If you’re a parent or have had younger siblings, you’re certainly familiar with the signs and symptoms of croup. When kids get croup, the frightening-sounding cough and difficulty breathing they experience shouldn’t be taken lightly, but croup as a whole is more bark than bite.

What about adults? Can they get croup? Continue reading for some helpful answers from our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team.

What Is Croup?

Croup is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the larynx and trachea. It causes these organs to enlarge and inflame, resulting in a harsh “barking” cough and difficulty breathing.

It is most common in young children ages 3 months to 5 years, and it occurs more frequently in the fall and winter months. The most prevalent croup symptoms are listed below.

Common symptoms of Croup

• A barking cough
• High-pitched or noisy breathing (stridor)
• Hoarseness or loss of voice
• Low-grade fever
• Runny or stuffy nose

Will Adults Get Croup?

Typically, no. Croup can be spread to anyone because it is caused by a virus (typically the parainfluenza viruses), but if the virus is spread to an adult, it does not express itself in the same way as it does in children.

The reason for this is that adult airways are more developed than a child’s, thus the swelling and inflammation caused by croup will be less severe. If an adult develops croup-like symptoms, they are usually minor, such as a light cough or sore throat. If your child develops croup, it’s usually treatable at home, and we’ve included some suggestions on how to do so below.

Ways to Treat Croup at Home

• Hold your child in a comfortable upright position. Sitting upright may make breathing easier.
• Make sure your child is staying hydrated. Water can work to flush out all types of infections, including croup.
• Encourage rest. Sleep can help your child fight the infection.
• Try a fever reducer. If your child has a fever, OTC medications like acetaminophen can help.
• Skip the cold medications. OTC cold medicines aren’t recommended for children of any age, and they can be harmful in children less than 2 years of age. Plus, they won’t help croup.

Do you have any additional concerns regarding croup? If that’s the case, our AFC Urgent Care Clemson staff can help! Please don’t hesitate to contact us.