Cough characterised by breathlessness which is caused by viruses which causes the vocal cords to swell producing a barking cough. It occurs mainly in children under the age of five. And affects mostly in the winter and rainy seasons.
Symptoms
Symptoms include barking cough with heavy breathing or difficulty in breathing is observed. Hoarseness of voice is seen when the symptoms get even worse. Cold persists in some cases with running nose, blocked nasal passages at times. Cough is sometimes associated with fever.
Besides this high- pitched sounds while breathing is heard. Children get affected with recurring cold and cough within short intervals.
Causes
Croup is caused by virus, most commonly is parainfluenza virus. Some rare cases are also caused by bacterial infections.
Children are most affected as the air passages (respiratory system) are smaller than adults and are in developing stage. So care should be taken to prevent infections.
Prevention
- Children get easily affected due to high susceptibility. As most cases are seen during winter and rainy season warm water should be given to drink which soothes the throat.
- Steam is very helpful at least before sleeping which clears the air passages and reduces the breathing difficulties.
- Avoiding contact who are already sick, frequent hand wash can be given.
- Avoiding fruits like grapes, guava, etc. for that particular time and also fruits are to be given mid-day and should be avoided during evening hours.
Homeopathic Approach
Homeopathic medicine is the best friend for children. Barking cough which is more common in winter and Rainy season can be reduced with remedies like Hepar sulph, Drosera, Rumex. Aconite and Spongia also work for the same. Natrum mur, Kali bich and Sambucus helps to cut down the tendency for falling prey to winter climate. For rattling breathing during nights Calc Sulph and Sambucus are helpful to clear the airways. Bromium is one of the wonderful remedy for barking cough. We at Gouri Homeo Healthway help to reduce the acute sufferings and simultaneously the chronicity of croup is reduced with our protocols. Gouri Homeo Healthway helps children go through every climatic change and cruise with ease.
