GP thinks dd2 has croup

[Marne]

Dd2 has been unwell all week and now has a barking cough, this afternoon i panicked and phoned the gp (i thought she had whooping cough), they were unable to see her but gave advice over the phone, they said it sounded like croup. The dd's have never had croup so i don't know a lot about it. We have filled the room with steam and were trying to get her to sleep. How long will this last? (this is the second night of coughing), the gp gave her antibiotics a few days ago as he thought she might have an infection, will these help with the croup or are they a waist of time?

Barking cough and a loud almost whooping noise on breathing in (stridor) are characteristic of croup. The cause is usually an underlying viral infection. The illness tends to last 3-7 days. Most children get better without any need for medication, although some require steroids if their breathing gets very laboured.

I would suggest continuing the antibiotics as recommended, as they may well have been prescribed to cover different germs to those causing the croup.

Making the room steamy and keeping your child relaxed when they are struggling to breathe are important. If they are really struggling to breathe, ring NHS direct, go to A&E or call your out of hours GP.

You have my sympathy- we're going through it for the 3rd time with my 15mo presently.