils flaring when taking a breath, and the area at the base of the throat sucking inwards when breathing in (tracheal tug).

As it gets more difficult to breath, the child uses their tummy muscles and muscles between their ribs to help them breath[16]. They may also become anxious or distressed.

Why might croup be related to COVID?

Anything that causes inflammation and swelling in the upper airways of small children can lead to croup symptoms.

The Omicron variant, like the typical viruses that cause croup, is also a respiratory virus.

And unlike the Delta variant, Omicron causes causes most of its inflammation in the upper airways[17] rather than the lungs.

Read more: Got a child with COVID at home? Here's how to look after them[18]

Croup from illnesses other than COVID is typically more common in autumn and winter[19].

How is croup treated?

Mild croup – where your child does not have breathing difficulties and is able to eat and drink – can be managed at home[20].

Fevers and sore throats can be treated with ibuprofen (in children over three months of age) or paracetamol. Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid medication to reduce inflammation.

Make sure your child has plenty of fluids[21] as they will lose fluid through fever.

Keep your child as calm as possible[22] as crying and distress make the condition worse.

Dad takes African-Australian boy's temperature while he lays in bed.
Croup can often start with a runny nose and fever. Shutterstock[23]

If the symptoms become worse, in moderate croup, steroids[24] are used to reduce inflammation and swelling.

In more severe cases, children are given nebulised adrenaline[25], which works rapidly to reduce airway swelling.

Prevention of croup relies on preventing viral infections, so practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (coughing into your elbow).

Other measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection include vaccination of eligible family members, good ventilation at home (get a good through draft with doors and windows open where possible), and having kids play outdoors.

When to see a doctor or call an ambulance

Seek immediate medical advice if your child is having trouble eating or drinking, showing signs of respiratory distress, is sick for more than four days, or aged less than six months of age. Or if you’re concerned for another reason[26].

(For a more complete list of when to see a doctor for croup, see the government’s Healthdirect fact sheet[27]).

Call an ambulance if your child is struggling to breathe[28], becomes pale and drowsy, looks very sick, starts drooling or can’t swallow, or develops cyanosis (blue lips).

References

  1. ^ Australia (www.theage.com.au)
  2. ^ internationally (www.medpagetoday.com)
  3. ^ SARS-CoV-2 (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  4. ^ co-infected (www.ajemjournal.com)
  5. ^ usually aged under five years (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  6. ^ The most common cause (www.mayoclinic.org)
  7. ^ culprits (jamanetwork.com)
  8. ^ Move over flu, there's more than one respiratory virus around (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ more common in boys (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  10. ^ three to five days (www.mayoclinic.org)
  11. ^ as a respiratory tract infection (jamanetwork.com)
  12. ^ swelling of air passages (jamanetwork.com)
  13. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  14. ^ inspiratory stridor (vimeo.com)
  15. ^ may increase (jamanetwork.com)
  16. ^ help them breath (jamanetwork.com)
  17. ^ in the upper airways (media.nature.com)
  18. ^ Got a child with COVID at home? Here's how to look after them (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ more common in autumn and winter (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  20. ^ managed at home (jamanetwork.com)
  21. ^ plenty of fluids (jamanetwork.com)
  22. ^ calm as possible (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  23. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  24. ^ steroids (www.rch.org.au)
  25. ^ nebulised adrenaline (www.rch.org.au)
  26. ^ another reason (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  27. ^ Healthdirect fact sheet (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  28. ^ struggling to breathe (www.healthdirect.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/my-child-has-croup-could-it-be-covid-what-do-i-need-to-know-176141

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...