What do I do if my baby has croup?
How Is Croup Treated?
- Use a cool-mist humidifier or run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 10 minutes.
- In cooler weather, taking your child outside for a few minutes to breathe in the cool air may ease symptoms.
Should I take my baby to the doctor for croup?
In most cases of croup, your child won’t need to see a doctor. However, if your child’s symptoms are severe or aren’t responding to home treatment, you should call your doctor.
How does a baby get croup?
Croup is usually caused by a viral infection, most often a parainfluenza virus. Your child may contract a virus by breathing infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Virus particles in these droplets may also survive on toys and other surfaces.
When should I take my child to the hospital with croup?
Severe croup can cause breathing difficulties in general but if your child’s skin “caves in” around their neck or ribs when they try to inhale, you should seek urgent medical treatment. Serious infections can also cause stridor , which is noisy breathing, often high-pitched, caused by the narrowing of the airway.
Can a 6 month old get croup?
Croup usually affects young children aged between six months and three years, with most cases occurring in one-year-olds. However, croup can sometimes develop in babies as young as three months, and older children up to 15 years of age. Adults can also get croup but this is rare.
Is croup painful for baby?
Croup can be uncomfortable and unsettling for your little one. But most mild cases of this condition can actually be treated at home. Here are four ways to make your baby more comfortable if they have croup. Keep them calm.
How do I treat my 5 month old with croup?
Treatments for croup include:
- Humidity and cool air are the most important treatments for croup.
- If your child wants to sit up, do not force him to lie down.
- You can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) for a temperature more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not give your child aspirin.
How do I get my baby to sleep with croup?
Use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer in your child’s room. Keep your child well hydrated. If your child wakes up in the middle of the night, try to keep her calm, as being upset or crying can make croup worse.
Why does croup get worse at night?
Croup can occur any time of day, but it is usually worse at night because the body’s natural steroid levels fall at night, making the swelling of the voice box worse.