Who knows about Croup?

[Astrid]

I find the best ones ones at knowing whether it is croup or not are the old ED nurses, they seem to know more about it than the Dr's. I had one argued that it was on the wrong breath, but thankfully still gave a dose of redipred which helped a lot.

[christy]

I'd be suspect too Mel, only because generally croup goes away, of course he wouldn't still be coughing! That would be something other than croup.

[Janie]

Kids with croup can seem fine during the day, but have the croup "bark" cough for a couple of nights. Often it is worse the second night (although that has never been our experience).

Yep, cold air is the best. But remember, you don't want a cold child, just a cold airway! So a few minutes at a time is fine. I have heard that it's the change in atmosphere that helps, so going from the cold, to the steamy bathroom, and back into the cold is the best way to help. If after a couple of goes at the night air you are still concerned then it might be time to head to the hossy. And if your child is very lethargic or unresponsive, but still suffering with stridor (which is the wheezy sort of sound they make when breathing in), then it's definitely time to head to hossy.

Croup does come along with a virus, so that's the part that contagious, not the croup so to speak. It sounds as though he may have had mild croup Mel, hopefully it's all over now!

[MantaRay]

Thanks everyone. Well, he's been pretty miserable but he perked up a bit this afternoon so fingers crossed he's getting better.