How Long is Croup Contagious

Croup is an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract which affects the larynx and trachea. The para-influenza virus is the main causative agent for this condition. Some other viruses that can cause this condition are influenza virus and adenovirus. The inflammation of the larynx and trachea is often marked by persistent cough. The coughing increases mostly at night.

Croup is commonly seen in children who are in the age group of 3 months to 5 years. It is very rare in adults. It is spread through respiratory secretions. It usually lasts for a week and it becomes more severe during nights. The first and second night will be worst for the sufferer. So, how long is croup contagious? It is contagious till the symptoms persist.

Symptoms

Viral signs for croup are mostly common in premature babies and kids who are less than three years. The symptoms stay for four to seven days and in some cases the skin around the mouth and nose may turn blue or gray. The symptoms include common cold and cough, headache, wheezing, fever, painful throat, breathing troubles, restlessness, difficulty in swallowing, rapid heart rate and harsh sound coming out while coughing. The high pitched sound produced due to heavy breathing is called stridor. If you notice severe symptoms, then your child needs prompt medical attention.

Treatment

Milder cases can be treated with home remedies but in few cases, child develops complications like pneumonia. You can fill the bathroom with hot water, make sure you keep the bathroom door closed. Make your child inhale the steam by sitting with him for 10 - 15 minutes. The entry of the steam into the respiratory tract helps to open the airways, thereby making breathing easier. Keep a wet cloth over your child's mouth or nose and let him inhale the moist air. Moist air works well to relieve breathing troubles. It is recommended that you feed your child semi-liquid and liquid food; it will help the child to swallow the food easily and without pain. Make sure to keep your child away from smoke and dust, otherwise it may aggravate the breathing problems. Even certain drugs like acetaminophen helps to reduce the fever and throat pain. Aerosol treatments and steroids are very effective in treating this condition. It is advisable that you do not give any cough medicines to your child. Consult your child pediatrician before giving your child any dosage of medicines. Once your child starts breathing normally, maintain a good diet plan for your child.

It is seen that kids mostly suffer from croup during winter and spring seasons. If the home remedies do not work out for the child, then take him/her immediately to a doctor. Croup being a contagious disease, needs to be treated on time to prevent severe health complications.