Brief Answer: steam Detailed Answer: Hello, Use a humidifier in the room. If it is not available then you can run hot water in the bathroom and sit with your child for 10 minutes every 4 hours. As with all viral illnessess plenty of rest and adequate intake if fluids is of utmost importance. Encourage your child to take liquids very frequently. Warm soups, juices, warm water .. anything will do as far as it is not from the fridge. It is better to sleep in the same room as athe child since the symptoms usually get worse at night. Croup usually lasts for 4-7 days. You should visit the doctor immediately if - 1) breathing is very fast 2) cough is increasing 3) breathing is noisy 4) child is dehydrated. 5) very tired or sick looking 6) bluish discoloration of lips Children with croup almost always make a complete recovery but sometimes there can be complications like pneumonia. Encourage your child to wash hands regularly and stay away from children with respiratory diseases to prevent croup in future. Regards, Dr Rajkishori Godhi. If croup extends for more than 7 days then you should suspect

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