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What Are the Treatments for Croup?

You and your child may be panicked by the apparent sudden onset of a croup attack. Try to keep your child calm, crying will only make breathing more difficult. Croup usually can be managed with cool mist or steam therapy, which dissolves sticky or dried mucus in the child's breathing passages. Because the condition commonly worsens at night, many doctors recommend that you sleep in the same room with your child or use a baby-monitoring device to listen for any change in the child's condition. Be ready to get medical help if your child doesn't improve.

Doctors recommend home care for all but the most serious cases of croup. If the symptoms are severe enough, your pediatrician may take X-rays to check for epiglottitis — which would be treated with antibiotics during a short hospital stay. Severe cases of croup may also require hospitalization. The child will be given inhaled medications such as racemic epinephrine or oral corticosteroids to counter swelling.

At-Home Remedies

• A cool-mist humidifier may help your child breathe. Direct the mist away from the face and don't put medications in the water; they can irritate your child's throat.
• Steam may help loosen phlegm and relax the throat. Turn on the shower and let steam accumulate in your bathroom. Carry your child around in the room (but not under the shower) until the child's breathing becomes easier.
• Cold air sometimes improves croup. If the night is cool, take your child for a ride in the car with the windows down.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol and multiple generic brands) will bring down a fever and may lower your child's respiratory rate.
• Offer plenty of noncitric liquids to restore fluids and to loosen phlegm.
• Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.