What is croup?

Croup is a swelling of the breathing tube in the region of the throat and usually is caused by a virus.

Croup affects younger children because their breathing tubes are smaller, making them more susceptible to the swelling associated with the infection.

Croup is usually worse at night and lasts 2-4 nights.

The second night is usually associated with the worst symptoms.

What are the symptoms of croup?

Fever
Barky cough
Noisy, difficult breathing, especially when he breathes in

Home care

Do whatever you can to help your child remain calm. The following may make his breathing easier:

Try using a cool-mist vaporizer. This may decrease congestion. Do not use a warm water vaporizer because your child may be burned if the water is spilled.
If your child has a fever, dress him in light clothing and bring him in a cool room or by a fan.
Take your child in the bathroom with a running hot shower. The steam may also help make breathing easier. Supervise your child to avoid hot water burns.

If your child seems to have a mild illness and is not taking in as much by mouth, try increasing fluid intake by offering small amounts more often.

For children under one year of age, give 1-2 ounces of formula, breast milk, or rehydration therapy (e.g. Pedialyte®, Rehydrate®, Infalyte®) every 30 minutes to an hour.
Do not give children under 2 large amounts of water.
Older children who are more severely dehydrated (see warning signs) should be given only rehydration therapy.

Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®, or Panadol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) for pain and discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen if your child is dehydrated or unable to take anything by mouth.

Follow the package instructions to determine the appropriate dose by your child’s WEIGHT or age for acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Do not use aspirin because of the increased risk of Reye’s Syndrome with certain infections.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child is having retractions, or difficulty breathing to the extent that his skin is sucked in between the ribs or around the throat, Call Our Office Now.

Your child cannot remain calm, Call Our Office Now.

Your child’s skin appears blue around the nose or mouth, Call Our Office Now.

Your child inhaled or swallowed any small toy or object, Call Our Office Now.

Your child is less than 6 months old and has a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F, Call Our Office Now.

Your child is older than 6 months and has a temperature greater than 102.5 degrees F, Call Our Office Now.

Your child refuses to drink, Call Our Office Now.

Your child has any signs of dehydration such as no tears while crying, dry lips and mouth, fewer wet diapers (around 6 per day is normal), or sunken eyes, Call Our Office Now.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.