Hello,
There are several possible causes of the symptoms you described in your granddaughter. The most common one is a viral infection that affects the upper airways and can cause swelling of the vocal cords.
Croup is more common in younger children, but can occur in older children as well.
Allergies can also cause
throat irritation and
cough, but typically do not cause a barky cough. Other symptoms of allergies may include itchy eyes, runny nose, and
sneezing. Given that your granddaughter has been sleeping excessively and has no appetite, it is important to make sure she stays well hydrated. You may want to encourage her to drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day, and consider offering her soft, easily digestible foods such as soup or yogurt.
It is recommended that you take your granddaughter to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation as she keeps sleeping. If her symptoms worsen or she has
difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, you can try using a humidifier in her room to help soothe her throat and reduce coughing. You may also want to encourage her to rest and avoid physical activity until she feels better. You can give antihistamine for the barky coughing and
vitamins to empower her immune system.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician