What is croup?
Croup is a respiratory infection that affects
children, mainly during the fall and winter months. It affects children under age
five,
and symptoms are most severe in children under age three. Croup may last from five
to six days, depending on the severity of the infection. It may have other
complications, such as ear infection or pneumonia.
Croup is most commonly caused by viruses such as influenza, parainfluenza,
respiratory syncytial virus(RSV), measles, and adenovirus, but is occasionally caused by bacteria. This
infection causes the upper airways to swell, making it difficult to breathe.
How can I tell if my child has croup?
Although there are recognizable signs of croup, any illness that
complicates your child’s breathing should be evaluated by your child’s
doctor.
What are the symptoms of croup?
- A harsh or "barky" cough
- Stridor (harsh, raspy vibrating sound when breathing in)
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty bending the neck
- High fever
- Restlessness or nervousness at night or when it becomes harder to
breathe
How can I continue to care for my child at home?
- Do not allow anyone to smoke around your child or in your home.
- Give your child all medicines as instructed by the doctor.
- A cool mist vaporizer may help soothe dry and irritated airways.
Your doctor may recommend a vaporizer.
- Allow your child to rest as needed.
- Call the doctor if your child’s symptoms worsen or begin to return.
- Cough medicines are usually not helpful.
When severe cases of croup require hospitalization, care may include
the following:
- Breathing treatments (aerosols)
- A cool mist tent
- Rest
- Medications given by mouth
- Medications given intravenously (IV)
- Medications given by injection
How can the spread of croup be prevented?
Croup can by spread by physical contact or through the air. To help prevent
its spread:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after caring for your child.
- Try washing toys between each use.
- Encourage your child to cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Keep your child home from school or daycare when she is ill or if outbreaks occur.
- Throw away used tissues.
Questions to ask your child’s doctor
- Should I give my child
medication? If so, for how long and at what times of the day?
- How should I store the medication? Should I refrigerate it?
- When will my child start to feel better?
- Will I need to bring my child
back for a follow-up visit?
- Should I keep my child home from
school or daycare?
- Should he be limited from certain activities? If so, which ones?
- Are there certain foods or
liquids she should have or avoid?
- Which over-the-counter pain
relievers do you recommend?
- Which over-the-counter medications/preparations do you not recommend?
- Which symptoms should I report to you/your office?