Children’s Medical Center provides medically reviewed information about colds, viruses and other illnesses going around the Denver, Colorado metro area. Please select a topic below to review information about and recommendations on caring for these conditions.
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)