CROUP…What’s with this cough?

How did a seal pup get into my babies room? If you have heard a croupy cough before, you know exactly what I mean. 

Croup is caused by a viral respiratory infection and mainly occurs in the fall and winter months. We have been seeing an increase in croup associated with COVID-19 this season. It is most common in children 6 months to 5 years. This respiratory viral illness leads to swelling in the upper airways and around the voice box (larynx) causing this classic SEAL bark cough. It is typically worse in the middle of the night and improves during the day.

Croup is most often mild but can sometimes become more severe causing more difficulty in breathing. Severe croup will cause your child to make a high pitched whistling sound when they breath in. This is called stridor. 

Since croup is caused by a respiratory virus, it often comes along with nasal congestion, runny nose and/or fever. You may also notice your baby or child sounds hoarse. Symptoms of croup generally resolve within 7-10 days and cough usually improves within the first few days. 

Is it contagious? Croup is caused by a respiratory virus. Viruses are contagious but not everyone will develop the same symptoms of croup.

What can you do at home?

Mild croup can be treated at home with the same supportive care you would give during any viral illness: Increased fluids, Tylenol or ibuprofen for fever, plenty of rest, and honey for cough in children over the age of 1. 

To help with worsening cough in the middle of the night you can also try:

1) steaming up the bathroom with a hot shower

2) Cool mist Humidifier in your child’s room

3) Standing in front of an open freezer with your child taking a few breaths.

4) Or go outside into the cold air (doesn’t work as well in Florida haha)

You will want to call your medical provider or book your telemedicine visit with  House Calls for Kids. Our providers can prescribe a single dose of steroids which will significantly reduce inflammation in the airways and improve your child’s barking cough.

When to seek help?

If the above home treatments aren’t working and your child seems to be in distress or becoming less active, it is time to get help! You should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Persistent stridor (the whistling when your child breathes in) is treated with a nebulizer treatment with Racemic Epinephrine. If your child needs this therapy they will also require a period of observation in the ER.