Every parent knows the sound of a normal cough, and for the most part, coughs aren’t overly worrisome. But, if your child’s cough sounds a bit strange, it could be caused by a condition known as croup.
Knowing how to tell the difference between a regular cough and croup in Rockville, MD can help you determine what type of care your child needs, and how soon to seek it.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Regular Cough vs. Croup: How to Tell the Difference
On its own, a cough isn’t an illness. It’s a natural way of the body clearing irritation or mucus from the airways.
Children can develop a cough for many different reasons, including:
If your child has a sore throat, runny nose, congestion, or a low-grade fever accompanying a cough, it may be caused by a viral infection. More often than not, viral infections clear on their own and don’t require urgent medical attention.
But then there’s that cough. It’s unique in the worst way possible.
Croup causes a very distinct cough. It’s often described as a barking noise. The condition also causes noisy breathing that’s especially noticeable when breathing in, along with hoarseness.
Croup symptoms are often more noticeable at night.
Is a Barking Cough Always Croup?
Not necessarily. While the sound of your child’s cough can be an important clue, it’s not enough to diagnose your child.
Other respiratory illnesses also cause coughing along with other symptoms. This is why an evaluation at POP Now can be extremely helpful in getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
One of our pediatric providers will listen to your child’s breathing, consider all symptoms, and determine whether your child has croup or some other condition.
When to Visit a Pediatric Urgent Care Center
You don’t need to rush to urgent care every time your child coughs. But, if their cough is persistent, unusually harsh, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s better to see a doctor sooner rather than later.
While croup can resolve on its own, treatment can help your little one feel better much sooner. Urgent care is especially convenient if there are no available appointments with your child’s pediatrician.
What Treatments Are Available for Croup?
Treatment depends on how severe your child’s symptoms are. Mild cases may improve on their own with supportive care.
Children with persistent or more severe symptoms are often prescribed a steroid-based medication. Of course, there are also things you can do at home to keep your little one comfortable, including:
- Encouraging plenty of fluids
- Plenty of rest
- Using a cool-mist humidifier
- Keeping your child calm (crying can worsen symptoms)
Be sure to keep a close eye on your child’s breathing. If they develop significant difficulty breathing, or if it becomes very noisy, seek emergency medical attention.
After starting medication, your child should start to feel better within three to five days. It’s very common for a mild cough to linger a little longer.
We Treat All Common Pediatric Illnesses in Rockville, MD
If your little one’s cough sounds unusually harsh or like a seal barking, don’t spend the night wondering whether it could be croup.
Instead, come to POP Now for a same-day evaluation and treatment. Our team has years of experience working with little ones so you can feel confident that they’re in good hands.
For same-day care, schedule an appointment online or give our office a call at (240) 922-0001 and visit our Rockville clinic any day of the week between 7AM to 7PM.