5 Best Things You Can Do to Help Your Child During the Croup

The croup is a virus that can come and go every year or every other year for some kids. It is a respiratory illness that needs close monitoring. The virus is unstable in the home or environment and can survive only a few hours on surfaces. It can be eliminated effectively with just hand washing, some soap and water. The virus can be spread through contact with a person that is infected or contaminated objects. Infection occurs when the virus comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth through someone's sneeze or cough. The most serious croup occurs in young children.

If your child is having difficulty breathing and they are wheezing constantly you should take their temperature. If the temperature is above 100 degrees you should call the doctor. The 5 best things you can do for your child during this respiratory illness as soon as possible include Sitting them in the shower with you or in the bathroom with the door closed so the steam can open up airways and relieve congestion.

You can take them for a walk in the stroller around the block or just in the backyard for 15 minutes. This will get them some fresh air and could help them. The weather should not be too extreme and the child should be dressed appropriately.

Liquids are extremely important much more than solid foods. Serving your child some warm apple juice is a good idea to keep the child hydrated and help loosen mucus. Water, juice and Gatorade are good choices to give them and keep them busy with drinking those liquids.

Using a humidifier in your child's bedroom is a great way to get the stale dry air in there more moist. There are several different types of humidifiers and scents you can add to allow moisture to fill the air. If the weather permits, crack open the bedroom window to get some fresh air and a cool breeze.

If they have a fever, go to your local pharmacy and buy some infant or children's Tylenol. It comes in drops for infants or flavored liquid for children. The generic version such as Walgreen's brand has the same active ingredients and probably costs less. It is important to lower the fever but, consult your pharmacist or doctor regarding how much medicine you can give the child.

Sleep is probably one of the best things you can let your child do. It allows their immune system to put all of its energy into getting rid of whatever is making your child ill. Sleeping 12 hours along with 2 or 3 hour naps is just average for 2 or 3 year olds. Keeping the child well rested and comfortable speeds up the amount of time it takes them to regain their normal energetic and playful personality.

Sources:

www.cdc.gov

personal experience