While croup rarely, if ever, affects adults, it is a common respiratory infection among children.
If your child is sick with croup, it can be tough to hear him or her labor through the “barking” cough that croup causes. So, what gives? How do kids get this horrible-sounding infection?
Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team provides some helpful answers below, so keep reading!
What Is Croup?
Croup is a respiratory infection that is typically caused by a virus. It causes swelling of the airways and vocal cords, which leads to laborious breathing and a loud cough that sounds like a high-pitched seal or dog bark.
Since croup is most often caused by a virus, it’s contagious. It can be easily spread through coughing, sneezing and inhaling respiratory droplets that contain the virus. Children with croup should be considered contagious for three days after the illness begins or until the fever, which is a common symptom, is gone.
Common Croup Symptoms
- A runny, stuffy nose
- A cough that turns into a “seal’s bark”
- Laryngitis
- Fever
- A whistling sound when breathing, which is often referred to as “stridor”
Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Croup?
It’s possible! While the prevention tactics that we’ve listed in the section below aren’t foolproof, they can help. If your child does happen to get croup, it can typically be treated at home.
Make sure your child stays as calm as possible when dealing with croup, as crying and anxiety only make the cough and other symptoms worse. Make sure he or she stay hydrated and gets a good amount of rest. If your child’s symptoms get worse or don’t clear up after five days, visit our AFC center for further treatment.
Ways to Prevent Croup
- Make sure your child is frequently washing his or her hands for a least 20 seconds each time.
- Keep your child away from anyone who’s sick.
- Encourage your child to cough or sneeze into his or her elbow.
Are you or your child in need of non-emergency medical care? We’ve got you covered! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team today.
