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.