Croup

Signs and Symptoms

1. Loud, barking cough.

2. Difficulty breathing.

3. Shrill wheezing or grunting noise while breathing.

4. Hoarseness.

5. Sometimes fever can be as high as 104 degrees.

What to do now

1. Have your child breathe moist air, either from a bowl filled with steaming water, a cool-mist humidifier, or a hot shower. Your child’s breathing should ease after about 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Take your child outside for a few minutes-dressed warmly if it’s cold out.

3. Breathing cold, moist air, especially at night, may make breathing easier. Going for a drive with the car windows open can also help.

4. Sit your child up straight to ease breathing.

5. Stay calm, and try to keep your child calm, too. Crying makes the symptoms worse.

When to call a doctor

1. If your child starts to make loud, high-pitched wheezing noises while inhaling.

2. If your child struggles to get a breath or can’t speak or lack breath.

3. If your child has difficulty swallowing.

4. If your child breathes quickly and nosily.

5. If your child’s temperature is 102 degrees or higher.

How to prevent it

1. Get prompt treatment for any child with a respiratory infection.

2. Make sure your children wash their hands often to reduce the change of spreading infections.

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