Croup - shouldn't he be a bit better by now?

[LittleSF]

Just looking for some advice on what to do next. Our 22 month old was diagnosed with croup by out-of-hours doctor on Monday evening. He was prescribed a steroid and an antibiotic and had his first dose of both on Mon night.

He was okay during the day but we've had an awful night so far - he's been coughing pretty solidly for the past three hours. His breathing is quick and heavy. I just would've thought that the steroid would've eased the cough by now (he had a second dose on Tuesday morning and will get his last dose in about four hours). Or is this normal with croup?

I have a referral letter from the GP for A&E - she said to use my own judgement and to go in if I was worried. I did think that he wouldn't be as bad tonight - if anything, he seems worse.

Does anyone know if this is normal with croup or not?

Does he sound like a seal?
Does he appear distressed?
Look at his tummy. Is he sucking in his tummy/chest/ribs when breathing?
If yes then go to hospital.
Croup is viral and can improve or worsen even with medication.

Thanks so much for the post - while his cough was very bad and barking he didn't have the other signs you mentioned. We went back to the GP this morning and he says it's just the croup running it's course. No fun but not serious. Still coughing and off his food, hopefully he feels better soon. Croup is awful, it really is.

That's good yo hear

well gp could have told you what signs to look out for eg breathing rate much higher than typical -eg 50 breaths per minute; really struggling to breathe; chest depressing (going in) very severely; ' extremely agitated etc

olbas oil can help a lot steam in room or put on clothing/pillow.

(typicall = Normal respiratory rates:
•12 years: 15-20 breaths per minute.