How to Treat Croup

Croup is a respiratory infection that causes the airways leading to the lungs to become swollen and inflamed. It's characterized by a harsh cough that resembles a seal barking; a raspy sound when inhaling; and a fever. Most affected are children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.

Things You'll Need

• Dehumidifiers

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold and comfort the child. Agitation and fear can worsen symptoms.

• 2

  Use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer. The mist will help relieve airway swelling and loosen secretions.

• 3

  Turn on the shower to steam up the room, and then take the child inside. Sit on the toilet seat or on a chair. Keep the child in the steamy room for 15 minutes. Read a book aloud to help keep him or her quiet.

• 4

  Bundle the child up and take him or her outside into the cool night air (most croup occurs at night). Croup usually responds quickly to moist air.

• 5

  Make your own croup tent. Place the vaporizer under the child's bed. Drape a blanket over a crib (use an umbrella if your child is old enough for a bed). This will trap the steam.

• 6

  Avoid leaving your child alone under the croup tent. You need to stay awake to monitor symptoms.

• 7

  Encourage the child to drink liquids, especially clear ones. This helps to thin mucus.

• 8

  Avoid milk, as it makes secretions thicker.

• 9

  Continue to assess symptoms. If croup doesn't improve after trying several methods of self-care (steam, night air, croup tent) for at least 15 minutes each or seems to be worsening, you may need to go to the emergency room.