Croup! What can I do?

Well my boys were diagnosed with Croup when I took them to the ER two nights ago. They have this seal bark like cough and it gets worse at night. During the day they are both cranky and needy. It's hard because my DH is away on business so I take turns holding them.
I am using a humidifier in their room when they nap and sleep in their cribs at night. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this with their children and is there any tips anyone has?

Thanks




Meg, Mother of Fraternal Twin Boys
Born June 10, 2006 @ 37weeks!

*Stats*
Jacob William
Birth-7lbs & 20 inches long
1 Month-8lbs11oz & 22 inches long
2 Months-12lbs4oz & 22.5 inches long
3 Months-14lbs10oz & 23.75 inches long
4 Months-17lbs & 25.5 inches long
5 Months-18lbs3oz & 26.5 inches long
6 Months-19lbs1oz & 27.75 inches long
7 Months-20lbs2.5oz & 27.75 inches long
8 Months-21lbs15oz & 28.75 inches long

Nathan Alan
Birth-5lbs7oz & 19.5 inches long
1 Month-7lbs7oz & 21 inches long
2 Months-10lbs7oz & 21.75 inches long
3 Months-12lbs10oz & 23.5 inches long
4 Months-14lbs3oz & 25.5 inches long
5 Months-15lbs12oz & 26.5 inches long
6 Months-16lbs5oz & 27.5 inches long
7 Months-17lbs2.5oz & 28 inches long
8 Months-18lbs7oz & 28.75 inches long

 

If they get bad at night, I do either of two things, or both. Walk outside into the cold. The cold air improves the poor baby. Also, run the hot water in the bath and stay in the steam for awhile. Both remedies work fairly well.

 

I second everything that HRE said. Hang in there! One of my boys required a steroid shot for croup.

 

Thanks for your quick replies! Yes, both of my boys required the steroid shot but it didn't take it away, I guess it helps though? Did you give your kids anything else? Tylenol for any pain?




Meg, Mother of Fraternal Twin Boys
Born June 10, 2006 @ 37weeks!

*Stats*
Jacob William
Birth-7lbs & 20 inches long
1 Month-8lbs11oz & 22 inches long
2 Months-12lbs4oz & 22.5 inches long
3 Months-14lbs10oz & 23.75 inches long
4 Months-17lbs & 25.5 inches long
5 Months-18lbs3oz & 26.5 inches long
6 Months-19lbs1oz & 27.75 inches long
7 Months-20lbs2.5oz & 27.75 inches long
8 Months-21lbs15oz & 28.75 inches long

Nathan Alan
Birth-5lbs7oz & 19.5 inches long
1 Month-7lbs7oz & 21 inches long
2 Months-10lbs7oz & 21.75 inches long
3 Months-12lbs10oz & 23.5 inches long
4 Months-14lbs3oz & 25.5 inches long
5 Months-15lbs12oz & 26.5 inches long
6 Months-16lbs5oz & 27.5 inches long
7Months-17lbs2.5oz & 28 inches long
8 Months-18lbs7oz & 28.75 inches long

 

Also, try elevating their crib.

 

quote:
Originally posted by HRE:
If they get bad at night, I do either of two things, or both. Walk outside into the cold. The cold air improves the poor baby. Also, run the hot water in the bath and stay in the steam for awhile. Both remedies work fairly well.

That's what I did when David had the croup. We lived in the bathroom at night, I actually moved a comfy chair in there! We never got shots for it so I can't help you there.

 

They need COOL air. Don't use warm air humidifier.....I don't think that will help. (I could be wrong)

When they cough really bad and have that stridering, you need to get them to breathe as cold of air as you can find!!!

Did they give them steroids? That should have helped a lot! I hope it clears quickly!!

 

Mine have both had it a couple times. They are fussy with it...

I agree with PP cool air, and steam work well.

Hang in there, it will soon be over.

 

Mine both had croup this winter.....Sounds to me like you are on the right track.....I don't have any new advice but to just hang in there and I hope they get to feeling better soon.

 

I would hold my older daughter in the door of the freezer for a burst of cold air. The cool air does help, and keeping her comfortable, when she would be upset and cry, the barking got worse and worse.