When Your Twin or Baby Has a Croup Cough

When you baby or one of your twins has a cough that is really deep and does not sound like a normal cough, it is more than likely croup. Croup involves inflammation of the upper airway that leads to a cough that sounds like a bark, particularly when a child is crying.

So, what is croup you may ask. Well, it is actually a form of a virus. There are also similar symptoms of croup which might be caused by bacteria or an allergic reaction. The viruses most commonly involved are parainfluenza virus (accounting for most cases), adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and measles.

Some children who have a viral croup can get this from ages 3 months to 5 years old and young children can get this croup more likely than not in the winter months and early spring. Symotoms of croup can be really bad for children 3 years and younger.

Croup, due to viruses, is at time mild and this can be treated at home. Rarely, viral croup can be severe and possibly life-threatening. If your baby was premature (like my twins were), that baby or child is more prone to developing croup.

Ever heard of spasmodic croup? If not, this refers to a condition similar to viral croup. The difference is, this type of croup has no accompanying symptoms of an infection. This type of cough usually begins in the evening,when you baby is lying down for their evening sleep time and your baby will probably not have a fever with spasmodic croup. These symptoms are treated the same for either form of croup.

Are you wondering if this croup is contagious? Well, croup will occur in outbreaks most likely in the winter and early spring when the viruses are usually cause its peak. Many children who come in contact with the viruses that cause croup will not get croup, but will instead have symptoms of a head cold.

So remember, if your baby or child sounds like a barking dog accompanied by a squeaking sound on inhaling, your child more likely than not has a croup cough. If you decide to take your baby to see their doctor, they will check for a fever, cold symptoms (like a runny nose), or a recent viral illness, and ask questions to find out if the child has a prior history of croup or upper airway problems.

If you have a cool-mist humidifier, they will help your baby breathe better as this will open up their airway. Also, some doctors will probably subscribe a steroid to help with the airway swelling. If you do not have a cool-mist humidifier, you can also close your bathroom door, with shower on and let your baby breathe in and out with the steam filling the bathroom for probably 10 minutes.

Oh, there are so many ways to treat this croup your child or baby has.

For more information on Croup, you can visit these websites I found:
KidsHealth
WebMD
Medicine.Net

I am sure there are many more websites about Croup you can check out.

This is not a paid post. One of my twins, since last night, developed Croup and I will be turning on my hot shower and letting her breathe in and out inside there.