Is it croup or something else????

[BettySpaghetti]

DS is 20 months old.
Hes been in good health over the last week -not even a runny nose. Then, tonight, about 2 hours after he went to bed he started coughing in the way I imagine croup to sound (laboured breathing, hoarse barking sound whilst coughing and whilst breathing in between coughs).
I sat him up and cuddled him to calm him, put him back down after a couple of minutes and he was fine (breathing back to normal, no more coughing -yet, anyway!)
This happened a few weeks ago out of the blue too. Lasted for few minutes and then fine for the rest of the night.
I've read some of the archived threads on croup (and picked up all the tips for treatment etc)but they seem to suggest childs often poorly beforehand in some way or that the episodes go on for longer.
Can it occur in such short unannounced bursts or has DS got something else?
TIA

It is triggered one of a number of viruses so think it is quite possible to have bouts close together especially at this time of year.

but can it be a bout of only a few minutes and then nothing again for weeks?

Try this link kids health it does refer to spasmodic croup without other signs of infection.

Thanks LIZS and Distracted -the spasmodic croup answers my question about the fact hes not been ill at all.

My ds has had one episode of croup and since then has had, while asleep, the odd barking cough. We have laid awake waiting for it all to kick in again and nothing. So, don't know what it was but sounds like your ds. This has happened twice, maybe three times and coincides with a runny nose/cold, though not a severe one.

What to do if it does develop into a full blown episode;
remain calm and keep ds calm
sit him up
give warm clear liquids (not milky drinks)

My friend whose child regularly has croup attacks found that wrapping him up warm and taking him outside into the garden for a bit really helps. I think it is the cold air and the novelty of it which keeps the child calm and helps him to breath better.

Hope that helps x

Thanks Scarlet -like you said, you find yourself waiting for it all to start again. Last time I spent half the night with one ear open listening out for changes in breathing/barking/coughing etc but he was fine.

my ds suffers from croup in the winter months. i generally sit in the bathroom with the shwer running. this will ease his symtoms for a while. he is terrified of the "barking cough" but, we haven't had an episode this year (touch wood) i'm hoping he has grown out of it. ds is 4 yo