How do you stop a barking cough in a child?

How do you stop a barking cough in a child?

In the meantime, keep your child comfortable with a few simple measures:

1. Stay calm. Comfort or distract your child — cuddle, read a book or play a quiet game.
2. Provide humidified or cool air.
3. Hold your child in a comfortable upright position.
4. Offer fluids.
5. Encourage rest.
6. Try a fever reducer.
7. Skip the cold medicines.

When should I be concerned about a barking cough?

Severe croup can cause breathing difficulties in general but if your child’s skin “caves in” around their neck or ribs when they try to inhale, you should seek urgent medical treatment. Serious infections can also cause stridor , which is noisy breathing, often high-pitched, caused by the narrowing of the airway.

Does barking cough always mean croup?

Croup is actually a viral infection of the vocal cords and the trachea, which is the windpipe. It causes a tight, low pitched, barking cough. It actually sounds like your child is a seal with how they’re barking. They can also have a hoarse voice leading up to it.

What type of cough is a barking cough?

Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough. The cough and other signs and symptoms of croup are the result of swelling around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi).

Does Vicks help with croup?

Warm moist air seems to work best to relax the vocal cords and break the stridor. Use a warm humidifier, fill it with tap water, add vicks vapor steam, and a dash of salt. Cold air sometimes relieves the stridor. If it is cold outside, take your child outdoors.

Should you avoid dairy with croup?

Should You Give Milk To A Child With Croup? If you sit upright, you can breathe easier. fluids should be offered to everyone. For babies, breast milk is fine; for older children, soup or frozen treats might be soothing.

Does drinking water help croup?

It’s important to keep your baby hydrated if they have croup. Warm, clear fluids can help loosen mucus and take pressure off their vocal cords.