CROUP

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR  CROUPY COUGH

  1. Humidifier: If the air is dry, run a humidifier in the bedroom.  (Reason: dry air makes croup worse.)
  2. Coughing Spasms: For coughing spasms, give warm fluids to relax the airway (warm apple juice or caffeine-free tea) (Avoid if < 4 months old)
  3. Cough Medicine for Mild Coughs: These are less helpful than warm mist. After age 1, use corn syrup 2 to 5 ml whenever needed as a homemade cough medicine. It can thin the secretions and loosen the cough. After age 4, use cough drops or hard candy. Remember, coughing up mucus is very important for protecting the lungs from pneumonia.
  4. Cough Suppressant for Severe Coughs: Use dextromethorphan (DM) which is present in most cough syrups. Do not use under 1 year old.  See dosage chart.
  5. Fever Medicine: For fever > 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
  6. Observation During Sleep: Sleep in the same room with your child for a few nights.  (Reason: croup can suddenly become severe at night.)
  7. Avoid Tobacco Smoke: Active or passive smoking makes coughs much worse.
  8. Contagiousness: Your child can return to day care or school after the fever is gone and your child feels well enough to participate in normal activities. For practical purposes, the spread of croup and colds cannot be prevented.
  9. Expected Course: Croup usually lasts 5 to 6 days and becomes worse at night.
  10. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Stridor (harsh raspy sound) occurs
    • The croup lasts > 10 days
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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