1. Doctor's Office Treatments
The raspy, wheezing that your child makes, that unmistakable sound called stridor, is probably the most alarming symptom of laryngeotracheobronchitis, commonly called croup. Croup is also characterized by a cough that makes your child sound like a barking seal. If you've taken your child to the doctor's office or hospital for croup, most likely the doctor gave him humidified oxygen or a cool mist. It helps to open up airways, soothe irritation and thin mucosal secretions. This eases your baby's throat discomfort, reduces inflammation and allows the cough to lessen.
2. Steroid Medications
Intravenous, oral or injected steroids can benefit kids with more severe croup, such as those with stridor. Croup is usually a viral illness, so antibiotics are not effective. The doctor will want to monitor your child's symptoms for a few hours after the treatment is over, and if she is not better, she will likely be admitted to the hospital for closer observation.
3. Self-Care
Running a hot shower or a cool-mist humidifier is the easiest thing you can do for your baby's or child's croup at home. In fact, it's very similar to what your doctor would do at his office or in the hospital. After about 15 minutes, your child's airways should be less inflamed and irritated. If you don't have a humidifier (which you can pick up at a department store or pharmacy), keep the window cracked while you sit in a steamy bathroom with the water running. If you use a humidifier or vaporizer, don't use medicines in it, since this can irritate your child's throat instead of making it feel better.
4. Go Outside for a Few Minutes
Dress your child warmly on cold days, and take him outside for about 15 minutes. Outdoor air is often more moist than indoor air and can help clear your child's lungs, nose and throat.
5. OTC Medications for Fever or Pain
Check with your doctor if your child is experiencing any sore throat pain or fever. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually enough to control fever and sore throat pain that may accompany croup. Remember not to give aspirin to anyone under the age of 19 to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but possibly fatal disease.
