Most children with croup have mild symptoms and can be successfully treated at home. This includes using mist from a humidifier or sitting with the child in a bathroom (not in the shower) filled with steam generated by running hot water from the shower. A parent should stay with the child during mist treatment; a favorite book or lullaby may help to decrease the child's anxiety and prevent crying, which can worsen stridor.
Hot steam humidifiers should be avoided because of the risk of burns. If the child's stridor does not improve during the mist treatment, the parent should contact their child's healthcare provider.
Other suggestions for home treatment of mild croup include:
- Allow the child to breathe cool air during the night by opening a window or door.
- Fever can be treated with an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Coughing can be treated with warm, clear fluids to loosen mucus on the vocal chords. Warm water, apple juice, or lemonade is safe for children older than four months. Frozen juice popsicles also can be given.
- Smoking in the home should be avoided; smoke can worsen a child's cough.
- Keep the child's head elevated. An infant can be placed in a car seat. A child may be propped up in bed with an extra pillow. Pillows should not be used with infants younger than 12 months of age.
- Parents may sleep in the same room with their child during an episode of croup so that they will be immediately available if the child begins to have difficulty breathing.
