Croup is usually mild, and lasts about a week. The first two or three days are the hardest part, especially at night. Your child’s cough may improve during the day, but don’t be surprised if it returns at night. As croup goes on, the cough changes to a more “normal”, looser cough.
Only mild croup should be treated at home; more severe cases need to be reported to your health provider for proper care. Kids with mild croup can have mild stridor, especially when crying, but it is not bad enough to cause difficulty breathing.
You may want to sleep near your child or even in the same room so that you can take quick action if your child’s symptoms become severe.
The breathing problems are caused by the body’s response to the infection, rather than the by infection itself. Croup usually occurs in young children as their airways are smaller and differently shaped than adults’, placing them at higher risk.