Croup is a condition characterised by inflammation of
the larynx or the voice-box. As a result of the swelling,
your child will find it difficult to breathe. Croup attacks
are more likely to occur at night and may last for upto two
hours.
Symptoms:
These include barking cough and noisy breathing (due to
difficulty in drawing air in)
Treatment:
You must consult the doctor if you think your child has
croup as it could in some cases, be life-threatening. The
doctor may prescribe antibiotics or send your child to the
hospital if he is very ill.
If your child has difficulty breathing because of croup,
you can take him into a steamy atmosphere as this will ease
his breathing. You can create such an atmosphere by turning
the hot taps on in the bathroom and sitting there with your
child (all doors and windows closed) or get the water
boiling in a kettle in the kitchen.
