Parents can find croup very frightening because their child seems to be struggling to breathe. But most children get better after a few days of simple treatment, with no long-lasting effects. Occasionally it is very severe and even life-threatening. The aim of treatment is simple measures to make the child comfortable, reduce anxiety and ease the effort of breathing. Calm your child by sitting them on your lap and reassuring them.
Many people recommend warming and humidifying the air that the child is breathing.
Some suggest putting a boiling kettle in the corner of the child's room but you must beware the dangers of burns - never put hot water or steam near the child. Instead sit them in the bathroom with a hot shower turned on. Ban smoking in the home - this can make croup worse. Antibiotics are rarely needed as croup is usually viral. In spasmodic croup, taking the child into the outside air for a few minutes can sometimes break the episode.