Croup, a common condition among children, causes swelling and irritation of the upper airways – the voice box and the windpipe. It’s caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold and kids with croup typically have a bark-like cough or hoarseness. Croup is most often diagnosed in fall and winter so if your child has what you suspect is croup, call or visit your pediatrician or visit AllKids Pediatric Urgent Care in either Mesa or Gilbert today.
Croup Symptoms
At first, your child may just have cold-like symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and a fever. As the upper airways become inflamed and swollen, your child might become hoarse, with the barking cough. If the upper airway continues to swell, it will become harder and harder for your child to breathe. Symptoms of croup are often worse at night and when a child is upset or crying.
Croup Diagnosis and Treatment
Breathing in moist air, from a humidifier, may help kids feel better along with pain medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always ask your pediatrician to confirm proper dosing for your child’s weight and age. Children with croup should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and get lots of rest.
Although croup can be treated at home, if your child is having trouble breathing or has bluish lips or fingernails, see a doctor immediately. A doctor can usually diagnose croup by listening for the telltale barking cough and stridor, a high-pitch squeaky noise while breathing.
In certain kids, doctors will prescribe steroids to decrease airway swelling. For severe cases, kids will be put on a breathing treatment that contains a medicine called epinephrine. This medicine quickly reduces swelling in the airways.
Croup is a common illness during childhood. Although most cases are mild, croup can become serious and prevent your child from breathing normally. Contact your child’s doctor, or visit an AllKids Pediatric Urgent Care in Mesa or Gilbert, if your child’s croup is not improving or if you have other concerns.
Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care and Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care
It can be scary any time your child is sick, but rest assured that AllKids Urgent Care is here to help guide you every step of the way with a caring and knowledgeable pediatric staff. Both our Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care and our Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care are open every day, from noon to 10 p.m. No appointment is necessary, just stop in and start your child on the road back to health.