Croup vs Whooping Cough

Respiratory illnesses in children can be frightening for parents, especially when symptoms like severe coughing or breathing difficulty appear. Two conditions that are often confused are croup and whooping cough. While both affect the airways, they are very different in causes, symptoms, and treatment. Understanding croup vs whooping cough can help caregivers seek the right medical care at the right time.

What Is Croup?

Croup is a viral respiratory infection that mainly affects infants and young children, usually between 6 months and 3 years of age. It causes swelling around the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea), leading to a distinctive cough.

Common Symptoms of Croup

Barking, seal-like cough
Hoarse voice
Stridor (high-pitched sound while breathing in)
Mild fever
Symptoms often worsen at night

Croup is most commonly caused by parainfluenza viruses and typically appears after a common cold.

Treatment for Croup

Most mild cases can be managed at home with:

Cool mist humidifiers
Keeping the child calm
Fluids

In moderate to severe cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids or nebulized epinephrine to reduce airway swelling.

What Is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for infants under 1 year.

Common Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Severe, uncontrollable coughing fits
“Whooping” sound when breathing in after coughing
Vomiting after coughing
Exhaustion
Symptoms can last weeks to months

Unlike croup, whooping cough does not always cause fever and may begin with mild cold-like symptoms.

Treatment for Whooping Cough

Treatment includes:

Antibiotics (most effective when started early)
Supportive care such as oxygen and fluids
Hospitalization in severe infant cases

Vaccination with DTaP and Tdap is the best way to prevent whooping cough.

Croup vs Whooping Cough: Key Differences

Feature	Croup	Whooping Cough
Cause	Viral	Bacterial
Age Group	Mostly toddlers	All ages
Cough Sound	Barking	Repetitive coughing with “whoop”
Contagious	Moderately	Highly contagious
Duration	Few days to a week	Several weeks
Prevention	Hygiene	Vaccination

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if a child:

Has trouble breathing
Turns bluish around lips or face
Shows signs of dehydration
Has prolonged coughing fits

Early diagnosis is crucial, especially for whooping cough, as delayed treatment can lead to serious complications.

While croup and whooping cough both involve coughing, they differ significantly in severity, cause, and treatment. Croup is usually mild and viral, whereas whooping cough is bacterial and potentially life-threatening without prompt care. Knowing the differences helps parents act quickly and protect their children’s health.