Steam for croup or not?

[FluffyCloudsofShit]

My 3 year old has awful croup cough, it's just come on. I've read conflicting things about using steam, not sure if I should use it or not.

We were told to run the shower and let ds breathe in the steam, but that was nearly 20 years ago.

My eldest got croup all the time when he was little. That journey from the house to the hospital and the cool night air always helped him!

But from a paeds nurse POV keep him calm and elevated. Lots of fluids. If you're worried call 111

No to steam, keep them as upright as possible and plenty of fluids. If you are worried call 111 or take to A&E if they are showing signs of respiratory distress.

Two of mine had croup as baby's and young toddler's and I was told to run the hot water in bathroom with door shut.
I would stay in the bathroom with child for an hour or so and it always worked.
This was the advice from the hospital after the first time my child had croup after being brought in by ambulance.

if you can get them to drink sugary warm lemon water it numbs the throat a little and suppresses the cough. I was told that by an NHS call handler

Well we got through the night without it escalating. I opened the windows wide and gave him lots of juice. I got him to sleep almost upright.

Anyone know why steam is not recommended anymore?

It isn't recommended because there isn't enough evidence to say it's helpful and there is a risk of burns if people use kettles/boiling water and bowls.