Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What is croup? — "Croup" is the term doctors use for an infection of the trachea, the main airway that we breath through (figure 1). Croup is common in children between 6 months and 3 years of age. It is uncommon after the age of 6 years. Croup causes a barking cough. In most children, croup goes away on its own. But some children with croup need to be seen by a doctor or nurse.
What are the symptoms of croup? — Croup usually begins like a regular cold. Children who get croup first get a runny nose and feel stuffed up. A day or 2 later, they usually:
●Get a cough that sounds like a seal barking
●Become hoarse (lose their voice or get a scratchy voice)
●Get a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
●Start having noisy, high-pitched breathing (called "stridor"), especially when they are active or upset
The symptoms are usually worse at night.
Should my child see a doctor or nurse? — Many children with croup do not need to see a doctor. But watch for some important symptoms.
Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if the child:
●Starts to turn blue or very pale
●Has a very hard time breathing
●Can't speak or cry because they can't get enough air
●Is very upset
●Seems very sleepy or does not seem to respond to you
Call your child's doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns about your child, or if:
●Their cough won't go away.
●They start to drool or can't swallow.
●They make a noisy, high-pitched sound when breathing, even while just sitting or resting.
●The skin and muscles between their ribs or below their ribcage look like they are caving in (figure 2).
●They are younger than 3 months and have a fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F or 38°C).
●They are older than 3 months have a fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F or 38°C) for more than 3 days.
●The symptoms of croup last for more than 7 days.
How is croup treated? — The main treatments for croup make sure that the child gets enough oxygen. To do that, the doctor or nurse might give:
●Moist air or oxygen to breathe
●Medicines to reduce swelling or open up the airways
Antibiotics do not work to treat croup.
Is there anything I can do to help my child feel better? — Yes. You can:
●Sit in the bathroom with the child while the hot water is running in the shower, creating steam. You can also use a humidifier in the room where the child sleeps.
●Have the child breathe outdoor air, if it is cold out. You can do this by opening a window for a few minutes. Wrap the child in a blanket to keep them warm.
●Treat their fever with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Never give aspirin to a child younger than 18 years old.
●Make sure that the child gets enough fluids. If they are older than 1 year, feed them warm, clear liquids to soothe their throat.
●Sleep in the same room as the child, so that you know right away if they start having trouble breathing.
●Keep the child away from people who are smoking. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.
How did my child get croup? — Croup is caused by viruses that spread easily from person to person. These viruses live in the droplets that go into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
Can croup be prevented? — To lower the risk of croup, you can:
●Wash your hands and the child's hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol hand rubs.
●Stay away from other adults and children who are sick.
●Make sure that the child gets all of the recommended vaccines, including the flu shot. Get a flu shot for yourself, too.
Patient education: Cough, runny nose, and the common cold (The Basics)
Patient education: Cough in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Fever in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Flu (The Basics)
Patient education: What you should know about vaccines (The Basics)
Patient education: Sore throat in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Croup in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
آیا می خواهید مدیلیب را به صفحه اصلی خود اضافه کنید؟