Croup is a common respiratory infection among young children, and it’s especially common during the winter months. If your child is suffering from a scary-sounding cough, chances are that you can successfully treat it in the comfort of your own home!

Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team further highlights croup below, so read on!

What Is Croup?

Croup is a respiratory infection caused by the parainfluenza virus, and it almost exclusively affects children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years old.

Croup causes swelling and inflammation of the upper respiratory system, which can lead to breathing difficulties and a harsh cough that sounds like a seal or a dog bark. Adults and children over the age of 5 are less likely to get croup because their respiratory tracts are larger and less impacted by enlargement of the voice box and windpipe. The following are the most prevalent croup symptoms.

Common Croup Symptoms

• Loud barking cough that’s further aggravated by things like crying, anxiety and agitation, which can cause a cycle of worsening signs and symptoms
• Fever
• Hoarse voice
• Noisy, restricted breathing

Is Croup a Treatable Illness?

Croup is a very treatable illness! Croup may be treated in the comfort of your own home in most cases, and it usually goes away in three to five days.

When your child develops croup symptoms, one of the most important things you can do to is to keep him or her calm and comfortable, as crying and agitation can exacerbate airway swelling. To assist your child in feeling more relaxed, hold him or her, sing lullabies or read stories. In addition, we’ve included some suggestions below on how you can help your child feel better and recover quickly.

Ways to Treat Croup at Home

• Hold your child in a comfortable upright position. Sitting upright may make breathing easier.
• Make sure your child is staying hydrated. Water can work to flush out all types of infections, including croup.
• Encourage rest. Sleep can help your child fight the infection.
• Try a fever reducer. If your child has a fever, OTC medications like acetaminophen can help.
• Skip the cold medications. OTC cold medicines aren’t recommended for children of any age, and they can be harmful in children less than 2 years of age. Plus, they won’t help croup.

We’re here now and always for you and your family! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Boulder center today.