There are various diseases that can affect the well-being of the little ones, some more serious than others. Among the common diseases of children between 3 months and 5 years of age is croup, which is a disease that worries many parents, causing stress and fear for the health of their little one. It's important to be educated about what croup is, its symptoms, and when to see a doctor.
Croup is an alteration that affects the larynx and trachea, known as laryngotracheitis. This disease is seen more frequently in children from three months to 5 years of age, after this age it does not usually occur because the size of the trachea is greater and its inflammation is not a threat.
What are the symptoms of croup?
Its main symptom is inflammation which causes the vocal cords to reduce their size, so breathing becomes a challenge for children.
At the beginning of the disease, it usually appears like a common cold and its intensity increases especially at the level of the cough, which becomes louder. The boy or girl's voice changes as well and their breathing is much more noticeable. You must be aware of these symptoms that are not normal to take action from home. With regard to temperature, it is varied in each child, presenting in some with low temperature and in other cases with temperatures of 40 ° C.
How to help your little one from home?
If your child presents any of the aforementioned symptoms during the day or at night, you can help him calm down and breathe better with the following tips:
- Use a steam humidifier to let your little one breathe in the moist air for 10 minutes.
- Give him a back rub while singing a song that gives him peace of mind.
- In cold climates, take the little one to breathe cold air by taking a ride in your car.
Identify the most frequent symptoms and help calm your little one. In the event that the symptoms persist and become more intense, you should see a doctor immediately. This disease is more common in childhood, so you should be aware of any symptoms that could affect your breathing.
