Croup is mainly caused by a viral infection of the airways.
Mainly affects babies and young children.
Usually mild but can occasionally need extra help.
Symptoms include:
- Barking cough (may sound like a seal)
- Horse voice
- Breathing affected – high pitched raspy sound when breathing in, difficulties breathing
- High temperature (fever)
Often worse at night
Progression
- May start with cold like symptoms
If there are any signs of croup it is important to book a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.
How long does croup usually last?
- Mild croup usually improves within 2 days.
Signs croup could be more serious and hospitalisation needed – Call ambulance or go to hospital immediately:
- Struggling to breathe – changes in breathing sounds, grunting noises, stomach sucking under ribcage
- Sleepier than normal
- Difficulty waking child
- Feels like a ragdoll, limp and floppy
- Significant behaviour change – especially being very restless and angry
- Drooling, swallowing difficulties
- Skin colour changes – blue grey or paler (on darker skinned people look at hands and soles of feet)
Croup treatment:
- Typically steroid medication such as Dexamethasone and Budesonide is given to help open up the airways and reduce difficulty breathing. Either by the GP or in hospital.
- This can help shorten the illness and manage symptoms.
- Calpol or Nurofen can be given to help manage pain and fever accordingly
To help manage croup at home:
- Plenty of fluids and rest
- Avoid lying down where possible – sit child upright (cough often worse lying down)
- Nurofen or Calpol for high temperature
- Avoid steam inhalation
When can a child with croup return to school/activities:
- At least 24 hours after fever has gone
- Feeding normally
- No breathing difficulties
- Contagious for at least a few days after infection has begun.
SOURCES:
Shobz Pharmacy 