Croup Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Breathing moist air from steamed water, a hot shower, or a cool-mist humidifier is helpful in the majority of cases. Coughing and stridor should improve within 20-30 minutes.
  
  
• Taking the child outside while dressed warmly on a cold day for a few minutes may be helpful as well. The cool moist air that the child breathes on the way to the doctor's office or Emergency Department often helps resolve the symptoms prior to arrival.
  
  
• Substitute juices for milk products. Frequent sips of clear liquids can loosen mucus and prevent dehydration, which often occurs with croup.
  
  
• Crying can trigger spasmodic coughing. Attempt to comfort your child to prevent agitation.
  
  
• Acetaminophen (Children's Tylenol) may be given for fever. Consult your doctor before using aspirin or related products such as children's ibuprofen (Advil).
  
  
• Some children will benefit from sitting up straight for ease of breathing. An infant car seat can be used for small babies.
  
  
• Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants such as smoke.