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Original poster

Shit, croup. Should I get DD seen?

58 replies

SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 05:21

DD came home from school yesterday feeling unwell. An hour ago she woke me up saying it hurts to breathe and has the typical barking croup cough. She's otherwise alright now, but I'm wondering whether I need to take her to the walk in at a&e. Her temp is 38.5 and I'm worried about not being able to get her seen over Christmas if it gets worse.

Not sure what to do. Opinions please!

OP posts:
Flower35214 · 23/12/2023 05:27

No harm in getting her seen. They usually only treat croup with steroids if you can hear it when they're breathing (stridor). Cold fresh air really helps with croup but definitely get her seen if you feel you need to.

ParsnipAndPoppy · 23/12/2023 05:29

If it gets bad then either cold air outside or open freezer door. Get seen if you can Sat, no harm

mrsbitaly · 23/12/2023 05:30

Oh its awful I remember my daughter having this.

I would ring 111 to get advice as they can arrange a doctor to come out if they feel it's necessary

Also follow the guidance on the NHS website.

It may be very hard seeing anyone right now, I would also ensure you have age appropriate medicine ie calpol/calprofen to help bring the temperature.

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Original poster
SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 05:47

I've called 111 and they've said I need to wait for a clinician to make sure it's not covid? There's no doubt in my mind it's croup so now don't really know what to do.

OP posts:
Original poster
SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 05:47

A call from a clinician I should say

OP posts:
DidIMakeaMistake · 23/12/2023 05:52

cold air on its own won’t solve it, you’ll need dexamethasone too. Can you do a Covid test at home to confirm that?

Original poster
SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 05:55

No covid tests to hand unfortunately and I know I'm not a Dr but it sounds exactly like croup.

OP posts:
Willmafrockfit · 23/12/2023 05:59

steamy bathroom, or cold air

Sirzy · 23/12/2023 06:05

DidIMakeaMistake · 23/12/2023 05:52

cold air on its own won’t solve it, you’ll need dexamethasone too. Can you do a Covid test at home to confirm that?

In most cases no treatment is needed.

111 will be best placed to advice in this particular case if more is needed.

Musiclover234 · 23/12/2023 06:06

If you truly believe it’s croup get her seen before Christmas. She may need steroids. Better to get checked now than on Christmas Day!

Original poster
SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 06:17

Musiclover234 · 23/12/2023 06:06

If you truly believe it’s croup get her seen before Christmas. She may need steroids. Better to get checked now than on Christmas Day!

Edited

Yes this is my thinking! I think we will wait to hear from the clinician to see if we can possibly get an appointment rather than waiting for hours.

OP posts:
cosypompoms · 23/12/2023 06:25

My daughter has had croup twice and the dr just said there's no treatment so I'm surprised by the replies on here.

SD1978 · 23/12/2023 06:30

Croup can be treated with steroids- you can get a normal GP appt for that though.

Longwhiskers · 23/12/2023 06:30

When my daughter was a baby she woke in the night struggling to breathe. After a panicked 111 call my DH took her to A&E when she had some steroids. It came on so suddenly. The nurse in -A&E knew what it was instantly when my DH said she’d sounded like a seal.

StaringAtTheWater · 23/12/2023 06:34

I was told by a doctor that by the time children are four, they are unlikely to need steroids for croup. It's when they are younger and their airways are small that it's dangerous. He said to give ibuprofen regularly at the max allowed dose to reduce inflammation of the airways, so perhaps start her on kids neurofen if you haven't already.

DidIMakeaMistake · 23/12/2023 06:36

I think we all need to be careful not knowing the child’s medical history. You’re doing all the right things OP.

Vettrianofan · 23/12/2023 06:37

Mine have all needed steroids with croup. Best get her checked out OP. For your peace of mind more than anything.

ParsnipAndPoppy · 23/12/2023 06:39

cosypompoms · 23/12/2023 06:25

My daughter has had croup twice and the dr just said there's no treatment so I'm surprised by the replies on here.

That’s not true, dexamethasone is used to relieve the symptoms. DS has been in A&E twice with it and they gave it to us both times. They also said cold, moist air can relieve too as good for airways.

BringMeMyOodie · 23/12/2023 06:44

DS had croup last month and was prescribed Prednisolone by the GP. In the meantime, as others have said, cold air or steam can help relieve symptoms temporarily.

Original poster
SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 06:44

SD1978 · 23/12/2023 06:30

Croup can be treated with steroids- you can get a normal GP appt for that though.

I would usually but it's closed today and will be over Christmas.

OP posts:
Autumn1990 · 23/12/2023 06:45

One of mine has been so bad on two occasions I’ve had to call an ambulance. Croup is usually mild but can be very serious. If you aren’t sure 111 is best.

Greentomatoes21 · 23/12/2023 06:46

We've had steroids for croup before for both our two. Both times drs said def get seen and we were whipped out of the a&e queue just from the sound of the bark/stridor. Even if your daughter seems alright by day, croup seems to worsen again at night so don't be put off.

Bobbybobbins · 23/12/2023 06:48

We were given steroids for my sturdy 6 year old. Could you get hold of a covid test if they are insisting? Or do you have a walk in centre nearby?

Original poster
SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 06:48

I could be waiting a while for the clinician to call back so I'm wondering whether to just take her in regardless. The later I leave it the longer the wait to be seen will probably be.

OP posts:
Original poster
SaunteringDownwards · 23/12/2023 06:49

Bobbybobbins · 23/12/2023 06:48

We were given steroids for my sturdy 6 year old. Could you get hold of a covid test if they are insisting? Or do you have a walk in centre nearby?

The walk in clinic closed in my town last year. Everything is filtered through our local a&e.

OP posts: