As a parent, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of respiratory illnesses that are common in children, including croup and whooping cough.
Understanding the key differences between these two conditions and the symptoms they can cause will help you to know how to bring your child comfort and when to see your pediatrician.
Symptoms of Croup
Croup (or laryngotracheobronchitis) is a common childhood respiratory condition caused by swelling and inflammation of the upper airway, including the windpipe (trachea) and voice box (larynx). It’s most prevalent in children between the ages of six months and five years but can affect older children, too.
Symptoms of croup generally include:
- Barking cough: A cough that sounds similar to a barking dog or seal and is often worse at night or when crying. It’s sometimes accompanied by a hoarse or raspy voice.
- Stridor: A high-pitched wheezing sound that occurs when breathing, caused by narrowing of the airways.
- Fever: Some children with croup develop a mild fever.
In the first three days of your child having croup, the virus is very contagious.
Croup typically causes mild symptoms that can be managed effectively at home. The infection often goes away within seven days, with the most severe symptoms occurring on day three or four. Taking a child with croup into a steamy bathroom can help improve the cough. If your child experiences breathing difficulties due to croup, see your pediatrician right away. If the breathing symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1 so that your child can get immediate care.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough (or pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It can affect people of all ages but is most common in infants and young children who have not been fully vaccinated.
The telltale sign of whooping cough is intense coughing episodes that can last for several weeks or even months.
Symptoms of whooping cough can include:
- Cold-like symptoms initially: Runny nose, mild fever and mild cough can occur for the first one or two weeks.
- Severe coughing spells once the infection progresses: Coughing is often followed by a characteristic“whoop” sound as the child gasps for air.
- Vomiting: Forceful coughing can sometimes cause vomiting, especially in infants and young children.
- Fatigue: Extreme fatigue and exhaustion can be caused by the intensity of the coughing episodes.
Distinguishing Between Croup and Whooping Cough
While both croup and whooping cough can cause severe coughing in children, there are some key differences between the two conditions:
- Sound of the cough: The cough associated with croup is often described as a barking cough, while whooping cough typically causes long bouts of coughing, a “whoop” sound and gasps for air.
- Timing of symptoms: Croup symptoms tend to worsen at night and sometimes improve during the day. Whooping cough symptoms often persist throughout the day and night.
When to See Your Pediatrician
It’s best to seek medical attention from your pediatrician if your child is experiencing symptoms of croup or whooping cough. There are specific instances when urgent care or emergency services are recommended:
- Difficulty breathing: Trouble breathing, stridor (high-pitched wheezing or crowing sound when breathing), or chest retractions (visible skin sinking between or around the ribs when breathing).
- Coughing spells that last a long time: Difficulty catching their breath after a coughing episode, especially if vomiting also occurs.
- High fever: A high fever (over 100.4°F) in combination with severe coughing, which can indicate a more severe infection.
- Skin that appears more blue than usual: This may indicate decreased oxygen in the bloodstream.
- Persistent symptoms: Symptoms that worsen over time despite trying home remedies for a cough or over-the-counter treatments.
Over-the-counter cough medicines are not recommended for young children. Consult your pediatrician before giving your children any medication if you suspect they have croup or whooping cough.
At Stony Brook Medicine, our pediatricians are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for children of all ages, including evaluation and management of respiratory illnesses like croup and whooping cough. If you have any concerns about your child’s health, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.
