Can croup come out of nowhere?

[chopqueen]

Dd is 3.5, we've been out and about today, went for lunch then a local fete where she went on a couple of fairground rides- no signs of being poorly, no runny nose or cough, eating fine, she's just woken up absolutely hysterical with a croupy sounding cough! She's in bed with me now and I can hear her breathing while she sleeps but no temp or anything, neither of my kids have ever had croup before- anything I can do to alleviate things now? Shall I open a window?

Yes it can, my son was similar a couple of years ago. Day out at a farm and then woke in the night with difficulty breathing. He actually ended up in hospital for two nights but was absolutely fine. Hope your daughter is better this morning. I’d take her to docs if you have any concerns.

Wow poor boy! Glad things turned out okay. Dd is absolutely fine this morning! It's very strange! Was still breathing a bit loudly first thing but no sign of any cough or croup now. I'm baffled!

Croup is usually worse at night. You may hear croup again if your child gets upset or cries. That's usually how we know that DS has croup. Problem with us is that DS has had it every 6 months of his life (he's now 4) and now has to attend A&E for steroids as soon as I hear it. Luckily the local hospital is only an 8 min drive away and last time we were in and out within 20 mins.

Yes it can. My son started with it last night. He sounds like a seal barking, poor kid.

Thanks all, I always thought it accompanied cold like symptoms which she doesn't have at all, she's full of beans this morning! I'm keeping her off pre school as she's exhausted, but I presume she's contagious so I can't take her to any playgroups?!

I agree it's usually worse at night, you might find he wakes tonight with it in the early hours

Yep it absolutely can. My son had it many many times until he turned five and seems to maybe have grown out of it? It's absolutely worse at night, and gets a lot worse if the child gets upset.

Cold air works best to relieve croup symptoms. Wrap DC up in a blanket and take them outside for a while (if outside is colder than inside..) Elevate their head when they sleep, sit them up to get the coughing over with.

She'll be fine for playgroups if she's not too tired :) It's just like a regular cold if it's mild croup. If the croup is more serious then DC will need a doctor who can advise better. Best of luck! It's awful, I remember it well