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respiratory system
Croup
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Croup is usually part of a cold. It primarily occurs in children aged 6 months to 3 years, though it may occur earlier or later.

Croup is an inflammation of the respiratory system and causes stridor, or noisy breathing. Stridor is a high pitched sound, like the blowing of the wind, that usually occurs when the child is taking a breath. This happens because there is an obstruction in the airway between the nose and the lungs. As a result, breathing is difficult and the child becomes tired from the effort. The underside of the tongue can also become swollen. The cough sounds like the bark of a sea lion and is often worse at night.

In simple croup there may be no other symptoms, but the child will often have a runny nose and a hoarse voice or cry. Some children will also have a fever and seem generally unwell.

There are other diseases that have some of the same symptoms as croup but are more dangerous and need immediate attention. The following situations could be an emergency since the child could suffocate to death. If your child has the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

1. The child's lips become blue (cyanotic), he or she is drooling, has a lot of difficulty breathing, has very shallow breathing, wants to sit up and not lie down, is unable to sleep, and has a stiff neck (cannot bend the neck forward). Other symptoms include a sore throat and a hoarseness in the voice. Do not try to open the child's mouth to look into the throat. The airway may become blocked and the child would not be able to breath.

2. A foreign object could be blocking the airway and the child could have difficulty breathing and swallowing. If you know or suspect that a foreign object has been swallowed, call your physician or go to an emergency room.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR CROUP AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Beta-carotene – 15,000 Units times age up to 100,000 Units per day.

2. Zinc – 5 milligrams times age, up to 50 milligrams per day.

3. Vitamin C – 250 milligrams times age per day, taken in divided doses.


HERBS USED FOR CROUP:

1. Lobelia tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract – 5 to 10 drops, 2 times a day, given in 1/3 cup of warm water. For children under 1 year of age, only 5 drops are used.

2. Other herbs to be used are Echinacea, Grindelia, and Yerba Santa. In the form of a tincture 10 to 20 drops, 3 times a day mixed with water or juice is used. It can be given in addition to or with the Lobelia.


HOMEOPATHY:

From the following homeopathic medicines, the one that best matches the symptoms is choosen. This is given 3 times a day while symptoms persist. A dose consists of 3 pellets placed under the tongue. For babies and small children, the pellets can be dissolved in a little bit of water.

• Aconite 12C: For the first signs of a cold or croup, especially if the child is fearful, restless, and very thirsty.

• Hepar sulph 12C: For croup with a hoarse cough and if the child gets chilly easily.

• Spongia 12C: For a dry, barking cough with a high pitched sound when the child breaths in.


A PROPER DIET FOR CROUP WILL INCLUDE:

Removal of allergic foods. If a child has recurrent croup, an allergy to cow's milk or a baby for-mula could be suspect. Nursing is recommended for at least 6 months since it is the best source of nutrition for infants and protects against infections. If the child is on a formula, changing the for-mula may improve the condition.

Food allergies need to be considered in older children as well. Certain foods seem more likely to cause croup. Eliminating these foods from the diet is a good way to determine if one or several of them are responsible. The main problem foods are dairy products (including milk, cheese and ice cream), wheat, corn, and sugar.

After eliminating all of those foods from the diet, and the symptoms have gone away, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur. A new food would be introduced each week. If you need more information, refer to the program on food allergies.


ADDITIONAL MEASURES INCLUDE:

1. Cool Air – A walk in the cool night air often helps. On bad winter days, holding the child outside under a covered area, such as a covered porch area, is a good idea.

2. Mist – Sit with the child in the bathroom with the door closed while the shower is running. A cool humidifier can also be used.

3. Cold/Hot Collar – Place 1 washcloth in a basin of ice cold water and another washcloth in a basin with hot water. Apply the ice cold washcloth to the front of the neck for 1 minute, then the hot washcloth for 1 minute. Alternate a few times.


Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.