The winter season is here, and with the holidays in full swing, you might be planning a family outing to Local Goat to avoid extra work at home. But while you’re out shopping for gifts, your child suddenly starts coughing—at first, it’s just a slight cough, but before long, it begins to sound like a barking seal. It’s a scary moment, and you’re wondering if it’s something more than just a cold.

At AFC Ooltewah, we can help you recognize the signs of a “barking cough” and give you the right advice for treatment.

Think your child might have croup? Visit AFC Ooltewah for care.

What is Croup?

A “barking cough” is a classic sign of croup, a viral infection that causes inflammation in the upper airway. This swelling affects the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchi (bronchial tubes), which can restrict airflow and produce the seal-like barking sound. It’s also common to hear a high-pitched whistling sound called “stridor” when the child breathes in.

Croup often begins as a typical cold, but as inflammation increases, the symptoms can quickly worsen, resulting in the barking cough. It can also be triggered by other viral infections, such as RSV or influenza.

Approximately 200,000 cases of croup are reported each year, mostly affecting children aged 6 months to 3 years. It is very uncommon in children older than 6 or in adults.

Common Symptoms

As we’ve mentioned, the “barking cough” is a hallmark symptom of croup in younger children, but there are several other signs to look out for.

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fever
• Hoarse Voice
• Noisy or labored breathing (often worse at night)
• Barking cough (made worse by crying and coughing)
• Rash
• Eye redness (conjunctivitis).
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Croup usually begins with cold-like symptoms, which develop into the more distinct croup symptoms within 12 to 48 hours. The illness typically clears up within 3 to 5 days. If your child’s condition lasts longer or worsens, AFC Ooltewah is here to provide the pediatric care they need.

How to Avoid Croup

Kids can easily catch croup from another child’s coughs, sneezes, or by touching contaminated items. Like treating colds and the flu, there are several ways to help your little one avoid croup:

• Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Clean frequently touched surfaces
• Avoid sick children

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if your child:

• Develops a blue or gray tint around the nose, in or around the mouth, or on the fingernails
• Struggling to breathe
• Makes high-pitched breathing sounds when not crying or upset
• Begins drooling or has problems swallowing
• Seems anxious, upset and restless or extra tired and has no energy
• Breathes at a faster rate than usual

Ways to Help Your Child

There are some things you can do to ease your child’s discomfort as they fight off the virus:

• Let your child breathe cool air at night by opening a door or window
• Treat your child’s fever with an over-the-counter medication.
• Give your child warm, clear fluids to help loosen the mucus on their vocal cords
• Keep your child’s head elevated with an extra pillow (don’t use pillows with infants younger than 12 months old)
• Use a humidifier
• Make sure your child stays hydrated and well-rested

For the safety of others, be aware that your child is contagious for three days after their symptoms first appear or until their fever is gone.

If you are concerned about your child’s cough, visit AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah for quick and effective pediatric care.