Viral Croup FAQ
What are the symptoms of croup?
Croup symptoms typically include a barking cough, noisy breathing, and a hoarse voice.
Is croup contagious?
Yes, croup is contagious and can easily spread through respiratory droplets.
How long does croup usually last?
Croup symptoms often improve within a few days, but the cough may persist for a week or longer.
Can croup be treated at home?
Mild cases of croup can often be managed at home with the help of steam and cool air.
When should I seek medical help for croup?
Medical attention should be sought if the child's breathing becomes difficult or if they develop stridor at rest.
Is croup more common in certain age groups?
Croup most commonly affects children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
Can adults get croup?
While croup is most common in young children, adults can still develop croup, although it is less common.
Are there any long-term complications of croup?
In most cases, croup resolves without any long-term complications, but in severe cases, it can lead to respiratory distress.
What can I do to ease croup symptoms?
Using a cool mist vaporizer and keeping the child in a steamy bathroom can help ease croup symptoms.
Can croup cause a fever?
Croup is not usually associated with a high fever, but a low-grade fever may be present.
Does croup require antibiotics?
Since croup is typically caused by a virus, antibiotics are not usually necessary.
Should a child with croup be kept home from school or daycare?
It's advisable to keep a child with croup home until their symptoms improve, especially to prevent spreading the virus to others.
What should be done if a child has a croup cough at night?
Using a cool air humidifier or going outside for fresh air can help alleviate croup symptoms at night.
Can croup cause difficulty swallowing?
Croup can cause throat discomfort, but difficulty swallowing is not a common symptom of croup.
Is croup preventable?
While croup can't always be prevented, good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with sick individuals may help reduce the risk of contracting the condition.
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Information provided by Ms. Elena Owyong. Reviewed by Mr. Dean Koh