Croup: Viral infection in kids
Hello everyone. In today's blog, I will be discussing about croup - a viral infection in kids. And the reason I am writing this blog is that I was unaware of this till my daughter got infected. I want to make parents aware of this infection so that they can take precautionary measures in time.
What is Croup?
Croup is a viral infection of the upper airways in kids.
In this, the child has a harsh sound as they breathe in and it is like a barking cough. In medical terms, it is called stridor.
Usually, kids in the age group 6 months to 3 year old are affected but sometimes even younger or older kids are affected too.; Most of the cases are mild infection. However, at times things may take a serious turn and kids might need to be hospitalised.
Symptoms of croup
Symptoms of croup include:
Fever
Barking cough
Breathing difficulties.
Hoarse voice
Symptoms often worsen at night.
Croup is a viral infection associated with barking cough. So, keep an eye on the changes or different sound while coughing.
Treatment;
It can mostly be treated with medications prescribed by the doctor but in some cases, hospitalisation is required. . Hospitalisation might be required in cases where kids develop a very high fever with severe breathing difficulties.;
Steam inhalation and giving cough medications are not advised
Prevention;
Let's have a look at how to manage croup or prevent infection.
Maintaining proper hygiene can prevent the spread of this infection. Croup is a viral infection similar to cough and the prevention also is same as for cough and colds.
Kids should be taught to sneeze in their elbows or on tissue to prevent the spread of droplets.
Also, some routine vaccinations can provide immunity to some extent against this infection.;
So in case your child has a cough and you are confused, it is better to get an appointment with a doctor to rule it out.
Hello everyone. In today's blog, I will be discussing about croup - a viral infection in kids. And the reason I am writing this blog is that I was unaware of this till my daughter got infected. I want to make parents aware of this infection so that they can take precautionary measures in time.
What is Croup?
Croup is a viral infection of the upper airways in kids.
In this, the child has a harsh sound as they breathe in and it is like a barking cough. In medical terms, it is called stridor.
Usually, kids in the age group 6 months to 3 year old are affected but sometimes even younger or older kids are affected too.; Most of the cases are mild infection. However, at times things may take a serious turn and kids might need to be hospitalised.
Symptoms of croup
Symptoms of croup include:
Fever
Barking cough
Breathing difficulties.
Hoarse voice
Symptoms often worsen at night.
Croup is a viral infection associated with barking cough. So, keep an eye on the changes or different sound while coughing.
Treatment;
It can mostly be treated with medications prescribed by the doctor but in some cases, hospitalisation is required. . Hospitalisation might be required in cases where kids develop a very high fever with severe breathing difficulties.;
Steam inhalation and giving cough medications are not advised
Prevention;
Let's have a look at how to manage croup or prevent infection.
Maintaining proper hygiene can prevent the spread of this infection. Croup is a viral infection similar to cough and the prevention also is same as for cough and colds.
Kids should be taught to sneeze in their elbows or on tissue to prevent the spread of droplets.
Also, some routine vaccinations can provide immunity to some extent against this infection.;
So in case your child has a cough and you are confused, it is better to get an appointment with a doctor to rule it out.
