Could it be croup?

[desperatehousewife]

DS woke this morning crying with this awful sea lion like coughy/cry - seems happy enough now though. He's got a cough which I can only imagine is croup but no other symptoms - do I need to take him to the doc or will it just go away as fast as it came?

How old is he ? If under 1 think I'd see a doctor anyway, but it does sound like croup. Tends to be worse at night though, lots of sitting in a closed bathroom with hot taps going or kettle boiling in a small room may help or a humidifier.

However if he develops any other symptoms such as problems with breathing -wheeziness, sucking in under ribs - temperature, sickness, generally unwell definitely see a doctor as dd's bronchiolitis sounded similar.

Lizs - thanks for response. He is 2.5yrs and seems to have a bad cold with it. Will check temperature. He's quite wingey too (nothing new there though!)

Could be croup. Try taking him outside in the cold fresh air. If he is really prone to croup when he has colds I would get him to a doctor. My DS got an inhaler, but he had quite severe croup.

never had it before

ooops posted before I'd finished message! He's never had it before - has no other symptoms - no temperature, no struggling to breathe.

Does croup tend to get worse/how long does it last/am I ok not to bother with doctor unless he gets bad?

Sorry for all questions - good to know there is a network there of parents who know more than I do!!

Thank you

I don't think there are any rules for croup. It could be one night once in their lives or it could be repeated attacks. It normally eases with age, at least has done so for my children. They normally get attacks when they have got colds, but the cold doesn't have to be very bad and it often comes on suddenly.We have had to go to hospital a few times when the attacks have been really bad, but it's normally only serious for babies. I think I would take my child to the GP if he has anther attack just to have a chat. I think you should report it, but I know plenty of parents who have never consulted their doctors and deal with the croup themselves. Personally I find it quite scary, but that's because my children have had quite bad attacks. I hope it's just a one-off for your child!

thanks fairy mum - appreciate your thoughts. Can imagine if it's bad it can get really scary. I think we have been very lucky as this seems to be v mild.