Croup Cough in Children

Written by: Muhammad Nasir Sirat

Croup is a condition that affects the child’s windpipe, the airways to the lungs and the voice box (larynx). Children with croup might make a harsh sound, known as stridor when they breathe in.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some mothers and a physician about this condition.

Fariba, a resident of Kabul city says, “My child is  suffering from throat sore and he has trouble in his breathing too. When he faces an asthma attack, his lips develop a bluish color and he has difficulties in breathing. We were afraid and we took him to the hospital.”

Another woman, Mariam says, “My child is suffering from croup. He could not eat and drink easily nor breathe well. He always has a fever and cough. We took him to the hospital for treatment.”

A child, Idris says, “I am suffering from croup. I always have a fever, throat sore, body ache and could not eat anything and my voice also has a bad sound.”

Doctor Muhammad Sharif Sailani, ear, nose and throat specialist, Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital, Kabul city talks about this disease, “Croup often begins as a typical cold. If there are enough inflammation and coughing, a child will develop Loud barking cough that's further aggravated by crying and coughing; Fever; Hoarse voice; Breathing that might be noisy or labored’ trouble in drinking and eating and if not treated on time, it might cause some serious health problems to the child including the death of the patient.”

What do people think about the cause of croup?

A mother, Shafiqa says, “When a child eats spicy and fried foods outside the home, he/she might face  croup.” 

Rahimullah, a resident of Chaharasiab district, Kabul city says, “I think spicy foods, pickles, and candies might cause croup.”

Nazia, a resident of Logar province says, “When mothers do not take care of their hands cleanliness during breastfeeding, the children might face croup.”

Doctor Sailani says, “Croup is caused by viruses in different ways. These viruses could enter through the mouth; not paying attention to the cleanliness of the child; polluted environment and eating dirty foods and these viruses reduce the resistance of the body against diseases. Croup could be easily transferred from a sick child to a healthy one.”

How do people treat croup cough?

Fatima says that she always takes her children to a doctor for treatment.

Karimullah, a resident of Jalalabad city, Nangarhar province says, “If any of my children suffer from the croup, we press his/her palate with a finger and then we keep warm his throat and prepare him/her vegetables soup and fresh fruits juice.”

Doctor Sailani says, “Mother could prepare soft foods, warm tea, and honey for their sick children. Pressing the child’s palate doesn’t treat the disease but it might cause other serious health problems to the child. Parents should take their child to the nearest clinic or to a doctor for essential treatment.”