Is it croup? Or just a bad cough?
Croup is a virus like the common cold is a virus, but it’s important to recognize the distinctive symptoms as it could become serious.  There are a few key symptoms that will help you identify croup.
- The cough will sound like a bark (described as sounding like a dog or seal)
- Difficulty breathing air into lungs
- Fever
- Hoarseness
Often the child will be perfectly fine during the day, but an attack comes on SUDDENLY and for no apparent reason – typically at night. Your child might have a barking cough and/or sound like they are gasping for air. This is because there is swelling near the vocal cords.
You should take your child into the bathroom and run hot water to create steam. Symptoms should immediately improve, but if they haven’t within 20 minutes – then take them into the cool night air. If symptoms do not improve or become worse, seek immediate medical attention. If symptoms do improve, the next day do call your doctor to see if they want to see the child in the office. Some doctors might feel that home treatment is sufficient. Others may want to see the child in the office.
When my son had croup he work up suddenly one night with a high fever, barky cough, and was gasping for air. The steam in the bathroom calmed him down and allowed him to breathe easier. Ibuprofen made him more comfortable and lowered the fever as well. I felt he was fine the next day – however I called the doctor for good measure and she wanted to see him in the office. At the office he was given steroids to help reduce the swelling so the next night would be more comfortable for him.
I was informed that the first 48 hours of croup are the most critical (and most uncomfortable) – and after that passes it progresses into a full blown cold. This was true in our situation. The key with croup is treating it immediately. It’s especially important with children under 3 years old as their air passages are so small.
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