Urgent care settings are often the front lines for treating acute minor illnesses in the community. The Pediatric After Hours Care clinic has been seeing and treating many cases of croup in the last few weeks.
So your child has been diagnosed with Croup…What is that and what can you do to help them feel better?
Croup is caused by a viral infection and is usually seen in the fall and late spring. The virus causes narrowing through the Larynx (or voicebox), leading to a hoarse voice, deep “seal-bark” cough, and sometimes a symptom called stridor. Stridor is when you can hear the air moving through the larynx and it creates a high-pitched, wheezy sound. A lot of people hear this and think the child is wheezing, which can be very scary. Since it is not true wheezing from the lungs, Albuterol or “breathing treatments” do not help this symptom. The symptoms usually worsen at night and first thing in the morning. Some children feel very poorly and have trouble sleeping while they are ill. They may seem much better during the day, but the symptoms return in the evening/night-time.
So we know antibiotics do not help viruses, but what can we do to get the child feeling better?
The human body is very effective in fighting off viruses, but we can improve the symptoms while they are ill. A steroid, like Prednisolone or Dexamethasone, may be given to decrease the swelling in the larynx and help lessen the cough and stridor. This medication is given to help avoid significant respiratory (breathing) distress. This is especially helpful for little children, who have little airways. Although the scary “seal-bark” cough will be less, many children will still have some cough remaining. They may also need Tylenol and/or Motrin to help control any fever they may have. Fever control is important because they feel better when the fever is lower and typically rest, eat, and drink better as well. Older children may benefit from over the counter cough medication, but please check with the pediatrician first.
What home remedies can help? Breathing in humidified air often makes their throat feel better. Using a humidifier or steamy bathroom may help. You want to avoid Vicks and other camphor containing products in the humidifier, as this may irritate little lungs. My child always did well if I bundled her up and sat outside with her. The chilly air was soothing to her throat and helped her cough significantly, but the key is making sure they do not get cold.
If your child is feeling ill, it can be scary, and frustrating to hear that there are only a few ways to make them feel better, and no quick fix. We have all been there with our own kids. It is very frustrating and upsetting to feel so helpless. Kids will need a lot of cuddles and TLC, but should improve in a few days.
A medical provider is helpful in diagnosing croup, prescribing the steroids, and making sure there are no other conditions causing your child to feel poorly.
If you notice your child is struggling to breathe or seems to be in distress, they should be seem immediately. If they do not improve after treatment for a few days, or if they worsen, they should be seen again and reevaluated. The Pediatric ER at CFV is available all night, if your child seems like they are in distress. If they can wait until morning, they should see their regular pediatrician or come see us at Pediatric After Hours Care clinic. We are open 7 days a week to serve children birth-18 years for urgent care needs.
