Croup - anyone deal with this?

[Suz]

My dd was diagnosed with croup over a week ago (she is almost 9 yrs. old) - anyway, she still sounds horrible to me.
The doc put her on Orapred - a steroid medication - today was the last day.
I don't know - I'm so worried about her!
Going to call the Dr. in the morning to see if this is normal or not.
Just hate it when the kids are sick and don't seem to be improving!

[KarlaB]

Sorry to hear about your dd. :\ My 5 yo ds had croup in December and it can be scary. He was on a streoid, too but we noticed a difference relatively soon (his breathing got better with the steroid but he still coughed). Is her breathing better but she's just still coughing? I'd maybe call the doc to see if you should bring her in or if her symptoms are 'normal' and you can just wait it out...? I'm guessing I'm not much of a help, but hope you're hanging in there - I know it can be scary when they sound like they can't breathe and you're not seeing any progress.

[MaryL]

My 8 (almost 9 year old) has asthma that presents itself like croup. He uses prednisone occasionally...but we're doing best with an albuterol inhaler and singulair. Does she have a cold also?? Croup does take a couple of days to peak...but a week does seem like along time.

{{{hugs}}}to you and your dd.

[angie r]

My son takes Orapred when his asthma is really bad. It usually makes him better within a day. I think I'd call/take her back in.

[AnnW]

Queen of Croup here!
DD is in the middle of it right now and just not getting better. I think there is more going on that croup cause she is so lethargic. She just finished prednisone.
DS have been having croup attacks off and on since 5th grade too. His are the very classic, non stop spasmodic barking like a seal, rush to the ER kind of coughing.

Have you done the hot steamy showers and then go outside for 5 minutes? The steam and then the cold air really helps the airways. It was always 5 days with my son.

[PamE]

We're in the middle of it right now, too. Our oldest ds had it a lot when he was younger. I would at least call the doc and let him/her know that your dd is still coughing a lot. I too think if her breathing is easier, then the cough probably isn't that big of a deal, but the doc should know.

Hang in there. I hope your dd feels better soon.

[Melody]

I didn't realize that older kids get croup, thought it was just a thing for small kids. I hope you all get through it soon. ((hugs))

[AnnW]

I didn't realize that older kids get croup, thought it was just a thing for small kids. I hope you all get through it soon. ((hugs))



I didn't either. My kids never ever had it till 5th grade!!!!!!

[vea29]

I never knew the older kids could get it either....what's the differance between that and broncitis....I used to get broncitis all the time as a kid.

[AnnW]

I never knew the older kids could get it either....what's the differance between that and broncitis....I used to get broncitis all the time as a kid.


Bronchitis is also known as a chest cold, and is inflammation of the medium-sized airways. Bronchitis causes a loose, junky cough that produces mucus. Viruses cause bronchitis in children. Children with viral bronchitis may cough up yellow or green mucus. This does not mean the infection is bacterial. The yellow or green color is caused by the immune response to the viral infection. Children with bronchitis DO NOT need antibiotics. Studies show that using antibiotics for bronchitis does not reduce the number of days of cough or reduce the symptoms. Using antibiotics also does not prevent bacterial pneumonia.
Croup is a narrowing of the upper airway, resulting in a hoarse, barky cough, and sometimes a noise with breathing in. Viruses like parainfluenza cause croup. Severe croup can cause trouble breathing, especially in smaller children. Antibiotics are not useful for croup.

[vea29]

~Thanks Ann~

[KarlaB]

I didn't realize that older kids get croup, thought it was just a thing for small kids. I hope you all get through it soon. ((hugs))

Me either. They told me it is more prevalent in infants up to age 5, but anyone can still get it.

[littlesista06]

Suz, no advice here, I'm afraid. My dd had it as an infant and only once, but it was scary enough.
I sure hope your dd is better soon. (((hugs)))

[imamama]

Coming in late on this one, and sounds like there's lots of other pros (although this isn't something any of us would like to be pros on) who've given advice. Dd's usually gets a steroid shot and M-END DM cough med, albuterol inhaler as needed.

[Suz]

Hi all,
Thanks for all of the replies!!
Dr. wanted to see dd yesterday - so there we were AGAIN! (We've been to the Dr. more this year than we have in the last 10!)
Anyway, we ended up having to go to the hospital for a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia - Thankfully, her lungs are clear!! I was so nervous while waiting on the results - you know how you start thinking way too much and then your mind starts imagining all of the worst!!
So, Dr. thinks that she has some sort of bronchial infection thingy going on - upped her antibiotic and prescribed an inhaler. Keeping her home the rest of the week - she just needs some time to "get better".
Do you think we'd all be getting sick if we lived in Hawaii? ;)
Thanks again all!!!