Croup?!

CageyMack

Wow! Have any of you been through this?  Last night, baby W went to sleep just fine.  He had finished a wonderful day, was productive, played quietly, was just totally himself.  At about 10pm we heard this horrible sound, like he was choking.  He had drool running down his chin and was clearly horribly uncomfortable, barking and hacking and gasping. I knew in the back of my mind it was probably croup, but I admit I almost took him the emergency room. DW did rapid internet research and we decided it wasn't critical, and that it was most likely croup.

We spent the better part of the night holding him upright against our chests, but he would occasionally sort of wake up and thrash, hit us, kick us, almost like he was having a seizure.  When I held him on my chest, he would keep his eyes open forever, like sleeping with his eyes open, but I would stroke his cheek and he would look at me.  It was really bizarre. 

Around 2am we put him back in his crib, hoping he would crash out (he never likes to sleep in our bed, perhaps because it is too much stimuli?).  He zonked out and was awake this morning an hour later than usual, hoarse and growly.  It is so sad!  Today he is a little punky and will occasionally issue the "seal bark," but doesn't seem too bad.  I just put him back to bed with a bottle and he zonked out.

Anyone else have any experience with this?  How long did it last?

TIA!

Jazibel

No experience with this - but I'm sorry your little guy is going through this. Hope he's feeling better soon.

ATXmommas

No experience here either, but so sorry your boy is sick. hope he is feeling better very soon.

valeriegp

Yes, my son had croup pretty bad around 4 or 5 months old and then not as bad a few months later.

I would take him to the doctor and get a steroid shot. It will help him breath, and so, sleep. 

Get a humidifier if you don't already have one. When my son had his really bad, we let him sleep in his bouncy chair and put the humidifier blowing right in his face (the doctor's suggestion) and it helped a lot. If he's too big for that, try raising the head of his crib mattress by putting rolled towels or shoes under the mattress (if he's strong enough for that).  At minimum, let him sleep in his normal position but put the humidifier stream as close as possible while still being safe about it.

10-15 minutes in a steamy shower or bathroom will also help relieve symptoms for a little while.

Croup is horrible. I hope he gets over it soon.