Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

Original poster

I think DD has croup - is there anything I can do?

10 replies

muminthecity · 08/04/2011 21:02

The poor thing has been ill for a week now, first with a stomach bug now with this awful cough. She has been coughing constantly for the last 2 days, it has definitely got worse today. She sounds like a dog barking, it's painful to listen to. I am planning to take her to the GP tomorrow morning, but is there anything I can do in the meantime? She is propped up with loads of pillows in bed and has had cough medicine (which does nothing) and is drinking plenty of water. She's asleep now but still coughing. Is there anything else I can do for her?

She's 5 by the way.

OP posts:

BananaGio · 08/04/2011 21:29

Does it sound like a seal barking? Croup is a really distinctive cough. Fresh air can help so could be worth opening the window. if gets really bad take her to A&E as she may need steroids. We were told for ds that if when he lies flat and es in, the hollow at the base of the throat is indenting noticably then he will probably need steroids. Poor thing, hope she's better soon, its a nasty illness.

mumblechum1 · 08/04/2011 21:31

When ds2 had that I got my my mate (GP) round at midnight because I was so worried and he recommended steam. I put him in the bathroom with both the shower and bath running v hot and the steam did seem to help for that night, but got him on steroids the next am

BananaGio · 08/04/2011 21:33

should say breathes in not es in-no idea what happened there!

rattlesnake · 08/04/2011 21:42

Steam seemed to help my DS when he had it bad too...filled bathroom with hot steam and sat in there 20 mins...also have vics warm mist humidifier now which I put on if it gets bad. Hope she is better soon x

fidelma · 08/04/2011 21:57

all mine have had it and I always steam them in the bathroom.We usuallyt have a bath together and I also leave the shower running on hot.Never needed any drugs.

Original poster

muminthecity · 08/04/2011 22:05

Thank you for all the advice. It definitely sounds like croup. I have propped her up as much as I can and opened the window (it's really hot and stuffy here.) I will definitely give the steam a try.

OP posts:

PixieOnaLeaf · 08/04/2011 23:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

ShowOfHands · 08/04/2011 23:38

DD has croup atm. Fresh, circulating air, being propped up a bit and tlc is all we've ever found. Do heed Pixie's list. It will likely pass on its own. It sounds horrid and is distressing but just keep an eye out, do what you can and hope for a speedy recovery.

Original poster

muminthecity · 09/04/2011 00:57

She doesn't have any of the severe symptoms and has been asleep for the last 2 hours without coughing so I think she'll be ok. Will keep her propped up with windows open for the rest of the night. Thank you again, I appreciate all of your comments.

OP posts:

MmeBucket · 09/04/2011 01:17

Glad that she's better. I've been dealing with DS and croup at least 4x a year for the past 6 years, and in case it comes back for your DD, turmeric was a godsend for us. I gave DS about 1/2 to 1 tsp in a big blop of honey or agave nectar, and for the past few years, it has helped not as a miracle cure, but it eased the symptoms enough that we haven't had to go to the ER (or I guess a+e in your case) for the past few years instead of every time he gets sick.

Flip