Croup is an infection that is found in the throat and windpipe. This infection often results in the person having a barking cough accompanied with noisy breathing. Children under five years old are often those who develop this, but other ages of children can also get this.
A cold starts croup
In most cases, children who develop croup were found to have a cold first. They may have a runny nose, slight temperature, and a cough. Then the next thing the parent knows, they wake in the middle of the night with a barking cough. This episode of croup can last a few hours or it can last several nights.
Symptoms
The symptoms of croup include:
- Noisy breathing that is often described as breathing a high-pitched sound
- Barking cough
- Voice is hoarse
- Difficulty in breathing can happen, depending on how severe this is
When to see a doctor
If the croup becomes serious, parents will want to take their children to a doctor immediately. The signs for when to see a doctor include:
- The child does not feel well
- A high fever is present
- Breathing is becoming quick or difficult
- There is a lot of noise while breathing
- Swallowing is difficult
- Lips have a blueish tint
- Child is anxious, sweating or restless
Treatment
For those who have mild cases of croup, they can treat this at home. Suggestions for treatment include:
- Comfort your child so that they are not scared
- Ensure the child is getting enough fluids
- Utilize over the counter medications for fever and pain under the advice of a doctor
- You can use a vaporizer or a humidifier if you feel that the air needs this, however, there is no scientific evidence that this works.
Prevention
Preventing croup is almost impossible. This often starts with a cold, and since the cold is hard to prevent, it makes the croup even harder. The best thing that a child can do is to wash their hands and use proper hygiene so that they are not spreading more germs and coming in contact with these germs. In addition, the immunization for the flu is recommended to help prevent croup from happening.
Hospital treatment
In serious cases of croup, hospital treatment might be vital. Breathing complications, such as lack of breath, are a main indication of croup. You must phone for medical assistance if your child is battling to take breaths. If your child experiences serious croup, they might be provided with. This will aid in alleviating the symptoms within half an hour.
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FACT CHECK
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw31906
https://www.webmd.com/children/understanding-croup-basic-information
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/croup