Croup is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe) which narrows the airway just below the vocal cords, making breathing difficult. Children between the ages of six months and three years are most likely to contract croup, especially after a respiratory illness.
Croup occurs most commonly between October and March, and is characterized by a loud, barking cough – like that of a seal. The virus generally runs its course between five and six days.
Different Kinds of Croup
Spasmodic croup is usually caused by a mild upper respiratory infection or allergy. Most children with this type of croup do not have a fever. It might come on suddenly in the middle of the night, and it might be recurring.
Viral croup starts with a cold that develops into a loud cough accompanied by course, labored breathing. A low fever usually accompanies the illness.
10 Simple Steps for Treatment and Prevention
- Keep your child calm and reassured. As your child increases efforts to breathe, he or she might become anxious and frightened, further worsening symptoms. Read a story, or simply hold and cuddle your child.
- Give your child the steam treatment. If your child wakes in the middle of the night, take him into the bathroom and turn the shower on the hottest setting. Sit with him in the warm, moist air of the bathroom for 15 to 20 minutes to unclog the swollen airway passage.
- Keep the fluids coming. A cup of heated chicken broth not only helps loosen secretions, but also provides protein. Steer clear of dairy-based products or orange juice which might increase mucus. Ice water, Popsicles, or Jell-O™ also might provide soothing throat relief.
- Stop smoking in the home. Also refrain from using cleaning fluids, wearing cologne, vacuuming, or doing anything that might further irritate your child's lungs.
- Prop pillows behind the child's back and head to encourage sleeping in an upright position. Aim a cold-water vaporizer or humidifier at your child's bed to help loosen mucus.
- Take steps to lower fever if your child's temperature goes above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take your child outside in the cool air for five minutes. He should experience a temporary improvement in symptoms.
- Rule out other illnesses or ailments including airway obstruction or acute epiglottitis, a dangerous infection with similar symptoms to croup. Acute epiglottitis usually affects children between one and five years old, and starts with a high fever. To protect against it, your child should get the first dose of the Hib vaccine at two months.
- Watch for signs and symptoms that croup is worsening. If your child's breathing becomes faster and/or noisier; a pale or blue skin tone appears around the mouth, nose, eyes, or ears; your child will not take liquids, if he cannot bend forward, is drooling much more than usual, or becomes very lethargic or restless; take him to the hospital emergency room immediately.
- Take steps to protect against further spread of the virus to other members of your family. Encourage frequent hand washing with soap, and make sure your child does not share towels or bedding.
Is Croup Treatable with Antibiotics?
As croup is caused by a virus or allergy, antibiotics – used to treat bacterial infections – are not effective. Cough syrups are not helpful either, since the virus is located in the larynx or trachea. Your pediatrician might prescribe a steroid medication to reduce throat swelling in severe cases that do not respond to conventional treatment. |
