Best Home Remedies for Croup in Children

Croup is a common problem in growing children. It is usually caused by a viral infection, usually a parainfluenza virus. A child can contract croup by breathing infected respiratory droplets, coughing or sneezing into the air by someone who has the disease. Read more about Best Home Remedies for Croup in Children

Create usually occurs in younger children between 6 months and 3 years, and this is usually not serious.

This infection of the upper airway causes swelling around the vocal cords (larynx), the trachea (trachea) and bronchi (bronchi).

The swelling causes a cough characteristic low, resembling the bark of a seal. A cough is often worse during the night and rises from pain and anxiety and agitation. Swelling also causes a breathing difficulty that can cause an acute whistling.

In addition to coughing and laborious breathing, it is common to have a fever and a hoarse voice. Symptoms usually last three to five days. However, a good healing may take longer.

Meanwhile, some simple home remedies can keep your child feeling more comfortable and help prevent the croup from coming back.

1. Warm Steam

One of the best home remedies for relieving symptoms and getting rid of croup is hot steam.

The warm steam created from a hot shower helps to alleviate congestion and make breathing a little easier. The heat of the moisture also decreases the mucus to facilitate expulsion.

• Run a hot shower and close the door to prevent steam escaping.
• Sit with your baby in the bathroom filled with steam. (Do not leave your child in the bathroom alone.)
• Let your child inhale the steam for at least 30 minutes.
• Repeat if necessary.

2. Moisten the Air

Wet air facilitates breathing, so you need to increase the level of humidity in your home and especially where your child is sleeping.

Moist air can also help with congestion and decrease the intensity of cough seizures.

• Use a humidifier whenever possible in your home and especially in the room where your child is sleeping.
• Another option is to place a bowl of hot water in the room to increase moisture in the air. You can also place a pot of water on the radiator in your child’s room.
• Whether you use a humidifier or a bowl of hot water, be sure to place it in a safe place to prevent accidents.

3. Sponge Bath

If your child has a fever, a sponge bath can help reduce it.

A sponge bath of fresh water will help regulate your child’s body temperature and relieve you quickly of fever. Plus, this will help to relax your child and help him sleep better.

• Soak a cloth with tap water at room temperature, wing away excess water and then rub the underarms, feet, hands, and groin of your child. You can give a sponge bath 2 or 3 times a day.
• Then place a damp, moist cloth on your baby’s forehead and change it every few minutes to reduce the fever.
  Older children can take a bath or shower.

4. Essential Oil Massage

A gentle massage of the breast with a mixture of essential oil can help relieve tight muscles and promote relaxation. This will also facilitate breathing for your child.

• Mix 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in the ½ cup of hot and extra virgin olive oil. Give your child a gentle chest massage with this aromatic oil, especially before bedtime to help him sleep better.
• Another option is to mix 10 to 15 drops of oregano oil in 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil. Use this mixture as a chest friction before bedtime to relieve a cough while sleeping.
• In addition, massage your child’s feet with the blended oil will promote relaxation.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another home remedy for treating croup.

It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antitussive (cough suppression) properties that help reduce congestion and relieve symptoms of croup. In addition, it reduces inflammation in the air passages.

In addition, this stimulates the immune system to help speed recovery.

• Pour 6 cups of water into a saucepan and add ½ cup thinly sliced ginger and 2 cinnamon sticks. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, then let it dry and add a little raw honey. Give it to your child to drink several times a day. (For babies under 1 year of age, you can dilute the liquid with warmer water before giving it. Also, skip the honey.)
• For children aged 1 years or older, mix equal amounts of ginger juice, pomegranate juice, and honey. Give your child 1 tablespoon of this mixture 3 times a day.

Also, you can give older children ginger pellets with a little salt sprayed on them to chew.

6. Honey

If your child is over 1 year old, honey is a good cure for croup.

With its antibiotic, antioxidant and immunity boosting properties, honey helps fight bacterial and viral infections and can help relieve croup symptoms.

• Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey to a cup of hot water or milk. Give it to your child to drink 2 or 3 times a day.
• Another option is to mix 2 teaspoons of raw honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Give it to your child 2 or 3 times a day.

Note: Do not give honey to babies less than 1-year-old, as they may contain bacteria that can cause infantile botulism.

Note: If your child’s symptoms persist beyond three to five days or get worse, see a doctor immediately. In addition, seek immediate medical attention if your child develops symptoms such as difficult difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, rapid breathing, scraping noise when inhaling or expiring (stridor), or skin Dark and blue near the nose, mouth or nails.