Children with croup should be made as comfortable as possible. Take special care not to distress the child as
this may exacerbate symptoms. Oxygen desaturation may herald an impending complete upper airway
obstruction.
CHQ-NSS-51032 Croup - Common Emergency Presentations v2.0
Developed by the State-wide Emergency Care of Children Working Group, April 2024
Queensland Paediatric Emergency Care
Skill Sheets
Croup - Common Emergency Presentations
Croup is a condition where inflammation to the upper airway, larynx and trachea is triggered by a virus. As infants
and children have smaller and narrower airways this inflammation is problematic. In mild cases, children will
often have a hoarse voice and a characteristic barking cough. In more severe cases, it causes obstruction to the
airway, presenting in the form of an inspiratory stridor and result in increased respiratory effort. Croup usually
occurs between 6 months and 5 years of age.

Signs and Symptoms
agitation
fever
sore throat
barking cough
increased respiratory
effort
stridor
NB: This list is not exhaustive. All symptoms may not be present.
Risk factors for severe disease
age less than six months
underlying structural upper airway condition e.g. tracheomalacia, subglottic stenosis
history of previous severe croup
unplanned representation to ED within 24 hours of first croup presentation
trisomy