Parents' Corner

Croup is an inflammation of the windpipe (trachea) below the voice box (larynx). It is usually caused by a viral infection. Croup causes the tissues that line the trachea to become inflamed and swollen. This swelling obstructs the flow of air into the lungs.

Croup may come on suddenly in the night or during the day. Croup is usually more severe at night. It occurs most commonly in the fall of the year. Croup usually affects children who are 3 months to 6 years of age. A child who has it once may have it again. The best thing parents can do is to know ahead of time what to do and to stay calm if croup develops.

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What should I do if my child has croup?

1. STAY CALM.

2. Take your child into the bathroom and shut the door. Turn on the shower and hot water faucets to make steam. Be careful to keep away from the hot water.

3. Stay with your child and let him/her breathe in the steam.

4. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE.

5. Have someone start a cool mist vaporizer in your child's room.

6. When breathing is easier for your child (10-15 minutes), give him/her sips of water. Later give more clear fluids to drink. This will help to keep his/her throat moist.

7. Take your child's temperature. If your child's temperature is above 102°F, give Tylenol.

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When should I call the doctor about croup?

Call your doctor at (610) 376-8691 if any of the following symptoms occur:

If the child does not improve after being in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes.
If child's breathing becomes more difficult (chest continues to "pull in")
If child begins to drool
If child has difficulty swallowing and/or suddenly refuses fluids
If a blue coloring around child's mouth becomes darker

If you have any questions, please call your doctor at (610) 376-8691.

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Diarrhea

Should I be worried if my child has diarrhea?

Diarrhea (loose, watery bowel movements) is a common problem of growing children. Sometimes diarrhea may be due to a serious illness, but usually it is only a minor problem.

The only real danger in having diarrhea is dehydration. If your child loses too much fluid and becomes dehydrated (dried out), he/she can become very sick. Dehydration can usually be prevented by increasing the amount of liquid the child drinks. You may need to cut down on the solid foods so that he/she will drink more liquids.

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What liquids can I give my child who has diarrhea?

The following is a list of liquids you can give:

Breast milk
Soy formula (such as Isomil®)
Kool-Aid®
Ice popsicles
Gatorade®
Dilute soda pop (½ water and ½ pop)
Solid Jell-O®
Pedialyte® - You may give your child Pedialyte® for 24 to 48 hours if your doctor feels that your child is dehydrated.

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Can I give my child solid food while they have diarrhea?

You can give any of the following solid foods. Give small amounts considering the child's age. While your child has diarrhea, do not give him many sweet or sugary foods or dairy products. Solid foods include:

Bananas
Rice cereal, rice, rice crackers
Milk-free mashed potatoes
Crackers and cookies
Any meats
Any vegetables
Soups diluted with water, like chicken rice (1 can of water to 1 can of soup)

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When should I call the doctor about diarrhea?

You should call the doctor:

If the child suddenly develops a high fever over 101°F axillary (armpit)
If stomach pain becomes severe, or is more than occasional cramps
If the diarrhea becomes bloody (more than a streak of blood)
If the diarrhea becomes more frequent (often) or is more severe
If the child becomes dehydrated or dried out (see Signs of Dehydration below)
If there is no improvement in 24 hours

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What are signs of dehydration from diarrhea?

Child has not urinated (passed water) for 8-10 hours
There are no tears when he/she cries
Child's mouth becomes dry or sticky to touch
Child's eyes are sunken
Child is less active than usual

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