Think dd has Croup - any tips?

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

She is 2 1/2 (nearly) - today she has shown all the signs of a cold, very snotty etc. and tired, grumpy.

Gave her Calpol etc. and put her to bed as normal but she woke an hour ago very slightly feverish, congested with a barking cough and clearly having difficulty breathing in. She has settled again now (in bed with me) but her breathing is still laboured and the signs seem to point to croup - not severe but worrying as I have not come across it before.

Have tried to prop her up a bit with pillows and she will stay in room with me (dh has opted for the sofa). Is there anything else I could/ should do for her?

Agree with mms, they prescribe steroids for croup and the sooner they're started the better.

There are a couple of key signs to check for if a child's breathing is in distress. One is if their ribs suck in when they take a breath - you'll see them cut into the top of the tummy, another is if the notch at the top of the chest shows, again when they breathe in.

If your child has either/both, get them seen asap.

Unfortunately they're ones I recognise v quickly - ds2 has viral induced wheeze which is similar to croup. He's just recovering from a bout now and is on oral steroids and a nebulizer. No fun for a 4yr old.

I am glad that I just managed with a steamy atmosphere. I wouldn't be keen on giving steroids to such a young child.

Took him up to the badger clinic at the local hospital. They checked him over and sent him home with instructions to keep an eye on him for 48 hrs and take him back if we have any concerns!