Do I need to do anything particular for Croup?

[Monkeyandanimal]

DS2.5 has what sounds like croup; should I take him to the doctor or just keep him comfy at home? And if he's well except for the cough, is it socially acceptable to take him out and about where he might spread the virus? I would if he had any other cold or cough...even nursery said that they don't expect me to keep kids off just with colds etc....

How bad does he sound? DD had it at 6 months and had to take her to hospital as she also had the strider effect with her breathing and needed steroids.

If he is breathing ok then a steamy shower can help, or a walk outside in cool air. That's what the GP recommended when I asked what to do if it happened again.

Boiling a kettle in the bedroom is also a good way of providing steam and keeping the air moist. It's often worse at night but rarely lasts more than a few days.

Personally I wouldn't be going out and about with a poorly child - they probably wouldn't enjoy the experience. As for being socially acceptable to spread viruses, I think you may get some fairly harsh responses to that one...

Fair enough Clobbered. Thanks for the tips. He's more miserable now he's been lying down for a couple of hours that's for sure; I'll see how he is in the morning and take him to GP if he seems bad.

Afaik croup is contagious and it can make certain people very ill so I'd try and stay away from crowded places etc.

Dd has had croup 3 times fairly seriously and needed steroids each time.

croup

When DS had it aged 5 or 6, ooh doc told me the protocol was to give steroids. He was struggling with it, tbh, and needed about 2 weeks off school before he was fully recovered.
It's laryngitis but children's airways are narrower which leads to the 'bark' at night when they swell.
Steam apparently keeps the parents occupied and feeling useful but serves no effect!

Dd had it when she was about 9 months. I have never been so terrified. She was crawling across the floor to me, and literally lost her breath. The colour drained from her face so quickly. Thank goodness an ambulance was literally sat half a mile away from us.

She was put straight on oxygen, given steroids and we were taken straight to hospital.

If at any point you are over worried, just call 999

Thanks again guys. I'm hoping its a mild case we've got here; he only had about 5 episodes of coughing during the early part of night, each only a few barks; he seems a bit breathless but not struggling; colour good. Now that he's up he's croaky but cheeky as ever. I think I'll take him to doc's to be checked but i think he'll be ok. Sounds like you had a very scary time of it McPhee.

So can adults catch it? Do they get a normal cough and sore throat if they get it? My elderly neighbour is supposed to be calling by for tea today; should i tell her to steer clear? She so looks forward to seeing us.

Well, the croup/laryngitis is caused by a cold, so yes she's at risk of catching that virus, which could lead to the vocal chord inflammation or just (?) a nasty cold/cough.
I'm not a doctor, btw.