The treatment for croup usually depends on the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, they are usually mild and can be managed at home. Nevertheless, if the child has a severe case of croup, it requires hospitalization at a healthcare facility urgently.
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Home treatment for croup
If the doctor diagnoses the child with mild croup, it can be managed at home. The treatment often involves paracetamol to help reduce the pain linked with the illness as well as lower the body temperature if fever is present.
Always ensure that the child is properly hydrated by providing plenty of fluids to drink. Comfort the child since the symptoms might become worse if he/she is crying or agitated. In case the child is distressed, instruct him/her to sit upright on your lap for comfort and reassurance.
The doctor usually prescribes a single dose of oral corticosteroid medication specifically prednisolone or dexamethasone to reduce the swelling in the throat. The side effects of these medications include vomiting, restlessness, headache and stomach upset.
Pain medications
Pain medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are available in liquid form for children and sold in groceries and pharmacies. Just remember though that children below 16 years old should not be given aspirin.
A doctor should be consulted if unsure on the type of pain medication to use for the child. Avoid using decongestants or cough medications since these do not ease the symptoms of croup. Take note that these treatments often cause drowsiness that can be dangerous to children who have breathing difficulties.
Hospital care
In severe cases of croup, treatment at the hospital might be required. The breathing issues such as shortness of breath are the main symptom of severe croup. It is important to call for emergency assistance if the child is struggling to breathe.
When a child has severe croup, an adrenaline via a nebulizer can be administered. This will help improve the symptoms within 10-30 minutes and the effects can last for up to 2 hours. The nebulizer allows the child to breathe the medication as a mist. In case the child is distressed and finds it hard to breathe, oxygen via a mask is given.
For mild cases of croup, oral dexamethasone or prednisolone are usually given to reduce the swelling in the airways. In rare cases, croup requires hospitalization in which a child might require intubation. During intubation, a tube is inserted via a nostril or mouth and passes down into the windpipe. This will help the child breathe more easily. The intubation is performed under general anesthesia in which the child is completely unconscious during the procedure so that he/she will not experience distress or pain.