Croup in Children in Grand Rapids, MI

Croup is a common childhood illness seen frequently in Grand Rapids, especially during our cold, damp fall and winter months. It affects the upper airway (the larynx and trachea) and causes swelling that leads to a distinctive barking cough and noisy breathing.

Most children who develop croup are under 5 years old, though some children between 5 and 8 years may occasionally get croup as well.

What Causes Croup?

Croup is usually caused by viruses that are very similar to those that cause the common cold. These viruses:

  • Often start with typical cold symptoms (runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever)
  • Become contagious at the first signs of illness
  • Remain infectious for up to 5 days

Only about 1 in 10 children who catch these viruses will go on to develop croup.

Because Grand Rapids has long, cold winters and fluctuating temperatures in the fall and spring, respiratory viruses tend to spread more easily, especially in daycares, schools, and indoor play spaces.

Why Croup Affects Breathing

Children’s airways are naturally narrower than adults’. When an infection causes swelling of the lining of the airway, it becomes even narrower, making it harder for the child to breathe. This is especially noticeable:

  • At night, when the air is cooler and drier
  • During cold Grand Rapids winters, when outdoor air is cold and indoor air is dry from heating

This swelling leads to:

  • A harsh, barking cough (often described as a “seal-like” cough)
  • Noisy breathing, particularly when breathing in

Common Symptoms of Croup

Croup often begins like a common cold. Then, typically at night, a child may suddenly:

  • Wake with a barking, harsh cough
  • Have noisy breathing (called inspiratory stridor – a high-pitched sound when breathing in)
  • Have a hoarse voice
  • Have difficulty breathing, which can range from mild to more serious
  • Appear frightened or anxious due to trouble breathing

These episodes may:

  • Last a couple of hours
  • Improve enough for the child to go back to sleep
  • Reappear for the next night or two

Most cases of croup are mild, but symptoms can occasionally become serious.

When Croup Is an Emergency

The symptoms of croup can look similar to those of other, more serious conditions, such as epiglottitis (inflammation of the flap of tissue at the back of the throat). Epiglottitis is rare but life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids (such as Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Spectrum Health, or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) immediately if your child:

  • Has difficulty breathing that is not quickly improving with comforting
  • Shows “caving in” of the soft tissues of the neck or between the ribs when breathing in
  • Is breathing much faster than usual or is struggling to breathe
  • Makes a continuous noise while breathing, even when resting (stridor at rest)
  • Has severe coughing fits and cannot catch their breath
  • Has trouble swallowing or is drooling
  • Has a persistent high fever
  • Appears very unwell, pale, sweaty, or extremely restless
  • Develops a bluish tinge to the lips or face (a sign of low oxygen)

In rare cases, a severe croup attack can cause a child to stop breathing. This is a medical emergency.

Mild Croup: When It’s Usually Safe to Treat at Home

You may be able to manage mild croup at home if:

  • Your child has a barking cough but no breathing difficulty when calm
  • There is no noisy breathing at rest (only possibly when crying)
  • Your child is drinking fluids and is generally alert

Home Care Tips for Mild Croup

To help your child at home in Grand Rapids:

  • Comfort and calm your child

    • Sit with them, hold them, and speak softly
    • Fear and crying can make breathing more difficult, so staying calm helps

  • Offer frequent small drinks

    • Water, breast milk, or formula as appropriate for age
    • Avoid forcing fluids if your child is having trouble swallowing

  • Use fever and pain relief if needed

    • You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen as directed by your healthcare provider and based on your child’s weight
    • Do not give any medication if you suspect epiglottitis (severe drooling, cannot swallow, sitting leaning forward) – seek emergency care instead

  • Avoid smoke exposure

    • Keep your child away from cigarette or vape smoke, which can irritate the airway

Humidifiers and Steam

Some parents in West Michigan like to use vaporizers or humidifiers, especially in dry winter months. However:

  • Current medical evidence does not clearly show that humidified air helps croup
  • Steam vaporizers can cause burns if a child gets too close

If you choose to use a vaporizer or humidifier:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
  • Keep hot steam devices well out of reach
  • Make sure the room is well ventilated and the device is cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth

Mild croup often improves within a couple of hours, and many children go back to sleep and feel better the next day.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Even if your child seems to have mild croup, you should contact your pediatrician or family doctor in Grand Rapids if:

  • Symptoms are not improving over a few hours
  • Your child seems to be getting more distressed or unwell
  • You’re unsure whether your child is breathing safely
  • Episodes keep happening over several nights

You can seek care from:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • Local health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health
  • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for specialized pediatric emergency and inpatient care

In an emergency, always call 911.

Medical Treatment for Croup

If your child is seen by a doctor or in a Grand Rapids emergency department, treatment may include:

Steroids

  • Given by mouth or sometimes inhaled
  • Help reduce swelling in the airway
  • Shorten the duration of croup symptoms
  • Reduce the likelihood of needing hospital admission

These medications are generally safe when used as a short course for croup and are standard treatment in hospitals and clinics across West Michigan.

Nebulized Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

For more severe croup:

  • A medication called epinephrine (adrenalin) may be given in the hospital
  • It is delivered through a nebulizer, a device that turns the medicine into a mist that your child breathes into the lungs
  • It works quickly to reduce swelling in the windpipe and improve breathing
  • It is usually used while waiting for steroids to take full effect
  • After treatment, your child will be observed in the hospital for several hours to make sure symptoms don’t return

Antibiotics

  • Not helpful for typical croup because it is caused by viruses, not bacteria
  • Your doctor will only prescribe antibiotics if there is evidence of a bacterial infection

Preventing Croup in Grand Rapids

It is not usually possible to completely prevent croup because:

  • Many different viruses can cause it
  • There is no vaccine for most of the viruses that lead to croup

However, you can reduce your child’s risk:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Especially important during West Michigan’s long cold and flu season:

  • Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water
  • Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, toys, phones)

2. Get the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Some cases of croup are caused by the influenza virus (influenza-induced croup). The annual flu shot:

  • Is recommended for all children 6 months and older
  • Can help prevent flu-related croup
  • Is especially important for children with chronic health conditions, such as:
    • Asthma
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Heart disease
    • Immune system problems

Flu vaccines are widely available across Grand Rapids at:

  • Pediatric and family medicine offices
  • Pharmacies
  • Community clinics
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health vaccination programs

Local Grand Rapids Resources for Croup and Pediatric Care

If you are worried about your child’s breathing or croup symptoms, you can seek help from:

  • Emergency (life-threatening symptoms)

    • Call 911 immediately
    • Nearest emergency department (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and major Grand Rapids hospital systems)

  • Local Healthcare Providers

    • Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor
    • Urgent care centers affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health

  • Public Health Resources

    • Kent County Health Department – information on vaccinations, respiratory illness trends, and community health programs
    • Grand Rapids Public Health – local guidance on seasonal illnesses, including flu and respiratory viruses

Always seek urgent medical care if you are unsure about your child’s breathing or if symptoms are worsening.

Key Points About Croup in Grand Rapids Children

  • Croup is a viral infection of the upper airway that causes swelling, a barking cough, and noisy breathing.
  • It is most common in children under 5, but older children can sometimes be affected.
  • Cold, dry air and the long winter season in Grand Rapids can make symptoms more noticeable and contribute to more frequent respiratory infections.
  • Mild croup can often be managed at home with comfort, fluids, and fever control, as long as your child is breathing comfortably when calm.
  • Seek immediate medical help if your child has difficulty breathing, noisy breathing at rest, blue lips, trouble swallowing, or appears very unwell.
  • Steroids are commonly used to treat croup and help reduce airway swelling; nebulized epinephrine may be used in severe cases in the hospital.
  • Antibiotics do not treat croup, since it is usually caused by viruses.
  • You can lower risk by practicing good hand hygiene and ensuring your child receives the annual influenza vaccine.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about your child’s cough or breathing, contact your healthcare provider or visit a local emergency department right away.