Croup is a common respiratory problem in young children. It usually occurs a few days after the start of a cold and is usually caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold.
Your child may have symptoms of a hoarse voice, a harsh bark-like cough, and possibly wheezing upon inhaling or even appears to have some difficulty breathing. The symptoms are caused by the swelling and narrowing of the voice box, windpipe, and breathing tubes that lead to the lungs filled with mucous, compressing the air current resulting in the scary breathing sounds.
Croup mostly occur during the winter season and may suddenly attack at night causing poor sleep, barking cough, hoarse voice and wheezing.
In addition to medicines, inhaling cold damp air will help open up the breathing tubes. Try letting your child breathe in a face steamer or running a hot shower to create steam and let the bathroom fill with steam then have your child breathe in the moist air for 10 to 15 minutes.
Try to stay calm during an attack, and soothe your child. Your child’s crying can make the swelling in the windpipe worse and make it even harder to breathe.
If your child continues to have difficulty breathing or the symptoms have not improved 30 minutes after an attack, go to the emergency room immediately.