Croup is a common childhood virus causing narrowing of the upper airways, and primarily diagnosed in children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years of age. It can be scary both for parents and their children, especially hearing the noisy breathing and barking cough. Croup has similarities to asthma in that both are common inflammatory airway diseases involving the bronchus. However, most children can be treated for croup at home, and only in recurrent or more severe cases is medical intervention necessary.

You should take your child to a doctor right away if you notice the following croup symptoms:

• Noisy, high-pitched sounds both while inhaling and exhaling, even when not crying or agitated
• Breathing at a faster rate than usual
• Struggling to breathe
• Developing blueish colored skin around the nose, mouth, or fingernails
• Having a high fever over 101°F (38°C)
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing saliva
• Struggling to speak due to lack of breath

Will My Child Get Asthma After Having Croup?

Many parents of youngsters with croup worry their child will be predisposed to asthma later in life. Studies have shown that children with recurrent croup, or those between the ages of 7 and 9, have a higher instance of developing asthma than children in other age groups. One study said children with croup should be closely monitored for asthma development for at least 3 years.

If your child had croup and you are worried they may have asthma, our board-certified physicians can help treat him or her with the latest advances in medical technology. To speak to a medical professional about asthma and allergies, contact us today.

Does your child need an asthma screening? To help you and your little one breathe easier, contact the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today at (404) 994-3574 or book a same-day appointment online! Se habla español.