Croup

[unpsychicsally]

Hello, my DS has croup, started night before last really barking cough, managed to settle him, took him to GP yesterday am who said just keep an eye on him and give him ibruprofen. About 4pm yesterday he had a really bad coughing fit, really struggling with his breathing so took him into a&e who gave him antibiotics, antihistamines and who said to keep giving him ibruprofen and keep my eye on him.

He slept well last night until 3am when the nasty barking cough started again, he seems ok this morning.

I just wondered if anyone could give me any advice or their experience of this as it is such a worry, he has been prone to chest infections and struggled with his breathing when he has one. Because of this I am particularly worried.

Oh, it's horrid isn't it

My DS gets croup every time he has a cold. He has on occasion been prescribed steroids which definitely help. Another thing suggested by the hospital was to take him outside into the cold air when he is in the middle of an attack, as this quickly reduces the inflammation. It works!

Also, some people think a steamy room can help. Close the doors in the bathroom, and run a really hot shower, but try and keep LO cool at the same time...This doesn't seem to work for DS, unlike cold air.

I think most doctors suggest that you try and keep temperature down, and try to minimise inflammation so ibuprofen works, and you are doing the right thing. Luckily, it will get better as your DS gets bigger.

I don't really know why antihistamines would help though?