Croup CoughCroup is a condition that causes an inflammation of the upper airways — the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It often leads to a barking cough or hoarseness, especially when a child cries.
Most cases of croup are caused by viruses. Those involved are usually parainfluenza virus (which accounts for most cases), adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Croup is most common — and symptoms are most severe — in children 6 months to 3 years old, but can affect older kids, too.
Most cases of viral croup are mild and can be treated at home, though rarely it can be severe and even life-threatening. Some children are more prone to developing croup when they get a viral upper respiratory infection
11-Dec-2010
It started with running nose and cough and fever ranging 37.5 - 38.5
Brought him to see PD and he said that didi is still young, can't give too many medicine.
Was only given 1 med for cough and running nose, panadol and brufen.
The next day, didi became voiceless, when he cough or cry, no sound came out.
I thought its because of his cough.
But in the evening, his fever shot up to 39.2 which is very high for a 7mths old baby.
He also became lerthagic, did not respond to us so we brought him to KKH.
When we reach it is already 9pm.
The Medical Officer(MO) let him cry for a while as he need to hear his cough, breathing sound and his lung.
Initial dignose is croup but he could not confirm and went to find his senior and she confirm is croup cough.The only solution is to give steroid, which will help to reduce the airway inflammation so that he can breathe better.
The worst case that can happen is the airway become very swollen and then he cannot breathe.
KKH is doing a traile now on a reduce doseage of the medicine, from the normal 6ml to 1.5ml, if after 1 hr, there is no significant improvement they will top up the medicine.
After 1 hr, no improvement so top up and have to wait for another 2 hr.
After the total of 3hrs, he is still having the laboured breathing hence have to be admitted.
By the time we reach ward is already 1am.
The have to attached a device to his feet to monitor his heart beat and oxygen level.
He was discharged after 2 nights of stay in KKH.
But when we were discharged he was still having very bad cough.
The doctor say its normal and part of the healing process but we still have to monitor.
If the barking cough came back or the breathing became laboured again, we have to admit him immediately.
