Is croup contagious? If yes, then it gives rise to other questions such as, 'How long is croup contagious?' or 'When is it most contagious?', etc. Get all these questions answered in this article, which will give you a quick insight on this disease... The swelling of the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea) results in croup which is marked by a harsh and repetitive cough. This infectious illness of the respiratory system is caused by the parainfluenza virus and various other respiratory viruses. Children are more susceptible to croup, as they have small airways to begin with. The cough which occurs in croup sounds similar to the barking of a seal and that's why, it sometimes may turn out to be scary or a source of great concern for both children and parents. However, croup is not a serious disorder, as it seems to be and can be easily treated with simple home remedies. Coming to the question, 'Is croup contagious?', here's the answer in the following paragraphs.

Is Croup Contagious in Children?
Croup is highly contagious and it easily spreads through a medium of infectious droplets of saliva sneezed or coughed by the affected child. It can also be spread through doors, furnitures, toys, clothes and other objects which might get contaminated with the mucus or sputum of the affected child. A healthy child who comes in contact with such objects, can easily develop the symptoms of croup. So, the disease is contagious, and this goes the same for someone who may want to know, 'Is croup contagious in adults?'. However, this disease has been known to affect children younger than 5 years of age the most and very rarely, adults.

Coming to the questions, 'When is croup contagious?' and 'How long is croup contagious?', the illness is most contagious during the first days of its symptoms such as fever and illness and its contagiousness will remain as long as the affected child continues coughing or/and until the fever subsides.

Croup Symptoms
Symptoms to watch for include, noisy and high-pitched sounds while inhaling (stridor), difficulty in swallowing, increased irritability or agitation, breathing problems and development of fever (approx. 39.7 癈). In some cases, the affected child can be noticed to have developed bluish or gray color on his nose, mouth or fingernails.

Croup Treatment
Breathing moist air and drinking lots of fluids and fluids such as water, breast milk, apple juice, gatorade, lemonade, or tea, can initiate a faster recuperation. Gently place a warm, moist cloth on the mouth and nose of the child, to let him breath the warm steam. Keeping a vaporizer near the child's bed would also help in relieving the symptoms. Hold your child in an upright position, as this would make breathing easier. You can also help your child to breath in warm steam, so that, it relaxes the vocal cords and improves the stridor (a whistling sound when breathing). This can be done by filling the bathroom with steam, with the help of a shower. Thereafter, just make your child sit on the seat or anywhere preferable and let him breath in the steam. Following these remedies is effective enough for a speedy recovery, needless of any medicines. However, if the symptoms are not showing any favorable signs of retreating, then it would be advisable to take your child to a doctor. A night-stay at the hospital may also be required, in case, the illness is getting severe.

Know more on croup symptoms and remedies.

Making your child feel your presence is also a vital part of the treatment. Do not let the child sleep alone; be with him and help him sleep by singing lullabies or reading stories. Speak to your child in a soothing voice and offer him a toy to be kept besides him, when he sleeps and other things which can make your child feel better and keep him calm.

After going through this piece, you must have gotten your answers to the question, 'Is Croup Contagious?' and others regarding croup's contagious characteristic. Apart from this, I thought that it would also equally be beneficial to be aware of its symptoms and what could be done for its treatment and so I presented the same, as additional information for your reference. So, keep an eye on such symptoms and take care of yourself and your baby!

Rajib Singha
Published: 12/10/2009