There is no evidence that allowing your child to breathe in humid air, for example steam from a hot bath or shower in a closed room, will help. Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen , are available in liquid form for children.
You can get liquid paracetamol and ibuprofen over the counter from pharmacies and some supermarkets. Speak to your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure about what type of painkiller is suitable for your child. Do not use cough medicines or decongestants as these do not help ease the symptoms of croup. These treatments often have drowsy side effects, which can be dangerous when a child has breathing difficulties.
If your child has severe croup, they may be given adrenaline through a nebuliser. This will help improve symptoms within 10 to 30 minutes and the effects should last for up to two hours. A nebuliser allows your child to breathe the medication as a mist. If your child is very distressed and finding it difficult to breathe, they will be given oxygen through an oxygen mask. In rare cases croup may require hospitalisation, where a child may need intubation. During intubation, a tube is inserted either through a nostril or the mouth and passed down into the windpipe.
This will help your child breathe more easily. Intubation is usually performed under general anaesthetic. This means your child will be completely unconscious throughout the procedure so they do not experience pain or distress. Your child may find it difficult to drink fluids as a result of an obstruction in their airway. However, it is important they have plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If your child refuses fluids, try not to force them. This could distress your child and make the condition worse.
A secondary infection can sometimes develop following the initial viral infection that caused croup. A secondary infection can potentially cause:. Although rare, other possible complications of croup can include middle ear infection and lymphadenitis, an infection of the glands of the immune system lymph nodes.
Home Illnesses and conditions Lungs and airways Croup. Croup See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About croup 2. Symptoms of croup 3. Causes of croup 4. Diagnosing croup 5. Treating croup 6. Complications of croup. About croup Croup is a childhood condition that affects the windpipe trachea , the airways to the lungs the bronchi and the voice box larynx.
Read more about the symptoms of croup and diagnosing croup Why does croup happen? Read more about the causes of croup Who is affected by croup? The condition is more common during the late autumn and early winter months.
It tends to affect more boys than girls. A child may experience croup more than once during childhood. Treating croup Most cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home. Read more about treating croup Complications Most cases of croup clear up within 48 hours. It is extremely rare for a child to die from croup.
Preventing croup Croup is spread in a similar way to the common cold, so it is difficult to prevent. Symptoms of croup A child can get croup at any time of the year, although it's more likely to occur during late autumn or early winter. Typical symptoms of croup include: a bark-like cough a hoarse or croaky voice difficulty breathing a harsh grating sound when breathing in, called stridor Stridor is often most noticeable when the child cries or coughs.
Symptoms tend to be worse at night. Some children have cold-like symptoms for a few days before developing croup symptoms. There are several viruses that can cause croup. Many cases come from parainfluenza viruses the common cold. Other viruses that may cause croup include adenovirus another group of common cold viruses , respiratory syncytial virus RSV , the most common germ affecting young children, and measles. Croup may also be caused by allergies, exposure to inhaled irritants, or bacterial infections.
But these are rare. Symptoms tend to be most severe in children under the age of 3. Symptoms that are common in most cases of croup include:. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice symptoms like:. Croup that persists longer than one week, reoccurs frequently, or is accompanied by a fever higher than An examination is needed to rule out bacterial infections or other more serious conditions. Some children suffer from a recurring, mild case of croup that appears along with the common cold.
Your doctor will likely listen to the cough, observe breathing, and ask for a description of symptoms. Even when an office visit is not necessary, doctors and nurses may diagnose croup by attentively listening to the characteristic cough over the phone. If croup symptoms are persistent, your doctor may order a throat exam or X-ray to rule out other respiratory conditions.
Most cases of croup are effectively treated at home. Cool mist humidifiers may help your child breathe easier as they sleep. Shop for cool mist humidifiers. Over-the-counter pain relievers can soothe discomfort in the throat, chest, or head. Cough medicines should only be administered upon advice from a medical professional.
If your child is having problems breathing, an emergency visit to a hospital or clinic is warranted. These may be prescribed for extended use at home. In extreme cases, a breathing tube may be used to help your child get enough oxygen. Dehydrated patients may require intravenous fluids. Bacterial croup may require antibiotic treatment.
The duration of the antibiotic therapy will depend on the severity of the infection. Thank you! He was inconsolable the entire car ride but when we got there and by the time we left this care facility he was back to his normal happy go lucky little two year old boy. I highly recommend PhysicianOne Urgent Care. My son was started on antibiotics and ear drops. Within 24 hours he began to feel better. The poor kid had been going to school in tears because he was afraid of missing any more days, but feeling and looking just awful!
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Check In Online. Croup occurs most often in babies and toddlers. Croup is usually caused by a virus and often starts out as a cold. There are other causes of croup besides infection. For most croup symptoms, home remedies may be enough. Add moisture to the air your child is breathing by using a humidifier or sitting in the bathroom with the door closed while the shower is running.
Cool air can also help to open up the airways a bit; try taking your child outside in the colder months for a few minutes to breathe the cold air.
Make sure your child is getting plenty of fluids by offering plenty of breast milk or formula for babies, and water for older children. Try to keep your child calm, comfortable and well-rested in order to avoid excessive crying, as this can make symptoms worse.
If any of these croup symptoms develop, you should seek medical care. Stridor high-pitched whistling noise when breathing in even when your child is at rest; stridor that occurs while the child is crying, coughing or active is not as much of a concern. Excessive sleepiness, sluggishness or listlessness Finally, if your child has excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing or starts to turn blue around the mouth, nose or fingernails, this is a medical emergency — call immediately.
Most cases of croup are contagious. Can Allergies Feel Like the Flu?
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