CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Croup - Background information
What is it?
- Croup (laryngotracheitis) is a common childhood disease that is usually caused by a virus. It is characterized by the sudden onset of a seal-like barking cough that is usually accompanied by stridor (predominantly inspiratory), hoarse voice, and respiratory distress due to upper airways obstruction. Symptoms are usually worse at night. There may be a fever up to 40°C.
- There is often a preceding 1–4-day history of a non-specific cough, rhinorrhoea, and fever.
[Fitzgerald, 2006; Alberta Medical Association, 2008; Bjornson and Johnson, 2008]
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement