Croup

Croup is an infection that causes the windpipe and voice box to swell. It is known for the barking cough it produces as well as the crowing noise when your child inhales. There is a mild fever and croup is generally slightly worse at night. It normally lasts 5-6 days and most commonly affects children between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.


What To Do

Most cases of croup are mild and pass quickly. Give your child plenty to drink and let them get plenty of rest.

Try and keep your child's bedroom humidified at night by placing wet towels on the radiators.

To ease particularly bad bouts fill the bathroom with steam and take your child inside and stay there for at least 10-15 minutes.

Alternatively, put a warm moist tea towel over the mouth and nose of your child and get them to inhale and exhale for about 10-15 minutes.

Occasionally the swelling of the airways leads to breathing difficulties. If your child has trouble breathing or is turning blue seek medical assistance immediately.