What is croup? Croup is a common respiratory problem in young children. It tends to occur in the fall and winter. Its main symptom is a harsh, barking cough. Croup causes swelling and narrowing in the voice box, windpipe, and breathing tubes that lead to the lungs. This can make it hard for your child to breathe. An attack of croup can be scary, but it is rarely serious. Children usually get better in several days with rest and care at home. Even though your childs coughing and troubled breathing can be frightening, home treatment usually eases the symptoms. Try to stay calm during an attack, and soothe your child. Crying can make the swelling in the windpipe worse and make it even harder to breathe. Breathing in moist air seems to help during a croup attack. Fill your bathroom with steam from the hot water faucets, and sit in the room with your child for 10 minutes. Or hold your child directly over a humidifier, and let the vapor blow directly in his or her face. Breathing cool night air also seems to help sometimes. Dress your child in warm clothes, and go outside for 10 minutes. If symptoms improve with these methods, put your child back in bed with the humidifier blowing nearby. Do not smoke, especially in the house. If the symptoms happen during the middle of the night, it is a good idea to sleep in or near your childs room until morning. Be sure to keep your child well hydrated. Offer water, flavored ice treats (such as Popsicles), or crushed ice drinks several times each hour. If and else fails see your doctor What are the symptoms?
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 17:08:51 +0000
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