Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for croup. This is an infection of the trachea, the main airway we breathe through. Croup is common in children between 6 months and 3 years of age.
Your child probably has a cough that sounds like a seal barking. They might also lose their voice or have a scratchy voice, have a fever, or have noisy, high-pitched breathing (called "stridor").
Croup is caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help. The infection usually goes away on its own. Your child might start to feel better in a day or 2.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Sit in the bathroom with your child while the hot water is running in the shower, creating steam. You can also use a humidifier in the room where your child sleeps.
●Have your child breathe outdoor air, if it is cold out. You can do this by opening a window for a few minutes. Wrap the child in a blanket to keep them warm.
●If your child has a fever, you can treat it with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Never give aspirin to a child younger than 18 years old.
●Do not give your child over-the-counter cough medicines. Older children can use hard candy or a lollipop to soothe cough. Children older than 1 year can take a teaspoon (5 mL) of honey.
●Make sure your child gets enough fluids to stay hydrated. If they are older than 1 year, feed them warm, clear liquids to soothe their throat.
●Sleep in the same room as your child, so you know right away if they start having trouble breathing.
●Keep your child away from people who are smoking. Do not let anyone smoke in your home.
●Wash your hands and your child's hands often. This helps prevent spreading the infection.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your child's skin, nails, lips, or the area around their eyes are blue or gray.
•Your child cannot speak or cry, because they cannot get enough air.
•Your child has so much trouble breathing they can only say 1 or 2 words at a time.
•Your child needs to sit upright to breathe or cannot lie down.
•You cannot wake your child, or they are hard to wake up.
●Return to the ED if your child:
•Has trouble breathing when talking or sitting still
•Has stridor even when just sitting or resting
•Has little energy
•Stops drinking, or is drinking very little
•Drools and has trouble swallowing
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your baby is less than 3 months old, and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your child is more than 3 months old, and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for longer than 3 days.
●The skin and muscles between their ribs or below the child's ribcage look like they are caving in.
●The symptoms of croup last for more than 7 days.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Croup (The Basics)
Patient education: Croup in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
