Croup
 
  A croupy cough is a tight barking (like a seal) sounding cough.  The voice or cry is hoarse usually and sometimes there is a fever and congestion.  If there is struggling to breathe or grunting the child should be evaluated immediately.  Things that can be done at home are the warm steamy shower/fogged bathroom, or inhale cold air in front of an open freezer.  Increasing fluids is also important.  For more information, see the Patient Education section of this website.