Can Adults Get Croup? Yes, but It’s Rare

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Croup - or laryngotracheitis - is a respiratory tract infection that's caused by several common cold viruses. Infants and young children are more likely to develop croup. But adults can get it too. When adults get croup, they can become very sick

Here's what you need to know about adult croup symptoms and your options for treatment.

What is adult croup?

Croup is an upper respiratory tract infection that develops when viruses infect your larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). "Adult croup" just refers to croup that affects adults.

Several viruses can cause croup, including:

• Parainfluenza

• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

• Flu (influenza)

• COVID-19

• Rhinovirus

These viruses pass from person to person through respiratory droplets. When someone sick with these viruses talks, coughs, or sneezes, they release the virus into the air. You can get sick from breathing in these droplets.

Adult croup isn't really any different from childhood croup. It's caused by the same viruses and leads to similar symptoms. But adult croup is rare because adults have large, sturdier windpipes that don't often become swollen when infected with a virus.

How serious is croup in adults?

Adult croup tends to be very serious because it's an unusual response to a viral illness.

Everyone reacts to respiratory viruses differently. Some people don't develop any symptoms. And most develop typical mild to moderate symptoms. But some people get really sick and develop serious symptoms.

Adults who develop croup belong to this last category. They become very sick because their windpipe becomes very swollen. Studies show that most adults who develop croup need care in an intensive care unit (ICU). They also need support to help them breathe.

What are the symptoms of croup in adults?

Studies show that adults with croup almost always start with common cold symptoms, including:

• Runny nose

• Congestion

• Postnasal drip

• Sore throat

• Low-grade fever

• Fatigue

But over the next 1 to 2 days, the virus spreads from the nose and throat to the voice box and windpipe. Then, adults develop croup symptoms, like:

• A deep, hoarse, barking cough

• Voice changes or voice loss

• Noisy breathing (stridor)

• Trouble breathing

• Shortness of breath

Croup symptoms usually get worse before they get better. If you develop croup symptoms or have any trouble breathing, see a healthcare professional right away. Your symptoms are likely to get worse. And you may need treatment in a hospital to help you breathe.

How do you treat adult croup?

There's no cure for croup. But treatments can help ease symptoms and make it easier to breathe. Most adults with croup need treatment in a hospital. Here's an overview of what treatment may include.

Supplemental oxygen

Many people need extra (supplemental) oxygen when they're sick with croup. That's because they have trouble getting enough air through their swollen windpipe. And getting extra oxygen makes it easier to breathe.

Some experts recommend humidified oxygen to treat croup. But there isn't strong evidence to show it's more helpful.

You can receive supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube or mask. If you have a lot of trouble breathing, you may need to receive oxygen through a machine that also helps support your breathing, like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or ventilator.

Inhaled epinephrine

Inhaled epinephrine temporarily relieves airway swelling. This lets oxygen reach your lungs. People who get inhaled epinephrine treatments can breathe easier. But the effects wear off quickly. You may need several treatments while you're sick.

Steroids

Steroids relieve the swelling in your windpipe, but they take several hours to take effect. You may receive steroids through an IV (intravenous) line, an injection, or by mouth. Depending on how much swelling you have in your windpipe, you may need several doses of steroids.

Once the steroids start to work, the swelling in your airway will decrease. Your symptoms will also start to go away. Steroids that can help treat croup include:

• Dexamethasone

• Prednisone

• Prednisolone

• Methylprednisolone

If you have other medical conditions, your healthcare team may adjust your regular medication while you're sick. This includes adjusting your daily inhaler medications if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

Home remedies during your recovery

There are some remedies that you can try at home to help with your recovery. Here are some things that can help lessen lingering discomfort:

• Try a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which may help relieve lingering symptoms like a sore throat.

• Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water as you recover so you stay well-hydrated.

• Get plenty of rest. Being sick can make it hard to sleep, but your body needs rest to recover. Consider sleeping in a more upright position to make it easier to breathe.

How can adults avoid getting sick from a child with croup?

The best way to avoid getting sick with croup is to stay away from people who are sick.

While croup itself isn't contagious, the viruses that cause it are very contagious. To avoid getting croup, stay away from adults and children with any kind of respiratory or cold symptoms.

If someone in your home is sick, you probably can't avoid them completely. But to lower your chances of getting sick, you can take the following steps:

• Wear a mask and stay at least 3 feet away from your sick household member.

• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth.

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Encourage your household members to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

• Don't share cups and utensils.

Frequently asked questions

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