Home treatment, such as using a humidifier, can help treat mild to moderate croup. Regardless of treatment, symptoms usually improve gradually within 2 to 5 days.

If your child has severe croup or has not responded to home treatment, medicines may be used to reduce airway swelling. These are usually given in a doctor's office or an emergency room. Medicines usually include:

• Glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone or budesonide (for example, Pulmicort).
• Epinephrine.

If your child needs extra oxygen, it is given through a nasal cannula or delivered through an oxygen mask placed over the nose and mouth.

If breathing improves after one or more of these measures, your child will be observed for a short time and sent home. If symptoms do not improve, your child may need hospitalization and further testing.

What to Think About

Over-the-counter cold medicines, such as antihistamines and decongestants, are not helpful for treating croup. Check with the doctor before giving these medicines to your child. Experts say not to give decongestants to children younger than 2.

Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil and Trimox) or cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin), are not effective treatments for croup. These are only used if a secondary bacterial infection, such as a middle ear infection, develops.