Understanding Croup
What is it? Croup is caused by viral infection causing swelling around the voice box. It is characterized by the classic "barking" cough and is typically worse at night and with crying/agitation.
Croup should be diagnosed and treated by a medical provider. Following initial treatment (typically with an oral steroid dose), supportive care can be provided at home for symptom management.
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's croup at home when:
- Your child can easily fall back to sleep if the cough wakes them up
- No difficulty breathing/no breathing too fast between coughs
- Doesn’t have a fever above 102°F for more than 3 days
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for Croup:
- Cool mist humidifier or brief exposure to cool night air can help
- Keep child well hydrated
- Keep child calm, as crying and agitation can worsen symptoms
Safe Medications
- Your provider will likely prescribe 1 dose of dexamethasone, an oral steroid to help relieve symptoms
- Symptoms should improve within 30-60 minutes
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) for fever/discomfort
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- No improvement or worsening after steroids
- Persistent high fever despite treatment
- Repeated croup episodes in short time period
- Stridor (harsh breathing sound) at rest
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Unable to talk, drink, or swallow saliva
- Retractions, head bobbing, or extreme difficulty breathing
- Cyanosis (blue lips, face, or fingernails)
- Extreme agitation or exhaustion
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
