Croup - how worried should I be?

[TwinklemEGGan]

I should probably search in the archives, but I like talking to people. So..

DS is 8 months old and he woke up early on Thursday morning with a barking cough and noisy breathing. Anyone listening would have thought he was a small dog - it was very alarming. DH stayed up with him and it seemed to settle down.

Thurday night he woke up with the same cough and breathing trouble. We ended up taking him to the out of hours doctor who diagnosed croup and gave us a dose of steroids to give to DS (he took about half).

Today he is still really coughing, though it does sound like more of a productive cough now - not the barking like before. But last night I could hardly sleep at all with worrying about DS.

I don't know what I'm asking really. Could anyone with experience of croup reassure me? The doctor said if it was going to turn serious it probably would have done within hours of it starting (I read it can be fatal which terrified me). Also, does this mean DS will be prone to croup whenever he gets a cold, or was is occasion likely to be just one of those things?

[Callmemadam]

Hi Twink : my very large and very tough rugby playing 16 yr old ds had croup EVERY time he had a cold for years and years, and still even now loses his voice from time to time. It's his 'weak spot' iyswim. His first attack was about the same age as your ds. Steroids is a bit extreme as a remedy IMHO, especially at that age. The quickest and possibly most effective remedy is steam, so I used to shut myself and baby in the bathroom and run the hot tap to fill the room with steam. Boiling a kettle nearby also helps. There are also very effective easibreathe tablets you can plug in near the cot which will help.as do wet towels draped over hot radiators. Keeping rooms cool and aired seemed to keep attacks at bay. The attack sounds very very frightening but is usually not as serious as it sounds. Obviously I don't know why the GP prescribed steroids ( there are GPs on MN who may tell you) but I would ask yours for a second opinion. HTH

[TwinklemEGGan]

Thanks Callmemadam. I was a bit surprised as well about the steroids, and the doctor did say that many people reckon a mild case will resolve itself, but I guess he was being cautious. I did feel reassured actually at getting some treatment or I really would have worred myself stupid all night.

[Callmemadam]

Don't worry . Since he still has a cough, prop the cot up with a couple of bookes under the legs at the head end. Have you any Olbas oil or Vick in the house? If so, you could put some on a muslin and place near him, but not too close. If he starts to bark again, head into the bathroom and get as steamy as you can. The damp air relaxes the throat and stps the attack. Let me know how you get on!