Croup

Understanding Croup and Its Symptoms:

What is Croup:

  • Croup is an inflammation of the trachea (windpipe), typically caused by a viral infection.
  • It mainly affects young children and can cause a distinct barking cough, especially at night.
  • The inflammation can lead to swelling around the vocal cords, making breathing difficult.

Causes of Croup:

  • Croup is primarily caused by viruses like parainfluenza, influenza, or RS virus.
  • It commonly occurs during winter months.
  • In adults, these viruses lead to cold symptoms, but in children aged six months to three years, they can trigger croup due to the narrower trachea.
  • The trachea’s narrowness, coupled with swollen mucous membranes, causes breathing problems, often worse at night.

Symptoms of Croup:

  • It often starts with cold symptoms.
  • At night, the child might experience:
    • Characteristic barking cough.
    • Labored breathing, particularly during inhalation.
  • Symptoms usually peak within the first 24 hours and tend to resolve within a week.

Home Care for Croup:

  • Keep the child upright to ease breathing. Let them sleep in a semi-upright position.
  • Exposure to cool air, like opening a window, can provide relief.
  • Comfort and soothe the child; practice deep and calm breathing yourself to help comfort the baby.
  • If the child has a stuffy nose, nasal spray can help them breathe.
  • Encourage the child to drink fluids to alleviate symptoms.
  • Elevate the head of the bed to facilitate breathing. Use an extra pillow or elevate the mattress.

Treatment for Croup:

  • There’s no direct treatment for the viral infection itself.
  • Self-care measures at home usually alleviate symptoms.
  • Severe cases might require hospital care, where medications can be administered to ease coughing and improve breathing.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

  • Seek medical care if the child:
    • Develops high fever alongside croup symptoms.
    • Has difficulty breathing that doesn’t improve with fresh air and an upright position.
  • In emergencies, call 112 if the child:
    • Struggles significantly to breathe.
    • Shows blue lips and fingers.
    • Appears extremely weak and pale.