The Westley Croup Score is a clinical scoring system designed to help evaluate the severity of croup, a respiratory illness that typically affects young children. Croup is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the upper airways, particularly around the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe), which can cause a harsh, barking cough, hoarseness, stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound), and breathing difficulties.
The Westley Score helps healthcare providers assess a child's condition by assigning points based on five key clinical signs: the presence and severity of intercostal indrawing (the inward pulling of muscles between the ribs), stridor (whether it's present at rest or only with a stethoscope), cyanosis (a bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen), level of consciousness (ranging from normal to disoriented), and air flow or breath sounds. Each sign is scored individually, and the total score reflects how severe the croup is.
The resulting score typically ranges from 0 to 17 and is used to classify the illness as mild (0–2), moderate (3–7), or severe (8 or more). In rare and extreme cases, the score may indicate impending respiratory failure. This tool not only helps in determining the urgency of treatment but also in monitoring how the child is responding to interventions over time.
Although the Westley Score is primarily used by medical professionals, this online calculator makes it easier for concerned parents and caregivers to get a general sense of the severity of a child’s symptoms. However, it’s important to remember that the calculator does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This calculator is intended for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who are concerned about a child's breathing and suspect symptoms of croup. It provides a quick and simple way to evaluate the severity of croup symptoms based on observable signs such as breathing effort, sounds during breathing, skin color, and alertness.
For parents and caregivers, this tool can offer guidance on whether the symptoms appear mild and manageable at home or if they may require urgent medical attention. It can be especially helpful during the night when symptoms often worsen, and it’s not clear whether to visit a doctor or hospital.
For healthcare professionals, particularly those in emergency or pediatric settings, this calculator can serve as a fast reference to assess the child's condition and monitor progress over time.
Using the Severity of Croup Westley Score Calculator is simple and only takes a few moments. It involves answering a few questions about the child’s current symptoms by selecting the option that best matches what you observe. Each option is linked to a specific score that contributes to the total.
Follow these steps to use the calculator:
The total score reflects the severity of the child’s croup symptoms and can guide you in deciding whether to monitor the child at home or seek medical attention. A score interpretation guide is provided in the next section.
The Westley Croup Score is calculated based on five key clinical signs. Each of these signs reflects how the child is breathing and responding to the illness. Below is an explanation of each criterion and how the scoring works:
This refers to the inward movement of the muscles between the ribs when a child breathes in. It is a sign that the child is working harder to breathe.
Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound heard during breathing, often more noticeable when the child inhales.
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin, especially around the lips and face, indicating low oxygen levels in the blood.
This measures how alert and responsive the child is.
This refers to how easily air moves in and out of the lungs, which can be heard with or without a stethoscope.
Each of these criteria contributes to the total Westley Score. The higher the score, the more severe the croup symptoms are likely to be.
After selecting the appropriate responses for each symptom in the calculator, the total Westley Croup Score is automatically calculated. This number helps determine how severe the child’s croup is and guides decisions about care and treatment. The total score can range from 0 to 17, with higher scores indicating more serious symptoms.
While this scoring system helps indicate the severity of croup, it should not replace a clinical judgment. If your child is having difficulty breathing, becomes lethargic, or shows signs of bluish skin or lips, seek emergency medical help immediately.
The result from the Westley Croup Score Calculator gives you a number that reflects the severity of your child's croup symptoms. This number is based on your responses to five key clinical signs. Understanding what the score means can help you decide what steps to take next and whether medical attention is needed.
Always remember that this calculator is a helpful guide, but it does not replace professional medical advice. If you're unsure or worried about your child's condition at any time, it's best to speak with a doctor or seek urgent care.
While many cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home, it’s important to recognize when a child needs professional medical care. Croup can sometimes progress quickly, and early intervention can prevent serious complications.
You should seek medical help immediately if your child shows any of the following warning signs:
Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure about your child’s condition, don’t wait. It’s better to be cautious and have your child evaluated by a healthcare professional.
In case of severe symptoms, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately.
Croup is a common respiratory illness in young children caused by a viral infection. It leads to swelling in the upper airway, resulting in a barking cough, hoarseness, and sometimes difficulty breathing or stridor (a high-pitched sound during breathing).
Croup most commonly affects children between 6 months and 3 years old, although it can occur in older children as well. It is more frequent during the fall and winter months.
No. While the score was originally developed for clinical use by healthcare professionals, this online calculator allows parents and caregivers to estimate symptom severity. However, it should not replace medical advice or diagnosis.
A high score (8 or more) may indicate severe croup and should be treated as a medical emergency. You should seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services. Even with moderate scores (3–7), it is wise to consult a healthcare provider.
Yes, you can use the calculator as often as needed, especially if you're monitoring a child over time. It’s helpful to track changes in symptoms and share results with your healthcare provider.
No. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not provide a medical diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your child’s health or symptoms.
Mild cases of croup can often be managed at home with rest, fluids, and comfort. A cool mist humidifier or taking the child into a steamy bathroom may help ease symptoms. However, if symptoms worsen or do not improve, contact a doctor.
This calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the Westley Croup Score can help assess the severity of symptoms, it should not be used to make medical decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, shows signs of cyanosis (bluish skin), is unusually drowsy or unresponsive, or if you are otherwise concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.