What to Do If Your Child Has a Barking Cough

Barking Cough: What Ontario Parents Need to Know

When you hear that distinctive barking cough coming from your child's room, your heart probably skips a beat. The good news? It's very likely croup, and while it sounds scary, most cases are mild and manageable at home.

What's going on?

Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling around your child's voice box and windpipe. That telltale barking sound happens because the swelling makes the airway narrower, so air has to squeeze through a tighter space.

It's incredibly common in kids between 6 months and 6 years old, with peak season running from October to March. The same viruses that cause regular colds can trigger croup, but some children are just more prone to that airway swelling.

Most cases are what doctors call "mild croup," meaning your child might sound terrible but is actually breathing pretty normally. The bark really is worse than the bite in most situations.

What you might notice

- Harsh, barking cough that sounds like a seal

- Hoarse or raspy voice

- Fever (usually low grade)

- Runny nose or cold symptoms

- Cough that's worse at night

- Stridor (a high pitched sound when breathing in, especially when upset or active)

What helps at home

Cool, moist air is your best friend here. Take your child into the bathroom, run a hot shower to steam it up, then sit together breathing the humid air for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also try stepping outside for a few minutes if it's a cool night.

A humidifier in their bedroom can help through the night. Keep your child calm and comfortable since crying and agitation make the breathing harder. Offer small, frequent sips of cool liquids.

For fever and discomfort, you can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the dosing on the package.

When to worry

Head to the emergency room right away if your child is struggling to breathe, making loud breathing sounds even when calm and resting, drooling excessively, or seems unable to swallow. Also go immediately if they're unusually drowsy or their skin looks blue or gray around the lips or fingernails.

Call your doctor or text Arlo if the barking cough lasts more than a week, if your child isn't drinking well, or if you're just feeling worried about how they're doing. Sometimes parents need reassurance that what they're seeing is normal croup behavior.

The takeaway

That barking cough is frightening to hear, but you're equipped to handle this. Most children feel much better within a few days.

You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!

References

- [Croup (Caring for Kids)](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/croup)

- [Croup (AboutKidsHealth)](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=7&language=english)

- [Croup - Ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/page/croup)