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KidsCare Online

Croup

Should I Call?

	Call 911 NOW (your child may need an ambulance) IF: For any stridor, difficulty breathing, or severe coughing, see the FIRST AID advice. Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, unable to speak or cry because of difficulty breathing, continuous severe stridor). Child has passed out or has bluish lips. Croup started suddenly after a bee sting, taking a medicine or allergic food. Child is drooling, spitting or having great difficulty swallowing. (EXCEPTION: drooling due to teething)
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF your child has any ONE of the following: For any stridor, difficulty breathing, or severe coughing, see the FIRST AID advice. Your child looks or acts very sick. Child choked on a small object that could be caught in the throat. Difficulty breathing (age over 1 year old) not relieved by cleaning the nose. Difficulty breathing (age greater than 1 year old) present when not coughing. Ribs are pulling in with each breath (retractions). Stridor (harsh noise with breathing in) is present or has occurred today. Child can't bend the neck forward. Fever above 105°F (40.6° C) at any age. Age under 12 weeks with fever above 100.4°F (38.0° C) rectally. Severe chest pain. Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby KidsCare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search to find an urgent care clinic near you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (during regular daytime office hours) IF: You think your child needs to be seen. Continuous (nonstop) coughing. Age under 1 month. (EXCEPTION: Coughs a few times.) Age 1 to 3 months with a cough for more than 3 days. Earache is also present. Fever present for more than 3 days.
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: You have other questions or concerns. Croup is a recurrent problem. Croup lasts more than 14 days. Barky cough present over 14 days.
	Provide Care at Home to children for: Mild croup with no complications and you don't think your child needs to be seen.