If your child has ever had croup, you know how distressing it is for them—especially the barking cough. Unfortunately, croup is a contagious respiratory infection that affects babies and children.
Croup is often mild to moderate but can become severe, so keeping your kids healthy is crucial. If you're concerned about your child's cough, Dr. Sindu Pillai offers sick visits to give them the treatment they need to feel better.
Croup is a highly contagious condition that affects the airways, primarily in children. It leads to swelling of the windpipe and voice box, which causes various noises when coughing and breathing.
A viral infection usually causes croup, leading to mild-to-moderate symptoms. These symptoms vary but often include the hallmark barking cough that sounds like a seal. Other symptoms of croup include:
Croup's symptoms typically start mild and worsen over the first few days. Most cases are mild and harmless, but they can become serious, especially in small children.
Trouble breathing, restlessness, or retractions of the chest are severe signs of croup that warrant an evaluation.
If your child is exhibiting signs of croup, taking specific steps to help them feel better is crucial. When unsure what to do for your child, you can call the office and speak to a nurse. We give you tips to care for your child at home, including:
Rest is crucial for dealing with a child's sickness, especially croup. Keeping your child calm helps reduce coughing, and rest allows your child's body to fight off the virus efficiently.
Some kids have a fever with croup, mainly caused by bacteria. Fevers can lead to dehydration, especially when children don't want to drink because they aren’t feeling well. Try to get your child fluids with water, juice, or popsicles.
A cool mist humidifier is an excellent way to reduce coughing symptoms and improve airway inflammation from croup. Run the humidifier at night in your child's room and throughout the day. It's especially crucial at night because symptoms seem to worsen.
If your child develops croup in the colder months, bundle them up and take them outside for a few minutes. The cool weather soothes the airways and helps reduce the barking cough of croup.
Another way to ease your child's croup symptoms is to run a hot shower in the bathroom and shut the door. The steam from the hot water helps dilate your child's airway, reducing symptoms and making them feel better.
Usually, croup isn't severe and runs its course in a few days. However, knowing the signs of a more serious infection and when to seek professional care or emergency treatment are crucial. The following signs should signal you to seek treatment immediately:
If your child seems to have trouble breathing and isn't improving with home care, it's crucial to get treatment. Dr. Pillai can evaluate your child and provide expert treatments to prevent complications or worsening of croup.
Call our Murrieta, California, office today to schedule a sick visit with Dr. Pillai or request a consultation on our website.
