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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIn most cases, self-care measures at home — such as breathing moist air and drinking fluids — can speed your child's recovery. More aggressive treatment is rarely needed.
If your child's symptoms persist or worsen, his or her doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, epinephrine or another medication to help open the airways. Antibiotics are effective only if your child has a bacterial infection.
For severe croup, your child may need to spend time in a hospital receiving humidified oxygen. Rarely, a temporary breathing tube may need to be placed in a child's windpipe.
Croup can be scary — especially if it lands your child in the doctor's office, hospital or emergency room. Hold your child, sing lullabies or read quiet stories. Offer a favorite blanket or toy. Speak in a soothing voice. Your presence can help keep your child calm.
- Fort GG. Laryngotracheobronchitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/204796489-3/0/2088/366.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00021-6--sc0030_7544. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/204796489-4/1010564370/1608/906.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50384-4--cesec10_7443. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Everard ML. Acute bronchiolitis and croup. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:119.
- Woods CR. Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis of croup. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Woods CR. Approach to the management of croup. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Human parainfluenza viruses (common cold and croup). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/hpivfeat.htm. Accessed July 1, 2010.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 29, 2010.
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