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Barking cough in a child
A harsh, barking cough in a child, often worse at night and sometimes with a rasping noise when breathing in, which is usually due to croup but occasionally signals a more serious problem with the airway.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of barking cough in a child and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is barking cough in a child?
A barking cough in a child has a distinctive harsh, seal-like or dog-like sound and most commonly comes from croup, a viral infection that swells the voice box and upper airway, particularly in young children. It often starts like a cold and is typically worse at night, and parents may notice a high-pitched, rasping noise called stridor when the child breathes in, along with a hoarse voice.
- Get urgent help: Call 999 if a child is struggling to breathe, going blue or very pale, drooling or unable to swallow, or making a harsh noise when breathing at rest. Call 999 if the child is sucking in under the ribs or at the neck with each breath, is exhausted, floppy or unusually drowsy.
- Self-care: Most children with a barking cough from croup can be cared for at home, and keeping the child calm is the single most helpful thing, since crying and distress make the breathing noisier and harder.
About barking cough in a child
A barking cough in a child has a distinctive harsh, seal-like or dog-like sound and most commonly comes from croup, a viral infection that swells the voice box and upper airway, particularly in young children. It often starts like a cold and is typically worse at night, and parents may notice a high-pitched, rasping noise called stridor when the child breathes in, along with a hoarse voice. Croup is usually mild and settles over a few days, and keeping the child calm helps, since distress and crying make the breathing noisier. Other causes of a child's cough include asthma, which tends to cause wheeze and a cough worse at night or with exercise, whooping-cough, which causes severe coughing bouts, allergic-rhinitis, and a chest infection such as acute-bronchitis. The vital thing is to watch the child's breathing: signs of real breathing difficulty, drooling, or a harsh noise at rest are an emergency.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if barking cough in a child comes with any of these warning signs:
- Call 999 if a child is struggling to breathe, going blue or very pale, drooling or unable to swallow, or making a harsh noise when breathing at rest.
- Call 999 if the child is sucking in under the ribs or at the neck with each breath, is exhausted, floppy or unusually drowsy.
- Seek urgent help if the child cannot speak, cry or take fluids because of the breathing.
- Seek urgent help for a barking cough that came on suddenly and the child may have inhaled a small object.
- Seek urgent help if a child looks very unwell, has a high fever, or you are seriously worried.
When to see a doctor
Most barking coughs from croup settle at home over a few days, but you should seek same-day advice if a child is getting worse, the cough is severe, or you are unsure how serious it is, especially in a baby or very young child. Call 999 straight away if the child is struggling to breathe, going blue, drooling or unable to swallow, making a harsh noise at rest, drawing in under the ribs with each breath, or is exhausted, floppy or very drowsy. A sudden barking cough after the child may have inhaled something also needs urgent help. When in doubt about a child's breathing, always seek help promptly rather than waiting.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of barking cough in a child
Barking cough in a child has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
Most children with a barking cough from croup can be cared for at home, and keeping the child calm is the single most helpful thing, since crying and distress make the breathing noisier and harder. Sit them upright, comfort and reassure them, and offer plenty of fluids in small, frequent amounts. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and avoid smoke. There is no need for steamy bathrooms, which are no longer recommended. The cough is often worse at night, so be prepared for it to flare in the small hours. Throughout, watch the child's breathing closely: as long as they are breathing comfortably between coughing bouts, drinking, and reasonably content, home care is usually enough. Trust your instinct and seek help if you are worried.
Answers
Barking cough in a child: frequently asked questions
What is a barking cough a sign of in children?
A harsh, barking, seal-like cough in a child is most often due to croup, a viral infection that swells the upper airway. It is usually worse at night and often comes with a hoarse voice and noisy breathing, and it generally settles over a few days.
How can I help my child with croup at home?
Keep them calm, as distress makes the breathing noisier, sit them upright, comfort them, and offer small, frequent drinks. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and avoid smoke. Steamy bathrooms are no longer recommended.
When is a barking cough an emergency?
Call 999 if a child is struggling to breathe, going blue, drooling or unable to swallow, making a harsh noise at rest, drawing in under the ribs with each breath, or is exhausted, floppy or very drowsy. These signs mean the airway may be affected.
Why is the cough worse at night?
Croup commonly flares overnight, and the barking cough and noisy breathing often sound most alarming in the small hours. Staying calm and keeping the child upright and reassured helps, but seek urgent help if their breathing is laboured.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Croup.
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
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