Strange noise coming from DS

[FoxyBloxy]

He is 21 months. He woke me in the middle of the night crying making a strange noise and is still doing it on and off. It’s really hard to describe. It kind of sounds like he’s struggling for breath but he’s not. Almost like a growl. He’s not coughing. He’s fine in himself, he’s had some milk and acting normal. It’s a really horrible sound to hear and I’ve never heard it before from anyone. It’s not him just making random noises, it’s coming from his throat/chest, it sounds deep. I know this isn’t the best description, I just feel useless.

Like Darth vader? Croup

Google croup and there will be videos you can listen to and see if it's the same noise

Yes, I’d guess croup.

Just googled croup sounds on YouTube, and it sounds just like it. Thanks! Anything I can do for him?

Is he unwell? Has he had a cold or other virus ? is he coughing in the night or when he lays on his back? Could it be catarrh? Does he sound wheezy of grunty? Does his chest suck in when he breathes?

It's hard to say what it is really as your the one heading and seeing him. It could be anything from croup, catarrh, asthma, a chest infection, RSV. I'd phone GP for advice for any worries relating to breathing. Hope he is sounding better soon.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/croup/

Thanks everyone

OP when my little one had croup we found steam was the thing that brought most relief. Use a humidifier, or, if your bathroom steams up as mine does, then run the hot shower and stand with your baby in the steamy room

Humidity helps if it's croup.
I had severe croup as a child (hospitalised a couple of times) and I can remember being held by my parents in the bathroom with the hot water running to fill the room with steam.

Dd used to get that when she had a cold (which was a lot) She sounded like a seal and once lost her voice so would cry silently. 😢

If in any doubt at all, get him checked - the NHS page explains when to ring 111 and when to ring 999.

@FoxyBloxy just check your statement from your OP It kind of sounds like he’s struggling for breath but he’s not against the NHS 999 list which says your child is struggling to breathe (you may see their tummy sucking inwards or their breathing sounds different)

@PopcornChewingGum @DogInATent

The NHS website says don't do this...
Sorry I can't seem to post a photo, but look at the NHS link posted above

Under a certain age (can't remember what) they need steroids to help get over croup. I'd call 111 for advice

Being upright will ease breathing and will help to shift the croup sooner.

When DD had it I wrapped her up warm and went for long walks in the pushchair as it was the most comfortable way to keep her a bit upright but with the entertainment of being outside.

DD had a mild case and it was never a big worry. However I did keep a close eye on her breathing and occasionally count her resp rate and look at her chest to check she wasn't sucking in to breathe.