An ambulance has shared a video of a child suffering from severe croup so parents know the warning signs.
Croup is a respiratory tract infection that is common in infants and children, but rarely becomes serious and requires an emergency call.
Tiny heart formationrun by lifeguard Nikki and her sister Rach shared a video of a baby with croup to help other parents.
They wrote: “Croup is when the vocal apparatus and windpipe swell, which narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult.
“Croup often appears at night, after the child has cold and flu symptoms. [such as runny nose and cough]with the second or third night usually being the worst.
“It usually affects toddlers between the ages of six months and five years, but it can also affect older children.
“Young children with croup can get worse quickly, so it’s always important to keep a close eye on them.
“Croup is caused by a viral infection, meaning you can’t get croup, but you can get the virus that causes croup.”
The symptoms of croup are a barking cough that resembles the sound of a seal, labored breathing, wheezing, and a hoarse voice.
The US National Health Service says croup usually clears up on its own within 48 hours, during which time moms and dads “should stay calm, give the baby plenty of fluids, and sit up straight.”
It is also best to comfort the child so that he does not get upset and cry, which can aggravate the symptoms.
A general practitioner may also give medication to help.
But you should see a GP or call NHS 111 if your child is not better in 48 hours, if you are concerned or your child is getting worse.
There are situations when you need to call an ambulance.
You should call 999 if your child is clearly and audibly trying to breathe. It may seem that they are pulling the stomach inward.
This can be seen in the video shared by Tiny Hearts - the baby makes unusual sounds when he breathes.
A sharp, painful noise when the child breathes is known as stridor.
The caption says that the baby can also suck on the collarbone area, on the chest area, or on the bottom of the throat.
They may have drooling or swelling of the nose when they try to inhale.
Other immediate warning signs include if your child is unusually quiet and motionless, develops a sudden high fever, or has blue lips.
The NHS is warning parents not to give their child cough or cold medicine, or use the traditional cold remedy, steam inhalation.
Unfortunately, having a croup once does not make your child immune.
It is provoked by various pathogens, including the common cold, so it is difficult to prevent it.
Difficulty breathing may occur only once with croup, or it may occur two or three nights in a row.
The cough may last up to two weeks.