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Croup is commonly caused in children between one and five. It is a respiratory disorder that is followed or accompanied by a recent viral or bacterial infection of the lungs such as a cold or flu. Children that suffer from broncholitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs) may also suffer from this, or during an acute phase of asthma.
Symptoms of Croup
The main symptom is a harsh strong cough that sounds like a bark. A temperature of 100 to 101 is normal for a child suffering from croup. Croup lasts for three to seven days and is worse at night, progressively getting better each night. It may cause the child a few sleepless nights but will not harm them. During a coughing spasm the child may become frightened by the loss of breath from the harsh coughing. Reassurance that all will be fine is very helpful. A calm relaxed child will recover faster from the spasm more so than being more frightened. As a parent you must also remain calm, if your child sees that you are also frightened it increases their anxiety in an already stressful situation.
Giving your child tylenol as instructed by your physician will help in the discomfort he/she feels. Taking the child outside when it is cool gives more moisture in the air and makes it easier to breathe. Often taking them into the bathroom with the shower and faucets running, the hot water causes steam in the air and will also help the child to breathe easier. Setting up a vaporizer in the child’s room or a croup tent will help him/her to breathe easier. You can make one yourself by putting a vaporizer under the crib and draping a blanket over the head of the crib to trap the moisture. The room will be cold if a cold mist vaporizer is used, if the child is too old for a crib use a card table with a sheet or blanket draped over it for the same effect. Never leave the child unattended for fear the blanket or sheet may fall over the child’s face. Sit with your child at all times. Dress the child in very warm pajamas as to prevent any further illness since you are using cold mist air.
Knowing when to call 911 or seek out professional medical assistance.
If your child experiences any of the following while having croup do not hesitate to call 911 for assistance:
If your child stops breathing or you notice the lips or fingernail beds turning blue, if the breathing becomes more distressed despite the cool mist, squeaky or odd sound as the child inhales, sucking in of the chest around the ribs as the child inhales, flaring nostrils, shortness of breath where the child can not talk or walk, if the child becomes non responsive. If after twenty minutes of steam or cold air do not relax the child enough to sleep seek professional assistance, temperature over 102, if the child becomes hysterical seek medical attention this will only worsen the condition, and if the intensity of the cough does not decrease in three days you need to also contact someone for professional medical assistance.
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