8 Remedies For Croup

A viral infection that gives rise to swelling in the vocal cords and the adjacent breathing passages is called croup. A ‘seal-bark’  cough is one of the most recognizing symptoms of this infection, which occurs because air is forcefully passed through the narrowed and swollen vocal cords. It is vital for people to distinguish between a cold and croup because breathing is obstructed with the swelling.

After several days of cold symptoms, croup shows up and gets worse during the night. A high-pitched crowing or squawking noise called stridor or labored breathing may be made during inhalation.

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Home Remedies For Croup

Humidifier Or Cold Air

A humid environment can be maintained by using a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room. However, a bleach-and-water solution should be used for cleaning the humidifier to eliminate bacteria and mold. Give lots of fluids to the child.

Going outside and breathing very cold air is the most common natural remedy for croup. People can breathe by standing in front of the freezer in warm climates. Parents can drive the kids with their windows open or bundle them up and let them sit outside.

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Oral Steroids

If relief isn’t achieved with cold air techniques and steamy bathroom, oral steroids might be given by a doctor for reducing swelling and promoting easy breathing.

Children with moderate or severe croup were previously given oral steroids. As per recent research, even milder cases improve with them.

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Saline Water

Breathing through the nose is easy for 3-months old babies. The nasal passages should be cleared because croup is often accompanied by a plugged nose.

Saltwater drops can be bought over-the-counter in the form of saline nasal spray and can be spritzed onto the baby’s nose. Use a nasal aspirator for sucking out her nose.

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Camphor and Oil

To aid with the coughing, the child’s feet can be rubbed with rub that comprises of menthol or a salve like Vicks. A few tablespoons of eucalyptus, white camphor and olive oil can also be used for making a homemade salve that can be rubbed onto the chest, feet and spine.

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Breastfeed

Baby remains hydrated with frequent breastfeeding. The baby may wish to nurse more frequently because they aren’t getting the usual milk in every feeding. This is because breathing while nursing will be difficult because of congestion and the baby will tire out before the breasts are emptied.

The baby should be given formula for keeping them hydrated if they aren’t breastfed frequently. Babies younger than 6 months should not be given straight water because it cannot be processed correctly by the kidneys and this leads to an electrolyte imbalance.

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Diffuse Essential Oils

Congestion can be relieved with only a few essential oils. A few drops of these oils can be added to a pot of water or to a room diffuser. However, the oil should not be used on the baby directly.

Thyme, rosemary, ginger, sandalwood, eucalyptus, lemon, cedarwood, peppermint, clove and Melaleuca (ericfolia) are some of the essential oils that are effective in diffusing congestion.

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Teas and Hot Soups

Congestion can be relieved with warm liquids as they are very soothing. It has been shown by studies that cold symptoms such as congestion, fever, fatigue and aches chicken soup. A child can be served with warm tea, water, apple juice or soup. Soup should not be served hot.

According to the researchers from the University of Nebraska, homemade soups and canned soups both can work quite well for relieving congestion. Some lukewarm and weak Chamomile tea can also be enjoyed by the child if they are older than 6 months.

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Sleep Elevated

If a big bed is used for sleeping, the trick might just be to put an extra pillow under the head. However, keeping a pillow under the mattress or raising the bed with sliding towels is the best option at the disposal of people if their child tends to get squirmy while sleeping.

Keeping extra pillows under the head is often uncomfortable and using any of the other options gives a more comfortable, safe and gradual slope. Another option that can be used is to use the car seat for putting the child to bed. When they are unwell, a number of adults prefer to sleep in their recliner.

Thus, a semi-upright position might also suit the child. As a matter of fact, the child might sleep better in a recliner if they need to be propped while they are sleeping. This can ease breathing and lessen the obstruction in the vocal chords and passages.