Abington Pediatrics
781-792-1999
360 Brockton Avenue
Suite 102
Abington, MA 02351
Croup
Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It is most common in children under five and usually occurs in the fall and winter months. Symptoms include cough and fever. The cough is tight, low-pitched, and barky (like a seal). The voice, or cry, is usually hoarse. You may hear a harsh, raspy sound when your child breaths in - this is called stridor. Loud or continuos stridor may indicate severe croup. Symptoms are usually worse at night, especially the second night. Because croup is a virus, antibiotics are not necessary to treat this illness. Mild croup can be treated at home without medication. If the croupy cough is persistent, it may be treated with a one day course of oral steroids (Orapred).
Below you will find a Nighttime Croup Attack Plan. You will also find the dosing chart for Orapred as you may already have this medication at home. Remember, our telephone triage service is available 24/7.
Nighttime Croup Attack Plan
If your child is drooling unusually, is difficult to awaken, or if your child's lips, hands, or feet are blue call 911
If your child is under six months old, call the office
If your child is six months of age or older (and this is not a life-threatening emergency)
Take your child into a warm, steamy bathroom for 20 minutes
Yes
Run humidifier in your child's room (or open bedroom window), elevate your child's head in bed, push fluids, and sleep in the same room as your child
Did the cough clear?
No
Take your child outside into the cold air (or open refrigerator door to breathe in cold air) for 10 minutes
Yes
Run humidifier in your child's room (or open bedroom window), elevate your child's head in bed, push fluids, and sleep in the same room as your child
Did the cough clear?
No
Give dose of Orapred according to dosing table OR call the office if you do not have Orapred at home
Continue to use steamy bathroom or cold air therapy - Orapred takes about two hours to work
Did the cough clear?
No
Yes
Run humidifier in your child's room (or open bedroom window), elevate your child's head in bed, push fluids, and sleep in the same room as your child
Call office immediately
Call office in the morning
Orapred (prednisolone) Dosing Information:
The appropriate dose of Orapred should be taken twice a day for one day
Remember to call the office in the morning after giving Orapred
Croup almost always occurs in the middle of the night - if you have a prescription, please fill now
The medication is good for one year in the refrigerator