Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Croup - Triage

Audience: adult

Croup is a common respiratory condition that often affects children but can also occur in adults. It causes swelling around the voice box and windpipe, leading to a distinctive barking cough, hoarseness, and sometimes noisy breathing. Most cases of croup are mild and improve with home care and rest. However, some signs suggest the condition might be more serious and require in-person medical evaluation. This guide helps you recognize red flags that mean you should seek urgent care, explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for croup, and offers advice on preparing for a telehealth visit. Remember, this information is for education only and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you care for has symptoms that worsen quickly or cause difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing (stridor) that worsens
• Blue or gray color around lips or face
• Drooling or inability to swallow saliva

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild croup symptoms
• Providing advice on symptom management
• Guidance on when to seek emergency care
• Answering questions about medications and home care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to assess airway swelling
• Emergency treatment for severe breathing difficulty
• Administering medications or oxygen
• Diagnosing other causes of breathing problems

What is Croup?

Croup is an infection that causes swelling in the upper airways, including the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It typically leads to a harsh, barking cough, hoarseness, and sometimes noisy or difficult breathing. While it mostly affects young children, adults can experience it too. Croup often results from a viral infection and usually improves within a few days with supportive care.

Common Symptoms of Croup

Symptoms you might notice include:

Symptoms often worsen at night but usually get better with rest and hydration.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

While many cases of croup are mild, certain signs mean you should get urgent medical help:

If any of these occur, go to an emergency room or call emergency services immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Croup

Telemedicine can be useful for:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or emergency interventions, so severe symptoms require in-person evaluation.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, have the following ready:

This preparation helps the healthcare provider assess your condition better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include:

Always call emergency services if severe symptoms develop suddenly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your tele-visit
• Have a list of symptoms and their start times ready
• Gather any current medications or treatments used
• Have a thermometer available to check temperature
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone
• Have a family member or caregiver nearby if possible

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully
• Monitor symptoms and watch for red flags
• Use recommended medications or home remedies as instructed
• Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen suddenly
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised

FAQs

Can adults get croup or is it only a children's illness?

While croup is most common in young children, adults can also develop croup, though it is less frequent. Adults with croup may have similar symptoms but should be evaluated carefully, especially if breathing difficulties occur.

What home care can help with croup symptoms?

Home care often includes keeping the person calm and rested, using a humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom to ease breathing, and ensuring adequate fluid intake. Avoid exposure to smoke or irritants.

When should I go to the emergency room for croup?

Seek emergency care if there is difficulty breathing, stridor (a high-pitched noise when breathing in), bluish lips or face, drooling, inability to swallow, or if the person becomes very sleepy or unresponsive.

Can telemedicine prescribe medications for croup?

Telemedicine providers can often recommend or prescribe medications for mild cases, such as steroids to reduce airway swelling. However, prescriptions depend on local regulations and the provider's assessment.

Is croup contagious?

Yes, croup is usually caused by viruses that spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help prevent spread.

Sources

1. Croup — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Croup: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Croup — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Croup — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.