COLDS, RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS – CROUP
Croup usually develops suddenly and the child, well on gtyng to bed, might wake during the night with the typical croupy cough — a hard “brassy” sound — and have difficulty in breathing. The larynx is swollen and there is marked difficulty in breathing in.
In asthma, by contrast, there is difficulty in breathing out. Normally when we breathe in, the chest expands and the rib cage moves out. When there is obstruction to the free inward flow of air, the mobile chest of the child moves inwards when breathing in and rib retraction becomes obvious.
Sometimes the obstruction is so marked that the child needs a tracheotomy (opening made in the windpipe) so that he can breathe.
The child with croup may be well again next day, only to have the symptoms recur that night, particularly when the cold damp air comes down.
Children with distressed breathing due to croup may get great relief from breathing warm, moist air. This can be delivered by means of a special machine which can be bought or hired.
Filling the bathroom with steam by running the hot taps and closing the door and windows may be quickly effective.
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