Croup is a condition found mostly in children where the vocal chords and voice box become inflamed due to a virus or other conditions, according to the MayoClinic.com. KidsHealth.org states that symptoms are worse in children between 6 months and 3 years old. Although croup can be alarming due to the harsh and violent coughing, most cases are treatable at home. Always check with a doctor before using any home remedy or natural approach to treating croup. Croup could develop into a serious condition. It is important for the patient to be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Stay Calm
According to AskDrSears.com, the parent should maintain a calm composure and soothe the baby or child with singing or reading books. The condition may be more frightening for the child than the parent because of the inability to control the coughing and hoarseness. If the baby is still breastfeeding, feeding the baby more often can help to calm her and keep her occupied.
Encourage More Sleep
The MayoClinic.com states that more sleep will help the body ward off the infection. Encourage sleep by allowing the child to lie on the couch during the day watching his favorite TV show or video. Keep her comfortable with pillows and blankets that encourage dozing off to sleep. At night, consider having the child sleep in the room with the parents for comfort and care.
Use Cold Air and Humidity
Cold air and humidity will help minimize the cough and soothe the vocal chords, according to KidsHealth.org. Use a cool mist humidifier to raise the humidity in the child's room during the day and at night. It's important to use a cool mist humidifier, as warm mist could make the cough worse and has the potential of burning the child if he touches the unit. Clean the humidifier on a daily basis to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. If it's cool outside, take the child outdoors for a few minutes which can help calm the coughing.
Drink More
Give the child more fluids than normal. Offer the child juice or other liquids that are appealing to her. Drinking more will help thin mucus secretions in the throat that will make the cough more productive. If the child is old enough, give her ice pops, soups and hot herbal tea that will soothe the throat and help loosen any phlegm caught in the throat.
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