subject: Croup Cough And Its Facts [print this page] Author: altruist Author: altruist
The swelling of the tissue around the layers of the voice box or windpipe is called Croup. The croup results in a tight and barking cough. As the child's windpipe is narrow, it affects the breathing of the child. Though, older children and teenagers also suffer from it, the croup usually attacks infants or the children under the age of five.
Croup Cough, also called laryngotracheobronchitis is a common childhood viral illness. Like most viral illnesses, there is no cure for croup. Nonetheless, there are many symptomatic treatments that can help the infected child feel better faster.Children most prone to Croup lie in the age group of six months and three years. They are more prone to this viral infection during the late fall, winter and early spring. The common symptoms of Croup Cough are a runny nose and a brassy cough.
Croup usually affects children under five and manifests in a harsh barking cough with strained, heavy breathing. These symptoms are often accompanied by a high fever, irritability, and restlessness. It is caused by an inflammation of the main airways to the lungs.
Epiglottitis may becomes life threatening in some of the cases and should be taken more seriously. It can be diagnosed by a doctor and a antibiotic therapy.Croup can be a scary illness. The sudden onset and breathing difficulties are alarming. A doctor can treat the illness effectively
Treatment:
Make your child as comfortable as possible
Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest and drinks plenty of fluids
Increase the amount of liquids that he or she drinks
You can give acetaminophen (brand names: Children's Tylenol, Infants' Tylenol) for chest discomfort or discomfort due to fever, though medication for cough is not recommended at such an early age
Use a humidifier in your child's bedroom
Cool air might help reduce the swelling in your child's airways. Therefore, you can take your child outside for a few minutes may bring some relief during cooler months.
The croup cough can be treated at home when it is in initial stage or is in mild condition. For treatment at home cold, moist air through a humidifier is often used. The other method is to keep the affected child in a steamy bathroom. The doctor's services should be used when the croup cough becomes more severe. A short course of oral corticosteroids with humidified air will be useful in relieving the swelling responsible for the symptoms of croup and for easing the cough.
The normal precautions here to be adopted are that during the day time the affected child should take rest, avoid cough medicines (unless specifically prescribed by the doctor) and take a lot of fluids. Croup that develops because of bacteria, includes epiglottitis. Epiglottitis may becomes life threatening in some of the cases and should be taken more seriously.
Ensure the child rests and drinks a lot of fluids, including hot water mixed with fresh lemon juice and a teaspoonful of honey.Diet and Nutrition Offer plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the child's daily diet.About the Author:
