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Croup is a tight barking cough resulting from swelling around the vocal cords. It is often accompanied by a hoarse voice. It is caused by a cold virus. The barking cough comes in episodes and is often worse at night or with increased activity. Croup is common in children under the age of six. Croup is often accompanied by a temperature up to 102.0 degrees for 24-48 hours. Strept throat can cause a similar type cough, so your child should be evaluated if you have concerns about strept throat or if your child complains about ear ache, stomach ache, or sore throat. Home care for croup includes increased humidity. A steamy bathroom is a good place for a child with a croup cough. Running a cool mist humidifier will also help your child. Cough medicines will not work for croup. Croup can become serious with stridor, a wheezing sound, occuring and difficulty breathing. If your child develops stridor please contact our office immediately. If your child has an intermittent croup cough, we recommend a medical evaluation and may prescribe medication to relieve the swelling causing the barking cough. |
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