How to Treat Your Child's Croup

Hearing your child barking like a seal is a terrifying experience. The sound is actually the child coughing as his throat is slightly swollen. This is caused by a viral infection, croup. While there is not cure for croup, there are a few things you can do to treat the problem and help your child breathe easier again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• cool mist humidifier
• outdoor air
• steam

1. The best thing to do for a child with croup is to take him outside. The air outside has more moisture than inside. The cool air will soothe her throat as she breathes. It is best to stay in the cool weather for 15-20 minutes. If the coughing returns, try again. Of course, if it is cold out then you will need to bundle your child to avoid other weather related problems.
2. Cool mist humidifiers are also a great way to increase the humidity in the home. They are fairly inexpensive and can be run during the day or night. The sound of the humidifier may actually soothe your child to sleep, an added bonus!
3. Many parents take the child into a bathroom filled with steam. The humidity the steam provides opens the airway without having to get bundled to go outside. The child will need to remain in the steamed room for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to avoid contact with the hot water to avoid serious burns.

Tips & Warnings

• Try the cold outdoor air before the steamed up bathroom to avoid wasting water.
• If using a humidifier, keep it running for several days after to avoid a recurrence.
• If the child's coughing does not lessen or becomes worse with home treatment, see a doctor immediately to rule out severe croup or more serious conditions.