![]() Learn more about Akron Children’s COVID-19 response and resources, and how to stop the spread.Croup: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. “It’s also a good idea to stop your child from sharing cups and silverware with others.”įor more information on croup, contact one of our pediatricians. “Frequent hand washing by you and your child, and avoiding contact with people who have respiratory infections are the best ways to prevent spreading the viruses that cause croup,” said Dr. ![]() The same methods you use to reduce your child’s risk for the common cold will go a long way in also preventing croup. Signs of dehydration (including a dry or sticky mouth, few or no tears, sunken eyes, thirst, no urine or only a little dark yellow urine for 8-12 hours).A pale or bluish color around the mouth.Stridor: high-pitched or squeaking noise when inhaling.Retractions: when the skin between the ribs pulls in with each breath.Difficulty breathing, including rapid or labored breathing.In rare cases, however, croup can be severe and even life threatening.Ĭall a pediatrician immediately or get medical attention if your child has: Most cases of viral croup are mild and can be treated at home with little-to-no complications. In addition, ibuprofen or acetaminophen (only in children over 6 months old) can make them more comfortable, and as with most illnesses, rest and plenty of fluids are recommended. In the cooler months, taking your child outside for a few minutes to breath in the cool air can ease symptoms, as well. You can use a cool-mist humidifier or run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom, where you can sit with your child in there for 10 minutes. Diagnosis and treatment for croupĭoctors can usually diagnose croup by listening for the telltale barking cough and stridor, as well as asking if the child has had any recent respiratory illness with a fever, runny nose and congestion.īreathing in moist air helps most kids feel better and sometimes stops the severe coughing. Symptoms of croup are often worse at night and when kids are upset or crying. The child may appear pale or have a bluish color around the mouth due to a lack of oxygen. In the most serious cases, a child also might breathe very fast or have retractions (when the skin between the ribs pulls in during breathing). High-pitched whistling or squeaking sound when breathing in (called stridor).A harsh, barking cough (often sounds like the barking of a seal).Symptoms of croup are often worse at night and when children are upset or crying. Symptoms are most severe in children 6 months to 3 years because their airways are smaller, but older kids can be affected, too. Common croup symptomsĬroup symptoms generally peak 2 to 3 days after symptoms of a viral infection begin and usually last 3 to 7 days. ![]() If the airways continue to swell, breathing can get harder.”Ĭroup is typically caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold, so it’s no surprise that it’s the most frequent reason for coughs in the fall and winter months. “But as the upper airways along the windpipe and voice box become irritated and swollen, a child may become hoarse and have a barking cough. Therese Linnon, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Warren. ![]() “At first, a child may have cold symptoms,” said Dr. It causes the telltale “barking” cough that mimics that of a seal and the high-pitched, squeaky noise when kids breathe.īut if your child has ever come down with croup, which causes inflammation in the upper airways, it can be a scary experience.
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