Could It Be Croup?

from Shine Newsletter, Winter 2007

You wake in the middle of the night to the sounds of your 2-year-old crying. Each sob is accompanied by a harsh, barking cough, and his temperature is hovering around 100 degrees. Could it be croup?

The winter months mean fun in the snow -- and more cases of the cold, flu and croup. Unlike cold and flu, croup isn't actually an illness. The term refers to an inflammation of the upper airways.

STEPS TO TRY AT HOME

Croup begins with cold symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose and fever. As the upper airways become  more inflamed and swollen, croup progresses to a harsh, barking cough and wheezing. Fortunately, most cases can be treated at home.

"Your child's physician may advise you to take him outside and allow him to breathe cold air or to take him into a steamy bathroom to ease some of the symptoms of croup," says Monica Federico, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at The Children's Hospital. "If this doesn't work, your child's physician may prescribe medications to ease the swelling of the airway. Having said that, if you are worried that he is having trouble breathing, your pediatrician may ask you to bring him to the office or take him to the emergency room for further evaluation."

WASH YOUR HANDS TO WARD OFF CROUP

To help prevent croup - which  typically lasts between five and seven days - encourage frequent hand  washing. Good hygiene can decrease  your child's chances of developing croup, as well as other viruses such as flu, strep throat and the common cold.

For more information on when to call your doctor if you suspect croup, visit Is Your Child Sick? Click on "croup" located under the heading "mouth."