Croup

Did your child wake up last night sounding like he had a baloon in his mouth? Breathing difficultly and a "barking" cough? Mine did. Last year right around this time we ended up in the ER at 2am, because our little man woke up and we were afraid he had swallowed something... by the time we got to the ER his breathing was much better and the doctor didn't even touch him before he said he had croup. So, this time instead of rushing to the ER we tried some other methods to get his breathing and coughing under control...

1. Cold Air- take your little one outside (if it's cold) or even stick his head in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Steamy Air- Turn on the shower and get the steam going in the bathroom.

The Croup is usually much worse at night and is really scary. Once you have seen it though, you won't make that ER trip again!

** Special Note ** If you child is turning blue in the face/lips... it's NOT Croup! Call 911.