These treatments often have drowsy side effects, which can be dangerous when a child has breathing difficulties. If your child has severe croup, they may be given adrenaline through a nebuliser. This will help improve symptoms within 10 to 30 minutes and the effects should last for up to two hours.
A nebuliser allows your child to breathe the medication as a mist. If your child is very distressed and finding it difficult to breathe, they will be given oxygen through an oxygen mask. In rare cases croup may require hospitalisation, where a child may need intubation. During intubation, a tube is inserted either through a nostril or the mouth and passed down into the windpipe.
This will help your child breathe more easily. Intubation is usually performed under general anaesthetic. This means your child will be completely unconscious throughout the procedure so they do not experience pain or distress. Your child may find it difficult to drink fluids as a result of an obstruction in their airway.
However, it is important they have plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If your child refuses fluids, try not to force them. This could distress your child and make the condition worse.
A secondary infection can sometimes develop following the initial viral infection that caused croup. A secondary infection can potentially cause:. Although rare, other possible complications of croup can include middle ear infection and lymphadenitis, an infection of the glands of the immune system lymph nodes.
Home Illnesses and conditions Lungs and airways Croup. Croup See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About croup 2. Symptoms of croup 3. Causes of croup 4. Diagnosing croup 5. Treating croup 6. Complications of croup. About croup Croup is a childhood condition that affects the windpipe trachea , the airways to the lungs the bronchi and the voice box larynx. Read more about the symptoms of croup and diagnosing croup Why does croup happen? Read more about the causes of croup Who is affected by croup?
The condition is more common during the late autumn and early winter months. It tends to affect more boys than girls. A child may experience croup more than once during childhood. Treating croup Most cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home. Read more about treating croup Complications Most cases of croup clear up within 48 hours.
It is extremely rare for a child to die from croup. Preventing croup Croup is spread in a similar way to the common cold, so it is difficult to prevent. Symptoms of croup A child can get croup at any time of the year, although it's more likely to occur during late autumn or early winter. Typical symptoms of croup include: a bark-like cough a hoarse or croaky voice difficulty breathing a harsh grating sound when breathing in, called stridor Stridor is often most noticeable when the child cries or coughs.
Symptoms tend to be worse at night. Some children have cold-like symptoms for a few days before developing croup symptoms. These cold-like symptoms can include: sore throat runny nose cough high temperature fever Although croup symptoms usually only last for a few days, they can occasionally last up to two weeks. When to seek medical advice Croup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and mild cases can be treated at home.
Causes of croup Croup usually develops as the result of a viral infection. It is sometimes called laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis Parainfluenza virus The parainfluenza virus is the most common cause of croup.
Other viruses A number of other viruses can also cause croup. Fever a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more. A distinctive, barking cough which may sound like the noise a sealion makes. A rasping or whistling sound when breathing in especially when coughing or upset.
Croup usually clears up by itself within around 48 hours, although in rare cases it may linger for up to 2 weeks. There is no specific treatment for the virus that causes croup. If your baby or toddler has mild croup, it can help to. Whistling or rasping sound when breathing while asleep or resting — not just when coughing or upset Inability to drink or feed.
If croup is diagnosed after a medical examination, the doctor may prescribe your child one of the following forms of treatment:. Oral steroid. Usually in liquid form for your child to drink, it helps reduce the airway swelling. In very serious cases, your child may have to stay in hospital for treatment and so that doctors can monitor his or her condition closely. Croup is an uncomfortable illness for your child, and it can be alarming for you as a parent too.
Croup is a common childhood condition that mainly affects babies' and young children's airways. It's usually mild, but it's important to call NHS if you think your child has croup.
They may need treatment.
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