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Key Points
- Croup is a viral infection in children that inflames the upper airways, causing a 'seal bark' cough and other symptoms such as fever, hoarse voice, and labored breathing.
- The illness can often be managed at home with remedies like hydration, comfort, head elevation during sleep, increased humidity, exposure to cold air, and over-the-counter fever reducers.
- If symptoms are severe or persistent, medical intervention is necessary, which may involve steroids, breathing treatments, tests for other illnesses, and oxygen in severe cases.
- Croup is highly contagious, hence prevention is crucial, including good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals, teaching proper sneezing and coughing etiquette, and keeping vaccinations up-to-date.
Croup is a common respiratory illness that primarily affects young children, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that it is caused by a viral infection that inflames the upper airways (particularly the larynx, trachea, and bronchi), causing a narrowing of the airway and a harsh “seal bark”-type cough.
In most cases, croup can be treated at home, according to the Mayo Clinic. So it is important for parents to recognize the symptoms, know what they can do to help support their child’s recovery, and understand when to see a doctor.
Symptoms of Croup
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of croup include:
- Loud “seal bark” cough that may be worse with crying
- Fever
- Hoarse voice
- Noisy or labored breathing
Home Remedies For Croup
Most of the time, croup can be taken care of at home (according to the Mayo Clinic). Several home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing, including:
1. Offering Drinks Often
Staying hydrated is essential when dealing with croup, according to Healthline. They recommend that you encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids such as Gatorade or Pedialyte, as these drinks can help replace electrolytes as well as hydrate.
2. Keep Your Child Comfortable
Croup can be a very uncomfortable illness, especially during a coughing fit. Sitting upright or leaning forward can help ease breathing and reduce coughing, according to Healthline.
3. Use a Pillow to Elevate Your Child’s Head While Sleeping
Keeping your child's head elevated while sleeping can help reduce coughing and make breathing easier, according to Healthline. You can use pillows or a wedge to elevate the head of the bed. It is important to note that pillows and wedges are not recommended for children under two years old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Increase the Humidity in Your Home
Humidity can help relieve croup symptoms by moistening the airways, according to Healthline. They recommend that you use a cool-mist humidifier or take your child into a steamy bathroom for a few minutes. Taking a warm shower with your child can often improve symptoms.
5. Take Your Child out in Cold Air
Exposure to cold air can help reduce inflammation in the airways and ease breathing according to Healthline. You can take your child outside for a few minutes or open a window to let in some fresh air, they note. They also note that you should make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.
6. Use Over-the-Counter Fever Reducers
Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve pain associated with croup according to Healthline. They note that you should be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully or consult with your child's pediatrician before giving any medication.
When to see a Doctor for Croup
In most cases, croup can be treated at home, according to WebMD. However, if symptoms are severe, persist, or worsen, they recommend that you contact your child's doctor. Any signs of difficulty breathing warrants a medical evaluation immediately. They note that some of the treatments that may be offered by your doctor include:
- Steroids
- Breathing treatments
- Tests and treatments for other illnesses or infections
- Oxygen in severe cases
How to Prevent Croup
Croup is highly contagious, according to WebMD. They note that it is carried through the air in droplets from coughing and sneezing that may land on toys and other surfaces. This makes it hard to prevent—but they have some tips that may help:
- Keep your hands clean while caring for your infant, and teach toddlers to wash their own hands well and often
- Keep your child away from others who are sick (communicate with caregivers and daycare providers about any illnesses that your child may be exposed to)
- Teach older children proper sneezing and coughing etiquette (coughing and sneezing into the crook of their arm)
- Keep yourself and your child up-to-date with vaccinations (such as the flu shot, measles vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine)
Summary
Croup is a common viral illness among children and can usually be treated at home. To ease your child's symptoms and promote healing, you can try the following:
- Keep your child well-hydrated by offering drinks they like
- Use pillows or wedges to keep your older child’s head elevated while sleeping
- Increase the humidity in your home using a cool mist humidifier
- Take your child out in cold air briefly
- Use over-the-counter fever reducers if necessary
For severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms, you should take your child to see their pediatrician.
Frequently asked questions
What is Croup?
Croup is a common respiratory illness in children caused by a viral infection. It inflames the upper airways, leading to symptoms like a distinctive 'seal bark' cough, fever, hoarse voice, and labored breathing.How can Croup be treated at home?
Home remedies for Croup include keeping the child hydrated, comfortable, and their head elevated while sleeping. Increasing home humidity, exposure to cold air, and using over-the-counter fever reducers can also help.When should I seek medical help for my child's Croup?
If your child's Croup symptoms are severe or persist despite home treatments, you should contact a doctor. Medical treatments may include steroids, breathing treatments, tests for other illnesses, and oxygen in severe cases.How can I prevent my child from contracting Croup?
Prevention measures for Croup include good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals, teaching your child proper sneezing and coughing etiquette, and ensuring they are up-to-date with vaccinations.Is Croup contagious?
Yes, Croup is highly contagious. It can spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected individual.What are the symptoms of Croup?
Symptoms of Croup include a distinctive 'seal bark' cough, fever, a hoarse voice, and labored breathing.Can Croup be serious?
Yes, in some cases, Croup can be serious. If symptoms are severe or persist, it is important to seek medical help.What are over-the-counter fever reducers?
Over-the-counter fever reducers are medicines that can be bought without a prescription to help lower a fever. They include drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
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