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Croup
This is the time of year croup is most common. Croup is caused by a virus that affects the upper airway, including the throat. Infection causes swelling causing your child to have a barking, seal like cough and hoarse voice.
Younger children are more affected because they have a smaller airway. As your child grows, so does his/her airway so older children and adults are less affected. A baby who has croup may have difficulty breathing and a barky cough, while an adult may only have a hoarse voice.
For unknown reasons, croup is always worse at night and symptoms may almost completely resolve during the day. The infection usually lasts 1-3 days and will resolve with supportive treatment. If your child develops a barky cough or s/he looks like she is struggling to catch his/her breath:
- Take your child to the bathroom and steam it up by running a hot shower. Sit you child in the bathroom to breath in the steam which reduces swelling
- If it is cold outside, expose to cold air will also help reducing swelling and easy breathing difficulties
- Try to keep your child calm
If your child continues to have trouble breathing call our office for an appointment, or go to the nearest emergency room if it is at night.
Dr. Visentin
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