My Kids Have Been Exposed to Croup

Croup is really not that dangerous. It is the rare case that necessitates a trip to the doc/ER. Plus, some kids just don't get croup. I had it each and every season without fail but my siblings never ever had it. Course, they always got strep and I never did. My youngest gets croup...My oldest never has.

Humidifiers are fine. Keep the healthy food and vitamin c coming. Use vicks and TLC...Neither has any proven medicinal qualities but they sure do make us feels better! = ). If you do hear the croup cough...Switch the shower on full hot and wait for the bathroom to fill with steam. Sit with them in the steam and then switch back to cold air (do you have that in TX in November)?

My oldest got croup every winter for the first 4 years of his life. We used to tent his bed and run a steam humidifier. Alternately, we would take him out into the cold night air, all bundled up except for his face, that would quell the worst of the coughing fits. Occasionally he required medication (an oral steroid if I remember correctly), which we got from the doctor.
He was exclusively breastfed and never in daycare, and still got it. Some kids are just more prone to it.

Vitamin C is going to be the best defense, but it may or may not help at this point. Its really not a big deal and unless a child is struggling to breathe (watch under their ribs, if it caves in while they are trying to inhale, it means they are struggling), there is no need to go to the ER or pediatrician.

My 2 yr old just got over it. When he had it he slept with me so I could monitor his breathing throughout the night. When the coughing fits occurred I took him outside (wrapped in a blanket) to breathe in the cold air. If that didn't help, I took him into the bathroom, turned on the hot water and had him breathe in the steam.

And, don't forget, increase your vitamin C intake also...mommas don't get sick days. LOL

No, not really. The viruses that cause croup are everywhere, especially during fall and late winter. In many people, it just causes an ordinary cold. Some people, especially children, are prone to devloping croup. My son used to get it once a month when he was 4-5 years old. It's no fun, but there's not much you can do to prevent it. A steamy bathroom (run hot shower) OR cool, outdoor night air will help if your kids get it. Also, keep them propped up when they sleep. In most kids, it sounds worse than it is. An occassional kid requires a trip to urgent care or the ER (mine did, but he has asthma).