Croup is an illness that understandably strikes fear into most parents as it can be quite devastating for kiddies. It is one illness all new parents should be aware of, so they can recognise the signs of Croup and be prepared for treatment. As parents we know how hard it is to understand Croup, therefore, we have compiled everything you need to know for future reference.

Croup is an illness that understandably strikes fear into most parents as it can be quite devastating for kiddies. It is one illness all new parents should be aware of, so they can recognise the signs of Croup and be prepared for treatment. As parents we know how hard it is to understand Croup, therefore, we have compiled everything you need to know for future reference:
What is Croup?
Croup is an infection of the larynx, trachea, and the bronchial tubes. Croup is usually a viral infection and is caused by several diverse viruses, including the same viruses that cause the common cold and flu. It is rarely caused by bacterial infection and Croup commonly affects children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years of age. It usually is at its highest chance of occurrences in the Autumn right through to the Winter months. Furthermore, Croup is contagious especially during the first few days of the initial illness. 
Symptoms of Croup
The symptoms of Croup are a cough that sounds like barking and it is tenacious – meaning it doesn’t stop easily. It can make breathing sound harsh and croaky alerting parents to the issue. It can be upsetting for parents to listen to their children during a bout of Croup due to its horrible noises and obvious distress it causes children. At night time children with Croup need to be closely monitored in case Croup develops into breathing difficulties. 
Treatments forCroup include:
  • Cool moist air and saltwater nose drops.
  • Medications for pain and fever while in some cases antibiotics will be required. 
  • Fluids. 
  • A dose of an anti-inflammatory medication may be administered if your family doctor deems it necessary.
  • Cough and cold medications that are available in your local pharmacy can help alleviate symptoms of Croup if children are older than 2 years old. 
NOTE: It is always best to seek medical advice when dealing with children’s illnesses before administering any medication. 
How to help your child at home
  • One of the major things for parents is knowing how to help their child at home and to make it run its course as quickly as possible – usually it takes 3-5 days. 
  • Be there for your child by distracting them with watching movies or reading stories. Keeping your child calm will ease their pain and discomfort. 
  • Moisten the air if you think it will help, many people consider this a good tip, but others consider it a waste of time. However, when a child is ill parents will try anything and that is understandable. Sitting your child in a bathroom filled with steam is easy and though it may not help, it is worth a try. 
  • Get your nipper to sit upright in their seat to ensure breathing is as easy as possible. Alternatively, you can sit your child on your lap to help and comfort them too.
  • Get your child to drink plenty and for babies, water, breast milk or formula is ideal. Older kids may be able for soup, ice pops and water or healthy juices/smoothies. 
  • Let your kiddie sleep and try not to be overly strict about their routine while they are ill. Chances are your child won’t sleep well at night due to the coughing – which gets worse at night and this will leave your child exhausted. Let them sleep when they can and do the same yourself if you can. 
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.emmamadjotters.com.

Topics