Croup

Croup is a condition referring to inflammation of the upper airway in the throat area. This inflammation makes a cough sound like a seal barking. You might also hear a high pitched noise when they take a breath. Croup usually can be taken care of at home. The cough often gets worse at night. Croup may seem scary, but there is actually less than 5% of cases which actually have airway obstruction bad enough to be admitted to the hospital (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). That is encouraging, right, well ok, it's still not any fun.

The Mayo Clinic has provided guidelines of when to get your child immediate medical attention. These include: 

• Make noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds (stridor) both when inhaling and exhaling
• Begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing
• Seems anxious, agitated or fatigued
• Breathes at a faster rate than usual
• Struggles to breathe
• Develops blue or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails (cyanosis)

Some steroids and possibly a fast acting medication may be prescribed or given if croup last a few days. You will want to make sure to keep your child calm, given them something your doctor suggests for pain, use a humidifier, make sure they are drinking, and help them get some sleep. My daughters cough always gets worse when she is in her car seat. That little bit of recline does it to her every time. Holding your child upright when you can may help the cough. 

For more information you can go to the Mayo Clinic website at 

www.mayoclinic.com/health/croup/DS00312