(stenosing laryngotracheitis)
What is the pseudocroup?
Pseudocroup is a classic viral upper respiratory tract infection. It can spread to the larynx and cause typical hoarseness, barking cough and/or a typical harsh breathing sound when inhaling due to swelling of the mucous membrane. Pseudocroup occurs mainly in infants and young children.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever
- Dry, barking cough (similar to the barking of a dog or the sound of a seal)
- Hoarseness
- Rough breathing sound when inhaling
- signs of respiratory distress: strained or accelerated breathing; retractions of the skin above the sternum, between the ribs
The symptoms often occur at night and are often milder during the day. Sometimes the symptoms last for several nights.
What measures can I take at home to help my child?
- Rest for child and parents (severe agitation may worsen symptoms).
- Wrap the child up warmly and take him out into the fresh and cool air (often the symptoms disappear as a result).
- Inhale steam: go into the smallest bathroom and run the shower spray hot, with the shower curtain closed inhale the resulting water vapor
- Lower high fever
- Slight elevation of the upper body (facilitates breathing), e.g. with the help of books or folders under the pillow
- Give (mildly cooled) water to drink
- Sleep with (partially) open window
- Increase humidity in the bedroom: Hang wet laundry or set up a humidifier.
- Complementary remedies on the advice of your family doctor
- If shortness of breath persists despite the above measures, cortisone (e.g. Betnesol) can be given once to reduce swelling if this has been previously prescribed by the physician and the appropriate dose is known.
When and how soon should I go to the doctor?
- If the child has shortness of breath and/or a harsh breathing sound when inhaling and the complaints do not improve sufficiently despite the above measures: direct medical presentation recommended (at night, if necessary, to the hospital).
- If the symptoms improve sufficiently with the above measures and the general condition permits, it is possible to wait until the next morning (call your pediatrician to discuss the further procedure)
- If your child has not been vaccinated according to the CH standard and, in addition to a high fever, there is pronounced salivation, we recommend that you see a doctor immediately.