Differences Between RSV, Croup, and Whooping Cough in Kids
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Michael Mulick, D.O. Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiologist
Knowing the symptoms of illnesses, as well as treatments and prevention, is key to keeping your children healthy.
Respiratory Illnesses in Children
If you have kids or are around children on a regular basis, you are very aware of a single truth: at any moment, illness can strike. Children are very susceptible to illnesses, especially at young ages, as their immune systems are not mature yet.
Even though some of these illnesses can be prevented with vaccines or other health measures, they are still a problem for children. For example, outbreaks of pertussis, or whooping cough, can resurface, making it even more important for parents to keep their children healthy and from contracting this potentially deadly illness.
Knowing the symptoms of illnesses, as well as treatments and prevention, is key to keeping your children healthy.
There are many respiratory illnesses and disorders out there that affect children, but this article will focus on three.
Below is a list of three common (and serious) childhood respiratory illnesses, their symptoms, their treatments, and their prevention.
These three common respiratory disorders in children are:
- RSV
- Croup
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
What you need to know about RSV, croup, and whooping cough
ATCrossland CC BY 2.0
Fevers in Children
When the body raises its temperature above normal levels, above 98.6°F on average, it results in a fever. A fever is sometimes a sign that the body is fighting off something; it is not an illness itself. It can also result from basic changes in body temperature during the day, from working out, sleeping, playing, etc.
- For infants only a few weeks old, though, a fever can be a serious matter, especially if it is above 100°F rectally. If your baby has a fever at that age, call the doctor right away.
- For older babies and children, it’s recommended that you call the doctor if the fever is 102°F or higher. Your doctor will determine what to do based on your child’s behavior and activity level.
- For fevers lower than 102°F, it’s often recommended to give plenty of fluids and let the fever pass or to give plenty of fluids and acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Croup vs. Pertussis vs. RSV
| Croup | Pertussis | RSV | |
|---|---|---|---|
Causes | Infection of the upper airway caused by a virus, normally parainfluenza, but it also be caused by RSV | Respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella Pertussis. Often acquired from family members who have a milder form of the illness | Viral infection of the respiratory tract |
Symptoms | Characterized by a low, barking cough remeniscent of a seal bark | Characterized by rapid, high-pitched coughing and a whooping sound while inhaling | Characterized by wheezing, rapid breathing, and a severe cough. Fever may also be present. |
Treatments | Cool-mist vaporizer, Tylenol, steroids, and fluids, though hospitalization and breathing tube intubation may be needed in severe cases | Tylenol, fluids, and antibiotics, hospitalization and oxygen therapy may be required in serious cases | Tylenol, fluids, anti-viral medication, a bulb syringe to suction mucous, and a cool-mist vaporizer, though hospitilzation may be required if the child is having difficulty breathin |
Duration | Lasts 3-5 days but can last up to 2 weeks | Lasts weeks, sometimes up to a few months, potentially over 2 months if the child is young and has not been immunized | Lasts around 3-7 days, but some children may develop chronic lung disease |
RSV symptoms and treatments
RSV Symptoms and Treatments
RSV or respiratory syncytial virus is an infection of the lungs. It is very common in children ages 0-2 but can affect older children as well.
Symptoms
RSV begins like the common cold, with a runny nose and a mild fever. For infants with underdeveloped lungs or young children who don’t fight off infections well, these cold symptoms turn to rapid breathing, bouts of coughing, irritability that is more than a cranky episode, and possible wheezing when coughing or trying to breathe. It’s best to call your doctor if these symptoms persist without seeming to get better.
Note: If your child seems to be in distress, immediately call the doctor, especially if breathing increases to around 50–60 breaths per minute. If untreated and your child gets worse, the RSV could turn to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, a swelling of the smallest air passages of the lungs.
Treatments
Just like with a normal cold, it is recommended that you use a cool-mist humidifier, provide lots of fluids to the sick child, keep the child as comfortable as possible, and give acetaminophen (like Tylenol) as directed.
If your child experiences severe symptoms, they may need to be hospitalized and given oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids. Do not hesitate to take your child to the hospital if they are having difficulty breathing!
Prevention
Keep your children healthy by teaching them to wash their hands each time they cough in their hands or blow their little noses (parents should do the same!). It is also recommended to use a cool-mist humidifier during the winter months as it helps to keep the nasal passages moist and makes for easier breathing during the dry winter months. Just be sure to clean it properly as harmful bacteria and mold can grow within the unit.
Why RSV Can Be Dangerous for Infants
Croup symptoms and treatments
Croup Symptoms and Treatments
Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, is a scary illness for a parent to witness (see my story). It most often occurs in both the springtime and fall as it can be triggered by allergies. It can be caused by a virus or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract, meaning it could be caused by an illness like RSV or other illnesses.
Symptoms
As a viral infection, croup causes inflammation of vocal cords and surrounding tissue. There may or may not be a fever, depending on what illness has brought on the croup.
Sudden attacks most likely happen in the middle of the night, giving your child a barking cough (think: seal bark), a hard time breathing, and a very hoarse voice, which are disturbing for parents to deal with in the middle of the night.
Note: If your child experiences the above symptoms plus is blue from the lack of proper breathing, take him/her to the nearest emergency room immediately. It means that he/she is not getting enough oxygen from breathing and that there may be possible swelling in the throat from the illness.
Treatment
Just like for RSV, it is recommended to use a cool-mist humidifier, but it is also helpful to run a hot shower and let your child breathe in the steam. Try to keep your child comfortable, which may include giving acetaminophen as directed for pain from coughing.
Fluids should be encouraged to keep the throat moist. Again, it is not recommended that you give any sort of cough or cold medicine to any child under the age of six.
If the croup is severe, it might be recommended by your doctor that your child receive breathing treatments from the hospital. The breathing treatment is usually a simple mist that is emitted from a mask worn by the child.
Steroids are sometimes prescribed, depending on how severe the throat is swollen due to the illness. X-rays are usually done to determine the severity of the swollen throat and to detect any traces of possible pneumonia.
Prevention
The prevention of this illness would be the same for RSV. Wash hands, clean all surfaces that are regularly touched to clean away any viruses, and try to use a cool-mist humidifier on a regular basis. Also, if you are aware your child is sick, keep him/her away from other children or adults until he/she is feeling better.
At-Home Treatments for Croup
My Son and His First Episode of the Croup Cough
The fall after my son turned one, he developed a cold, just like any other cold: a runny nose, coughing, and a slight fever. He was still running around, playing like he would any day. It wasn't until the nighttime that his cough changed.
He awoke in the middle of the night with a persistent, loud barking cough. It was so scary since I had never experienced it before and the doctor wasn't available. Yet, the next morning, after taking some Tylenol, he was okay, playing and running around.
My husband and I went to work, and my son went to my mom's house, all of us thinking he was well. While at my mom's, he started showing signs of distress when he was breathing. She took him to the doctor (before this episode, we had given our doctor a signed note saying my mom could take him when we couldn't be there), who sent him immediately to the hospital for a breathing treatment.
I had to rush home from work to sit with my son in a hospital bed as he wore a little mask on his face. He looked so sad. It broke my heart to see such my tiny little child so sad. Along with the mask, he had an oxygen monitor on his finger, checking the content of oxygen in his blood.
He had to get x-rays and wait until his oxygen level was steady at 100%. After a few hours of the breathing treatment and determining that his oxygen level was okay, he was placed on antibiotics and sent home.
Croup vs. Whooping Cough: What's the Difference?
While there are some similarities between the two, Pertussis and Croup are different illnesses. Croup results in a seal-like barking sound as the larynx have become swollen and inflamed. While the symptoms of Croup can be severe (as was the case with my son), they do tend to go away in 4–5 days.
Whooping cough, on the other hand, tends to last for weeks, with some cases lasting months. The bacterial infection that causes the cough is nasty as it causes the child to repeatedly and aggressively cough until they run out of air. The child then has to inhale quickly and sharply, resulting in a whooping sound. The cough is highly contagious, and it is estimated that pertussis affects over 48 million people annually.
Pertussis symptoms and treatments
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Symptoms and Treatments
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious bacterial infection that is once again on the rise. It affects the lungs, bronchial tubes, and larynx. It is known for the "whooping" sound a child makes as they are inhaling after coughing fits.
Symptoms
The illness starts out as a regular cold, with a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, and a fever, but after about two weeks, it progresses to forceful coughing along with the whooping sound in between coughing fits. The coughing is usually a dry cough (without mucus).
There may also be a fever, loss of appetite, and irritability. The cough can cause extreme complications in the child, such as vomiting, fainting, rib fractures, and brain injuries. This is due to the violent coughing fits caused by the bacteria, and it is highly contagious. Additionally, other serious complications can develop from severe cases of pertussis, such as pneumonia, seizures, and death.
Treatment
At home, the best you can do is provide plenty of fluids, encourage your child to rest, and give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed. Keep the child away from any babies or infants—babies or infants who contract the infection can develop a secondary infection or pneumonia, which can be deadly for a baby.
Once you believe your child has this illness, call your doctor right away. They will most likely provide antibiotics to treat the illness. If your child is experiencing severe symptoms, hospitalization and oxygen therapy may be required.
Prevention
Prevention of this illness is again like the prevention of the other illnesses mentioned in this article: proper washing of hands and proper cleaning of surfaces touched by those infected.
Pertussis Vaccine
The real prevention for this illness should be easy; it comes in the form of a vaccine that is typically given to children at a young age. The vaccine is the DTaP: it's a vaccine that is given as a series starting when children are two months old.
There are two reasons whooping cough is on the rise: some parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children for various personal reasons, and doctors are discovering that adults that have had the vaccine as children are no longer as protected by their childhood vaccination as much.
In fact, many hospitals and doctors are offering the vaccine to new parents after they have had a baby to protect the baby before they can get the vaccine. Why? Whooping cough can be deadly to infants and young babies. It is also recommended that any family members or caregivers who will be around the baby should get an updated vaccine.
What Does Whooping Cough Sound Like?
Know the Symptoms, Know How to Treat, Learn How to Prevent: Keep Your Kids Healthy!
Just by being aware of the symptoms of these common childhood illnesses, how to treat them and prevention of them, you may be able to keep your children healthy during the fall and winter months.
Remember: Sometimes you may not be sure about some of the symptoms or how to treat them. If you are unsure, don't try to diagnose your child on your own. Call your doctor and ask.
He or she will be able to determine, based on the symptoms you tell them, whether or not it is necessary to treat your child medically. Also, remember to follow all directions when dispensing any type of medication, whether it be over the counter or prescribed.
Sources
Curtis, Glade B., and Judith Schuler. Your Baby's First Year Week by Week. Da Capo Lifelong; Cambridge, 2010.
WebMD:
Whooping Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
RSV in Babies: What to Know
What Is Croup? What Causes It?
Dr. Frank Bures:
Identifying coughs: Croup vs. whoop
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Questions & Answers
Question: My thirteen-year-old grandson had Pertussis in mid-December. He is still coughing every 20 to 30 seconds, and it's been four months already. He has missed four months of school, and shows no signs of improvement. We are at a loss of what to do for him. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer: Four months is an awfully long time to still be suffering from the effects of whooping cough. I highly suggest you speak with his doctor to see what might be going on.
Question: My daughter has a cough but no fever. She acts normal in the morning but at night she gets the cough. What can it be?
Answer: For kids, coughs in the evening can often seem worse. It's mostly because if they are laying down, everything settles in their chest or drips down from there sinus cavities and makes them cough. It should subside in a few days, but if it seems like it is getting worse or she is struggling to breathe, I highly suggest speaking with your doctor.
Question: Is there a connection between whooping cough and the coronavirus as I had whooping cough when I was a child and the symptoms were similar to the coronavirus ?
Answer: Whopping cough, or pertussis, is caused by a bacteria. COVID 19, or coronavirus, is caused by a virus. While they may have similar symptoms, I don't believe there is a connection.
Question: Should a three-year-old with Croup be allowed out in snow? He has been taking a steroid for three days now, but no fever.
Answer: Fresh air is usually good for kids with croup. I don't see how a little bit of time would hurt, but you might want to consult with the child's doctor first.
© 2012 Marissa
Comments
Marissa (author) from United States on April 05, 2020:
Sandie, whooping cough is caused by bacteria. Coronavirus is a virus. while they may have similar symptoms, I do not believe there is any connection. Please note that I am not a medical professional, but based on some basic research, I don't believe that there is any connection.
SANDIE ROBERTSON on March 29, 2020:
when I was a child I was diagnosed with Whooping Cough and I was confined to bed for three weeks and I remember my I was absolutely exhausted with no energy whatsoever. With the symptoms I had with having Whooping Cough and comparing the symptoms of the Coronavirus is it possible that there is a connection between the childhood desease Whooping Cough and the Coronavirus as in both cases the symptoms are very similar,
Marissa (author) from United States on January 24, 2012:
missolive, I really appreciate your comment, especially "All of us need to be more aware of our little ones and not dismiss any symptoms." How important that is! Dismissing symptoms in young children, particularly toddlers and babies, can lead to more serious complications. We don't want that for our kids!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting! :)
Marisa Hammond Olivares from Texas on January 24, 2012:
ThePracticalMommy - Another outstanding and informative hub Marissa. I am always confident you have done your research. This information will be helpful to many moms, caretakers and teachers. All of us need to be more aware of our little ones and not dismiss any symptoms. Thank you for creating this hub and sharing your knowledge.
voted up, useful and interesting
Marissa (author) from United States on January 24, 2012:
Alissaroberts, I hope you never have to deal with any of these illnesses in the future, but if you do it is a good idea to know the symptoms and treatments. I wish I knew about croup before my son had it! It would have been reassuring to know what to do for him. Thanks so much for reading, commenting and tweeting!
Alissa Roberts from Normandy, TN on January 23, 2012:
Very useful info for parents of little ones! So thankful my boys have never had any of these but am happy to learn the symptoms if we ever have to deal with it in the future. Great hub - voted up, useful, and tweeting!
Marissa (author) from United States on January 19, 2012:
Eddy, thanks so much for reading and for your comment! :)
Eiddwen from Wales on January 18, 2012:
A great hub which so many Mums will find helpful.
Thank you for sharing .
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Marissa (author) from United States on January 16, 2012:
Simone Smith, I'm glad you liked the advice! Thanks for stopping by to read. :)
Allana Calhoun, I agree with you on both points: vaccines are important and we as parents need to be very cautious about medicating our children. We want them to be healthy, not to make matters worse for them! Thanks for reading and commenting. :)
Allana Calhoun from Chicago, Illinois on January 16, 2012:
Excellent info!
I am still confused as to why so many parents are jumping on the bandwagon of not vaccinating their children. The evidence that vaccines causes autism is not hardcore proof. And there are so many other factors in the environment today that could play a part in the cause so I don't think they can narrow it down to just vaccines as of yet.
Over-medication has been a problem of focus off and on in the media. I for one, do not believe in the combination cold & cough medicines unless my child is actually suffering from all conditions covered on the label. I usually stock each individual type of meds (decongestant, cough, etc.) and then only give them what they need for the symptom they are experiencing.
Simone Haruko Smith from San Francisco on January 16, 2012:
Great, great advice! Until last week, I hadn't even known about these sicknesses. Even though I rarely work with kids, it's good to know what commonly ails them and what one should do when these illnesses sneak up!
Marissa (author) from United States on January 16, 2012:
leahlefler, that is a scary story! I couldn't imagine seeing my child unresponsive. These viruses certainly can be nasty, especially for babies. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your story!
Leah Lefler from Western New York on January 15, 2012:
This is a great hub. My older son had RSV when he was 15 months old and it was so frightening. His daycare called and I picked him up - he only had a slight fever at the time. I took him to the pediatrician, and by the time we were in the exam room he was having difficulty breathing and was unresponsive. The scariest moment of my life! Some of these viruses can be so nasty!
Marissa (author) from United States on January 15, 2012:
Sunshine625, thanks so much! I try to be as updated as possible with childhood illnesses as the health of my kids is very, very important to me. :) I appreciate that you're going to share it! Thanks again for reading!
Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on January 15, 2012:
Outstanding informative hub Marissa! I'm going to share this article with my daughter and stepdaughter so they know what signs to look for with my grandbabies! Thank you for creating this hub of awesomeness! Wishing all kids good health:)
