What is croup?

My inspiration for today is my 2nd child who’s currently missing his first day of pre school due to croup.

So what better time to talk about croup, what it is and how as parents we can help.

Croup is a viral infection, mainly affecting babies and younger children. It causes swelling in the airways, most often it is mild and will get better within 48 hours but on occasions will need steroid medication and a hospital stay.

Symptoms of croup include:

• Barking cough

• Hoarse voice

• Difficulty breathing

• ’Raspy’ sounding voice/breathing

Children may have other cold like symptoms including runny nose & temperature. Croup can also be worse in the night.

It’s important if your child has croup to:

• Stay Calm

• Sit your child upright

• Give fluids

• Paracetamol for high temperatures

• Don’t try and look in their throat.

• Seek medical advice if you are concerned

Call an AMBULANCE if your child is struggling to breath and you are worried.

Please listen to this video to hear a croup cough:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7qomuX0Gjw

Source: NHS and HannahSpannah