A cough in your infant which makes a sound similar to that of a barking seal is known as the croup. This harsh cough can be scary for both you and your infant. According to KidsHealth, coughs are one of the most common symptoms of childhood illness. Coughs may sound awful, but are usually not a sign of a serious condition.
Barking Cough
A barking cough is the result of swelling in the upper part of the airways, such as the larynx and trachea. This swelling is known as croup. As your infant coughs, air is forced through the narrowed passage, making the vocal cords vibrate and resulting in a barking sound. A barking cough from the croup may develop suddenly and in the middle of the night. Your infant may also have a noisy, harsh breathing sound when he breathes in. According to KidsHealth, children younger than 3 years old have the highest risk for croup because their windpipes are so narrow.
Cause
Croup is most commonly the result of the parainfluenza virus, but it may also be due to a change in temperature at night or allergies. Your child may contract the virus from close contact with other infected children, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching her eyes, nose or mouth. According to MayoClinic.com, the croup is rarely caused by a bacterial infection.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of the croup is a harsh, loud, barking cough at night. Breathing may be labored or noisy and a fever and hoarse cry are also common. Croup will often run its course within three to seven days.
Treatment
Treatment for your infant's barking cough as a result of croup includes breathing moist air and drinking plenty of liquids, such as water, breast milk or formula. If your infant's symptoms do not improve, your doctor may prescribe medication to open up the airways.
Considerations
It is important to wash your hands and your child's hands often to prevent colds and flu. You should also keep your infant away from other sick children as much as possible. Contact your doctor immediately if your infant begins drooling or is having difficulty swallowing, is extremely irritable, struggles to breathe, makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds when inhaling or develops blue or grayish skin around the mouth, nose or fingernails.
