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Medical Author:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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Medical Editor:

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP

Mary D. Nettleman, MD, MS, MACP is the Chair of the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Indiana University.

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Croup Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Although mist or humidified air and exposure to cold air have not been proven effective in treating the symptoms associated with croup, they are still routinely recommended by physicians since they are generally not invasive and have been described anecdotally as helping some children with moderate symptoms.
• Consider substituting water or juice 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) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be given for fever or sore throat. Aspirin-containing medications should never be given to children unless prescribed by a physician due to the risk of a serious liver condition called Reye's syndrome.
• Over-the-counter cough medications are not routinely recommended. Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants such as smoke.