Seek Medical Advice
If your child is experiencing symptoms of croup, in addition to the common cold, for more than three to five days, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A pediatrician will assess your child’s breathing, examine their throat, and listen to their chest using a stethoscope. In some cases, an x-ray may be required to eliminate other potential illnesses. However, your doctor will likely provide you with information on home remedies and treatments for croup.
When to Go to the Emergency Room for Croup
One concerning symptom of croup is chest wall-indrawing, which can be just as alarming as stridor. If you notice a little dent in your child’s neck near the breastbone that caves in every time they take a labored breath, it’s important to take action. While you can try some of the previous treatments for croup, if your baby still has stridor and chest indrawing, it’s time to seek medical attention.
If the chest indrawing becomes more intense and your child’s breath changes from low-pitch stridor to a whistling noise, it’s crucial to rush to the emergency room. Your child may have difficulty speaking or crying due to breathing difficulties. Excessive drooling or trouble swallowing are also signs that immediate medical attention is necessary.
Once at the emergency room, your baby may undergo a blood oxygen level test. In severe cases of respiratory distress, a breathing tube and vaporized Epinephrine might be used to help your child breathe in cool mist. The administration of steroids to reduce swelling and open the airways may also be recommended.