Hello everyone. Welcome to my website. In today’s blog, I will be discussing about croup – a viral infection in kids. And the reason I am writing this blog is that I was unaware of this till my daughter got infected. I want to make parents aware of this infection so that they can take precautionary measures in time.
My experience with croup (viral infection)
It was the Christmas holidays in school so the weather was icy cold when it happened. She got a cough and we thought it was the usual cough & cold. So we were giving her the usual steam and cough medications. On the 2nd or 3rd night, she seemed a bit troubled and sleepless. We were worried and did all we could. In the morning, she vomited and some parental instinct told us to call the emergency services.
The operator asked us a few questions and sent the ambulance immediately. The paramedics came and examined her. They said it’s not a normal cough but a croup which is a viral infection. They gave some medication to her. Then we were taken to the hospital for observation. The doctors then explained it can get dangerous if left untreated and we just got scared. Thankfully we trusted our instincts and called the emergency services on time. Although the doctor said we should have called in the night itself but still we called in time and saved a big tragedy.
So this blog intends to make parents aware of this infection as parents might misunderstand it as a normal cough.
What is Croup?
Croup is a viral infection of the upper airways in kids.
In this, the child has a harsh sound as they breathe in and it is like a barking cough. In medical terms, it is called stridor.
Usually, kids in the age group 6 months to 3 year old are affected but sometimes even younger or older kids are affected too. Most of the cases are mild infection. However, at times things may take a serious turn and kids might need to be hospitalised.
Symptoms of croup
Symptoms of croup include:
- Fever
- Barking cough
- Breathing difficulties.
- Hoarse voice
Symptoms often worsen at night.
Croup is a viral infection associated with barking cough. So, keep an eye on the changes or different sound while coughing.
Treatment
It can mostly be treated with medications prescribed by the doctor but in some cases, hospitalisation is required. . Hospitalisation might be required in cases where kids develop a very high fever with severe breathing difficulties.
Steam inhalation and giving cough medications are not advised
Prevention
Let’s have a look at how to manage croup or prevent infection.
Maintaining proper hygiene can prevent the spread of this infection. Croup is a viral infection similar to cough and the prevention also is same as for cough and colds.
Kids should be taught to sneeze in their elbows or on tissue to prevent the spread of droplets.
Also, some routine vaccinations can provide immunity to some extent against this infection.
So in case your child has a cough and you are confused, it is better to get an appointment with a doctor to rule it out.
I hope this article gave you enough insight about croup infection in kids. Do share with other parents.
Check out other parenting blogs such as How to start solids in your baby’s diet?
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