Croup is now here in Utah. Most cases of croup are mild, but it can be very serious for infants.
Jade Elliott sits down with Dr. Per Gesteland, a pediatric hospitalist from the University of Utah School of Medicine and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to talk about symptoms and when you should take your child to the doctor.
Parainfluenza Type 1 is Causing Croup in Kids
Typically appears in the fall of odd numbered years and we are starting to see cases.
What are the symptoms of croup?
A "barking" cough, may be worse at night
Raspy voice
Labored, noisy breathing
Fever is possible
Rash
Eye redness
Swollen lymph nodes
Most cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home.
oTry to keep your child calm, as crying can make croup worse.
oMay treat fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
oSoothe cough by breathing moist air. Use a cool-mist humidifier or run a hot shower to fill a bathroom with steam. Or, breathe cool outdoor air by going outside or driving with the car windows slightly lowered.
oDrink plenty of fluids.
oSee a doctor when symptoms are more severe. Premature babies or children with asthma are more at risk for complications.
Click here for the GermWatch page that's tracking  Parainfluenza Type 1.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.