Croup is usually a condition experienced by very young children and is characterized by a barking, croaking cough, difficulty breathing, and a bluish face. Especially if this is the child's first attack, call the doctor immediately, and call if breathing is labored or the |lips| or fingers are blue. Often, doctors will reccommend having the child breath moist ~air~ in a steamy bathroom. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions, as the symptoms may be misleading and might reflect a different condition which needs different treatment.
