Croup Cough

 Written by: Wahida Sabir

Kids with croup have a virus that makes their airways swell. They have a raspy voice and make a high-pitched, squeaky noise when they breathe.

This disease mostly attacks children at night and early in the morning.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some parents and physicians about the causes, prevention and treatment of this disease.

A mother, a resident of Samangan province says, “My child is suffering from croup. A day before, he was coughing and then he suffered from fever too. Later, he vomited and we took him to the hospital.”

A woman from Parwan province says, “I am the mother of 3 children. One of them was badly suffering from croup and it caused me to give him oxygen three times in one night.”

Other women from Chaharasiab district, Kabul province says, “My child is suffering from croup. At the beginning, he was coughing with whistling sound and he could eat food but later, his lips became blue and he could breathe in and I took him to the hospital.”

Doctor Farhad, nose, throat and ear specialist at one of the private hospitals in Kabul city says, “Croup is a dangerous and even deadly respiratory disease. Symptoms of this disease in children are wheezing and hoarseness. The symptoms of the disease can be mild and severe. These symptoms intensify more at night,”

What do some people think about the causes of croup in children?

A mother from Bamiyan province says, “My child ate nuts and suddenly his voice changed and he suffered from croup.”

A mother from Qarabagh district, Kabul province says, “Eating more sweets, chocolate and other edibles from the streets cause croup.”

Doctor Farhad says, “Croup has different causes like the common cold in children; smoky atmosphere; chemical gases and sleeping more people in one room at night.”

 how do some people treat this disease at home?

A mother from Kabul city says, “If someone knows the pray for treatment of croup and he/she pray for the patient, the patient will be recovered from croup.”

A woman from Chaharasiab district, Kabul province says, “The blood of sacrificed sheep is the best remedy for the treatment of croup.”

A mother from Samangan province says, “My child was suffering from croup; a woman dropped the blood of a roaster in his mouth and my child’s disease worsen.”

Doctor Farhad says, “Croup has no home treatment and giving blood to the child is most dangerous and trying this experience causes the death of the patient. Inhaling the vapors of boiling water is better until taking the children to the hospital or a physician.”