Treating Croup in a 3-year-old?

[SassyMummy]

DD had it a while ago, and was given medication (I didn't know what it was)... but I'm wondering if there's an in-home way to treat it?

She's got it again.

[drewid]

Have you tried a vaporiser? We use one in DS's room at night and it really helps. Plus, unfortunately, keeping away from air conditioning.

[WorkingClassMum]

Croup is a virus that inflames the vocal cords and therefore comprimises the airways.

STEAM IS NOT THE WAY TO TREAT IT!

I have attached a link to the Royal Children's Hospital

RCH (http://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/cpg.cfm?doc_id=5141)

I do give DS a dry cough mixture which sooths the tickle to cough - but does not cure or treat croup - it's treating one of the symtoms only

I also give DS an icy pole to suck as it sooths the throat and relieves some of the inflamation

I only take DS to hospy is he really starts to struggle to breath. I also have left over medicine in the fridge - but be aware the dosage depends on the child's weight - and I only use it the first night until I can get to the Dr's the next day

[suemp]

they should be on redipred or predix i think they are called which are steroids to open the airways. usually my kids are fine with croup but once ds2 woke up at 6 yrs old and was barely breathin. scary but once they put the steroids in he was fine

the redipred unfortunately only lasts about 3 weeks in the fridge so are only good for one bout of illness which is a shame its pretter exxy

[MountainGirl]

You sure it's croup? There is an outbreak of Whooping Cough atm,..and even vaccinated kiddies are getting it,.:( Might be an idea to get her swabbed,..