Treatment for Croup
Croup is a contagious infection, caused by and often resulting from the same type of viruses as the common cold. The infection results in inflammation of the bronchial tubes and an increase in mucus.
Symptoms
- Sharp cough that sounds like a barking seal
- Breathing difficulty
- Retractions (skin over the rib cage being sucked in between ribs because of difficulty taking a breath)
- Temperature of 102°F or higher
- Dry mouth, decreased urination or other signs of dehydration
Who is at risk?
Most common in young children in the fall and winter, croup usually goes away on its own, but a small percentage of children require clinic or hospital treatment to ease breathing.
Treatment
At home, try to keep the child calm and still, reducing activity. Use of a humidifier will make breathing easier, as well as 10 minutes of cool, night air (dress warmly, though). Eliminate any smoking in the house and keep the patient well hydrated with water or ice. If the patient doesn’t respond to home treatment a doctor might want to monitor your pulse to make sure enough oxygen is reaching the blood and possible prescribe a medication to reduce airway swelling. Over the counter medicines and antibiotics are not effective in treating croup.
Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor immediately if breathing difficulty persists for more than a few minutes. Call 911 if your child’s breathing is severely labored, if the child is not responding or interacting with you in a normal way, or if their color is gray or blue. These are ominous signs. You should NEVER put a child with severe respiratory difficulties in your own vehicle for the trip to the ED.
Treatment is available now at Well-Key Urgent Care.
For more information on croup, see the following websites:
Croup information from Verywell Family
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