CROUP

CROUP
Croup is a viral illness, which causes narrowing of the trachea. The child starts with a tight, low-pitched barking cough (sounding like a seal). It is usually worse at night and many times the child will wake up out of a sound sleep with this cough. Most children will either have very mild symptoms before bed or no symptoms at all. Croup can be very scary but generally is a benign condition lasting anywhere from 1 to 5 nights. Other symptoms may include a hoarse voice, nasal congestion, fever and sore throat.

Since croup is a viral illness, symptomatic treatment is the key.
Symptomatic relief includes the following:

- Turn on the hot water in your shower and let the bathroom get steamy. Sit in there with your child for 20-25 minutes. The steam will help relieve the inflammation which is causing the cough (this is called stridor). Read a book or listen to a tape to help calm your children since crying will only make the croup worse.

-Inhaling cold air can also help relieve the stridor. Bundle your child and take him out to breathe in the cold night air. After 10 to 15 minutes of breathing the cool air, the symptoms usually improve tremendously.

-If your child has a fever, treat it with the appropriate dose of Ibuprofen or Tylenol, as fever only adds to their respiratory distress.

-Run a cool mist vaporizer in the bedroom

If the strategies listed above have been attempted, but the child's symptoms show no improvement, your child may need to be evaluated that night.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional care.
You should consult your own physician or other health care provider for specific advice and treatment,
which advice and treatment will be based upon your individual facts and circumstances.