Managing Croup at Home: Essential Tips and Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know
Doctor explains how to manage croup at home and when to seek urgent medical help. Learn practical tips to ease your child's symptoms and recognize warning signs that require immediate attention.
Disclaimer
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Doctor O'Donovan Medical Education Limited can not provide individual advice. Never ignore professional medical advice from your own health provider because of something you have read or watched here. Educational resources created by Doctor O'Donovan Medical Education Limited are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Topic Breakdown
Croup is a common condition often caused by a virus that primarily affects babies and young children's airways. It's characterized by a distinctive barking cough. If you're not familiar with what croup sounds like, I highly recommend checking out another video on this channel, where you can hear real examples of croup. The link to that video is included in the description box.
If your child has croup, they may initially exhibit cold-like symptoms such as a temperature, runny nose, and cough. They might also have a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, and sometimes a rasping sound when inhaling. Croup symptoms typically worsen at night and usually improve within 48 hours. During this time, you can do several things at home to help manage your child's symptoms.
Firstly, try to stay calm to reassure your child. Children with croup may become distressed, and crying can exacerbate their symptoms. Secondly, it's crucial to sit your child upright on your lap if their breathing is noisy or difficult. Allow them to find the most comfortable position. Thirdly, encourage your child to drink cool drinks regularly, little and often, to soothe their throat and keep them hydrated.
Next, give your child paracetamol, such as Calpol liquid, following the instructions on the bottle. This will help keep their temperature down. If their temperature is high, dress them in cool, loose clothes and don't use anything warmer than a sheet to cover them in bed. It's essential to stay with your child or check on them regularly to monitor their symptoms. Finally, some people find that taking their children outside in cool, fresh air helps relieve their symptoms.
There are also two things you should avoid doing. Firstly, don't put your child in a steamy room or get them to inhale steam. This is not advisable. Secondly, avoid giving them cough or cold medicines; stick to simple paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Now that we've covered these seven things you can do at home to help your child with croup, let's discuss ten important warning signs that might indicate your child needs more urgent medical attention.
The first sign is if your child is going blue around the lips, which could indicate they are not getting enough oxygen. You must call emergency services immediately. The second sign is if they are making harsh noises as they breathe in, known as stridor, that is present all the time, even when they are not upset. I've made another video on the sounds of stridor, so please check that out.
Thirdly, if your child has pauses in their breathing, irregular breathing patterns, or appears to be struggling to breathe, this could indicate they are becoming more unwell. Fourth, if they are too breathless to talk, eat, or drink, this is a concerning sign. Fifth, if they become pale, their skin looks mottled, or they feel abnormally cold to the touch, this may indicate they are becoming more unwell.
The sixth and seventh reasons are linked. If the child is becoming extremely agitated, such as crying inconsolably despite distraction, or if they are confused, or on the other hand, if they are very drowsy and difficult to wake, these are signs of concern. Number eight is if they develop a rash that doesn't disappear with pressure, known as the glass test. I've included a link in the description box detailing how to do this at home.
If your child is under one month of age with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or above, they need urgent medical attention. Lastly, if your child seems to be getting worse or if you're worried, trust your instincts and seek medical care. As a parent or primary caregiver, you know your child best.
In general, if you think your child might have croup, it's worth speaking to your doctor. They may prescribe medicine to shorten the illness if they deem it necessary. You should also speak to your doctor if your child's condition is worsening or if there is no improvement after 48 hours.
If you found this information helpful, please consider liking the video and leaving a comment if you have any questions. If you haven't already, please subscribe to the channel for weekly medical education videos. Remember, this video is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your child, consult your healthcare provider.
For more information, check out the links in the description box. If you're interested in scaling your medical brand on YouTube or sponsoring our videos with your products, please reach out to us. Thank you for watching, and until next time, take care.
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