Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling of the larynx or trachea. Croup begins like a common cold, but soon develops a distinctive type of harsh barking cough. A person with croup may also have a harsh wheeze as they try to breathe through their narrowed windpipe. Croup is most common in young infants. Croup usually runs its course for six days.

Symptoms: difficulty breathing, harsh cough, hoarseness, tightness in the lungs, increased mucus production and feelings of suffocation.

Who to consult: If a child is having difficulty breathing, they should be admitted to the nearest hospital for further care. Other practitioners that may be of assistance are: dietician, GP, herbalist and respiratory specialist.

CROUP/COUGH. The three remedies given in the order shown have proven to be very effective in most cases of croup.

1. Aconite 200 – First stage only. Dry cough. Sudden onset. Hot head, cold extremities.
Worse from exposure to (cold) wind.

2. Hepar Sulph 200 – Second stage. Loose thick cough. Barking. Feels as if a needle or splinters in throat.
Worse from cold air, sunset, sunrise.
Better from warm moist air (eg. a vaporiser, steam from a shower).

3. Spongia 200 – Third stage. Dry, noisy, barking cough. Wheezing with constriction.
Worse from breathing in, and cold drinks.
Better from bending forwards.

There are hundreds of remedies which will help to relieve various types of cough. You may need a practitioners help if you cannot find a remedy with the similar symptoms. Recurring coughs need professional attention.