How do you treat croup in babies?
Croup is usually caused by a viral infection that causes inflammation of the airways (including the larynx, trachea and bronchi). The majority of cases of croup are caused by a parainfluenza virus.
Younger babies, whose windpipes are small and soft, are the most susceptible. Croup is not as common in older infants because, as a child grows up, the size and strength of the windpipe increases.
Your doctor will examine your child’s breathing and listen for any breathing problems. He or she may also want to check your child’s temperature for a fever and ask about any recent history of illness.
Croup is usually diagnosed based upon the child’s symptoms and signs, including a barking cough and stridor, especially if these findings occur during the fall and winter months. X-ray and laboratory testing are rarely needed.
You should not try to diagnose croup by listening for the sound of your child struggling or crying. Even if your child sounds better, continuing to talk to your child will help you make an accurate diagnosis.
Most cases of croup can be treated at home. Your child will need more fluids than normal when battling croup. You can help your child breathe easier by exposing him or her to moist air. This may be done with a warm, steamy room or sitting with the child in a bathroom filled with steam generated by running hot water from the shower.
Also, try having your child sit with you in a bathroom (not in the shower) filled with steam generated by running hot water from the sink. This will help to decrease the swelling in the airway.
Croup is caused by viruses that can be spread easily through coughing, sneezing and respiratory secretions (mucus and droplets from coughing or sneezing). The majority of cases of croup are caused by a parainfluenza virus.
Younger children are more affected by croup because their airways are smaller. A small amount of swelling can make it very hard for a baby or young child to breathe. Croup may become more severe when a child becomes agitated or upset.
