In the meantime, have a hot shower running with the bathroom door closed. Once the room is all fogged up, take him in there for at least 10 minutes. Try to help your child not be afraid by cuddling or reading a story. If your child is still has tight breathing after the steamy bathroom, bundle him up and stand outside with him for another 10 minutes. This method often will save a trip to the emergency room.
Most children settle down with the above treatments and then sleep peacefully through the night.
If your doctor directs you to the emergency room, crack the windows of the car OPEN while you drive there so that the cool air comes into the car. Home Care for a Croupy Cough without Stridor 1. Humidifier Dry air usually makes coughs worse. Keep the child's bedroom humidified. Use a cool mist humidifier if you have one.