Most cases of croup do not need to be treated because the condition is usually self limiting (gets better on its own) and tends to only last for a short period of time. However, if croup affects your child’s breathing, it can be an irritating and, occasionally, a distressing condition.

Comforting your child

If your child is distressed, sit them upright on your lap. It will also provide comfort and reassurance to the child by having you there. This is important because if your child is crying and distressed, it may make their symptoms worse. A mild case of croup can be treated at home. If your child has a fever, painkillers, such as paracetamol, will help to lower their temperature. You should also make sure that you give your child plenty of fluids to ensure that they remain well hydrated.

Self-treatment

You should not give your child any medicine that may make them drowsy. Children often find it easier to breathe when they are alert. While your child is sleeping, propping them up with pillows may make it easier for them to breathe. If your child has croup, it is important that they avoid smoky places because smoke may irritate their airway. Do not smoke around your child, and keep a window open to circulate fresh air.

Cough medicines, short acting beta-agonists (as often used in inhalers to treat asthma), and decongestants are of no benefit to treating croup.

Liquid paracetamol

Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are available in liquid form, making them ideal for young children. You can get liquid paracetamol over-the-counter (OTC) from pharmacies and from some supermarkets. Do not give paracetamol to your children if they have previously had any adverse reactions, or sensitivity, to the medication.

Children who are under 16 years of age should not be given aspirin.

Babies and children who are over three months of age can be given ibuprofen as long as they weigh over 5kg (11lb). As with paracetamol, you should not give children ibuprofen if they have a history of adverse reactions, or sensitivity, to it.

Speak to your doctor, or pharmacist, if you are unsure about what type of painkiller is suitable for your child. You should also make sure that you read the dosage information on the packaging, or the patient information leaflet, that comes with the product, and that you follow the instructions about how much medicine to give your child.

Breathing difficulties

You should visit your doctor if you are worried about your child’s breathing. Your doctor may decide to give your child soluble steroids to drink in water. A single dose of steroids, which reduces inflammation and swelling (corticosteroids), have been shown to benefit children with mild, moderate, and severe croup.

Hospital treatment

If your child is admitted to hospital with croup, they will probably be given oxygen to help them to breathe easier. Your child may also be given steroids to reduce the swelling of their airways. If your child has difficulty drinking and getting fluids, the hospital may give your child fluids through an intravenous drip (through their vein) in order to keep them hydrated. In less than 1% of croup cases, a child may need intubation. This is when a tube is inserted either through a nostril, or the mouth, and down into the trachea (windpipe). Intubation will help your child to breathe more easily.

Complications of croup

Complications that develop from croup are unusual, but they can include the onset of a secondary infection, such as pneumonia. It is also possible for children who were born prematurely, or with an under developed upper airway, to be more susceptible to croup. When this happens, the child may need to be hospitalised for observation.

Severe croup rarely blocks a child’s airway completely. However, if this does happen, medical attention is needed immediately and the child may need to be put on a ventilator. If your child experiences severe breathing difficulties, call for emergency medical help and ask for an ambulance. A blocked airway can result in death if it is not treated immediately.

If your child has a blue tinge around their mouth, or their neck, or ribcage, is drawn in when they breathe, you should also call for emergency medical help. These signs suggest that your child is not getting enough oxygen.

Preventing croup

There is not much that can be done to prevent croup because the infection is often spread through infected droplets of moisture being passed on through the air, following coughs and sneezes. Therefore, the condition can be easily transmitted from one person to another.

However, to prevent the spread of infections, such as croup, you should teach your child to practice good personal hygiene from an early age. For example, they should wash their hands regularly, and always cough and sneeze into a tissue, before discarding it immediately.

Related articles:

1. Croup infection
2. Inflamed air­ways — Bron­chitis
3. Res­pir­at­ory tract infec­tion — Bron­chi­olitis
4. Chest infec­tion in adults 
5. Chronic obstruct­ive pul­mon­ary dis­ease 
6. Asbestosis – Chronic lung dis­ease 

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