Croup

When to worry and where to get help

Red - If your child:

Has gaps in their breathing of more than 10 seconds

  • Or makes a strange grunting sound each time they breathe out
  • Or they have blue lips

Makes a loud noise every time they breathe in, even when they are not upset.

Finds it hard to talk, eat or drink because they cannot breathe properly.

Is pale with patchy coloured skin that feels cold when you touch it.

Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above. (If they’ve had their routine injections in the last 2 days - then give paracetamol or ibuprofen (for babies) but if the temperature does not come down within 30 minutes get help).

Is crying and won’t stop

  • Is confused 
  • Very difficult to wake up

Gets a rash that does not go away when you press on it. Press the bottom of a glass on the rash to see if it disappears.

You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital A&E Department or phone 999.

Amber - If your child:

Has difficulty breathing, including breathing fast; pulling in their muscles below their ribs, between their ribs or at their neck when they breathe.

  • Has sunken eyes
  • Is sleepy
  • Has not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours if over 3 months old or 8 hours if they are under 3 months old

Is becoming overly sleepy or upset and you are unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or cuddling – especially if they stay this way when their temperature is coming down.

Is shivering a lot or tells you their muscles hurt.

Is 3 to 6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above. (If they’ve had their routine injections in the last 2 days - then give paracetamol or ibuprofen but if the temperature does not come down within 30 minutes get help)

or

is 3 months of age or older and has a fever of 38°C / 100.4° or above for more than 5 days.

Is getting worse or if you are worried.

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111. If symptoms continue for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, check your child has not developed anything in red list above.

Green - If your child:

Has none of these

They probably don’t need urgent or immediate help. You can find more information about what to look out for and where to seek help if your child is poorly via the Healthier Together app – download it today by going to the App Store or Google play.

Self care

Keep caring for your child at home. If you are still worried about your child, contact your Health Visitor or call NHS 111 – dial 111.

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