Croup

​Home Care For Children With Croup

• As with all viral infections, ensure lots of fluids and rest for your child. Most cases of croup are mild, and do not require hospitalisation.
• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe a steroid to your child to reduce the swelling of the windpipe and vocal cords. In some severe cases, an inhalation treatment with adrenaline and oxygen may also be given.
• Warm, moist air: You can run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 5-10 minutes. This can sometimes help your child breathe easier and stop coughing bouts.
• Smoke exposure: Avoid having anyone smoke near your child, as this may make your child's symptoms worse.
• Close observation: You may consider sleeping in the same room as your child when he is ill, so that you can monitor him more closely.
• Consult your doctor if:
  • your child's breathing is fast or difficult
  • your child's stridor recurs or is persistent
  • your child is lethargic
  • there is poor feeding and there are signs of dehydration (dry lips/mouth, reduced tears, sunken eyes, reduced urine, reduced activity)
  • Your child appears pale or blue - LATE SIGN!
  • your child has an underlying medical problem (eg. prematurity, heart or lung disease, muscle weakness etc.)
  • the symptoms persist for more than a week