This is a list of ailments and conditions that may affect you or your family at certain stages of life. Here you will find information such as the symptoms, and the best way to relieve the situation until a medical professional has been called.
Croup is an infection of the voice box or larynx, which becomes narrowed and inflamed. It is common in children up to the age of four and is rare after the age of five, when the airways become wider.
Croup may be caused by a virus or by bacteria. Rarely, the infection called Haemophilus influenza type B (HIB) can cause a serious form of croup called epiglottitis. Fortunately, your child can now be protected against this and several other serious infections caused by HIB bacteria, through HIB immunisation.
Symptoms, often worse at night, include:
Spasms of coughing which sound like crowing or sea lions barking
Runny nose
Hoarseness
Fever
Grunting noise while breathing in
How you can help
Most cases of croup are mild and do not last long. An attack can be alarming, but try to stay calm and reassuring.
Prop your child into a sitting position
Give plenty of warm drinks
Give the recommended dose of paracetamol if your child is feverish
Increase moisture in the air
Use a room humidifier if you have one. A vaporiser may help if your child is over two years. The alternative is to create a steamy atmosphere – but keep the source of steam well out of the child’s reach.
In the kitchen keep a full kettle simmering on a back burner
In the bathroom, fill the bath with hot water, shut the door and sit with your child till his breathing improves
In the bedroom hang wet towels over a radiator
Medical treatment If your child is distressed, or has difficulty in breathing or swallowing, call your doctor at once or take your child to hospital. He may need to be admitted to hospital for observation, oxygen treatment, or help to keep the airway open.
Even after a severe croup attack, complete recovery is usual within a few days, although the croupy cough may recur up to the age of five years.
With the festive season almost upon us, we'd like to know what best describes your attitude towards spending this Christmas? (Please select one option only)
