Although there's no evidence of benefit from these practices, many parents believe that humid air or cool air helps a child's breathing. Comfort or distract your child - cuddle, read a book or play a quiet game. In the meantime, keep your child comfortable with a few simple measures: Your child likely will need to be observed in the emergency room for several hours to see if a second dose is needed before going home.įor severe croup, your child may need to spend time in a hospital to be monitored and receive more treatments.Ĭroup often runs its course within 3 to 5 days. It's fast acting, but its effects wear off quickly. The medicine may be given in an inhaled form using a nebulizer. Epinephrine is effective in reducing airway swelling with more-severe symptoms. Or your child may get a single dose of dexamethasone as a shot because of its long-lasting effects. Your child may take pills over several days. Symptoms will usually start to improve within a few hours. A corticosteroid - such as dexamethasone - may be given to reduce swelling in the airway. Your child's health care provider may prescribe these medicines: Speak in a soothing voice.Īlso, make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Hold your child, sing lullabies or read quiet stories. It's important to comfort and calm your child because crying and distress can worsen airway swelling, making it harder to breathe. Treatment is usually based on how severe the symptoms are. Still, croup can be scary, especially if your child needs a visit to the health care provider's office, emergency room or hospital. Most children with croup can be treated at home.
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