Croup

Croup is a virus infection of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea) and usually affects children up to the age of 5 years.  Croup often begins like a normal cold then the child develops a harsh, barking, “croupy” cough - often at night-time.  The voice is hoarse and the child may develop a noise when breathing in (stridor).  The stridor is due to narrowing of the trachea caused by the virus infection.  At first, the stridor may only be noticed when the child is active.  Croup may last for 3-4 days.

WHAT TO DO

Paracetamol may be given if the child has a fever.  Antibiotics do not help as croup is caused by a virus infection.

A mild attack of croup will often settle by nursing the child in a warm humid room, such as the bathroom, with the hot water taps are on.  The child should never be left alone in the bathroom with the hot water taps on.

Humidifiers in the bedroom may help.

Croup will often become worse at night and the child may be more settled if someone stays with them.  They may also breathe more easily if they are sitting up or lying against 2-3 pillows for support.

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO A DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL URGENTLY:-  IF

   

     Sucking in of the breast bone occurs on breathing in and the child is: 

(           having to work harder to breathe.

(           If stridor develops when the child is at rest.

(           If your child looks sick or becomes restless.

    

Emergency room treatment for croup is nebulised Pulmicort (Budesonide) 2mg.

September 2011 News Letter

Dr Richard Primavesi

117A Harley Street

0207 224 4668

Seasonal flu immunisation

This year’s flu vaccine is identical to last year’s which has been given to millions of children and adults without significant side effects.

I wholeheartedly recommend it for all children over 6 months of age.

If your child had two flu immunisations last year then he only needs one dose this year.

If not then he should have 2 doses separated buy at least four weeks.

-          Seasonal flu immunisation  appointments available from the first week of October  2011

-          I recommend to all children from the age of 6 m and upwards

-          Will need 2 doses separated by 2 m if first time

-          Can do parents and other members of family at same time

Childhood obesity

Continues to be a much discussed issue

Worries that two much concern by teachers may have led to the increase in the cases of anorexia in preschool children

By direct and indirect (bullying) mechanisms

Many parents are concerned that their child’s picky eating may be an early sign of anorexia nervosa – if they still indulge in junk food then it is not.

Please contact me on 02072244668 or richard@healthychild.co.uk  if you have any concerns. 

We now have a blog which gives information on recent health updates for children. Please visit the website at: http://www.healthychild.co.uk/