Croup

She is fussy. She won't drink. She won't eat. She cough occasionally. Her temperature is rising. This is a scary time for any parent.

The new year, 1 Jan 2012, begins with Gracelle down with Croup - a condition that causes an inflammation of the upper airways. It often leads to a barking cough or hoarseness. Thank God her condition is not that bad, was under observation in KKH on for 2 hours and home sweet home thereafter. Of course, the home treatment continue for the next few days...

This is the first time since birth that Gracelle has been so sick. She has always being in the pink of health with occasional mild running nose. This is also the first time, we, as her parents, experience caring for a sick (grumpy, fussy) or feverish child. Is an experience for her as well as for us. When children are sick or feverish, they need special considerations.

Fever
I monitor her temperature closely. She was given paracetamol for her fever. However, if her temperature does not go down an hour after medication, she needs to be given ibuprofen. There was a day her temperature remains at am alarming 38+ degree!

Cough
Coughing is the body's way of clearing out the lungs. She was given cough medication to clear the phlegm, and it cause her to cough more; the rational is for her to cough out her phlegm. I personally do not give over the counter cough prescription medication to children under 2, don't want to give the wrong medicine or overdose.

Drink, drink, drink
I need to encourage and make sure she got plenty of fluids intake.

Caring for a feverish child is a challenge! During this time, what I needed to know the most was "How can I get my toddler to take medicine". If you have any tricks to get this job done without fuss, please share with me. Basically, I have to force the end of the syringe in a corner of her mouth, aim the medicine inside the cheek, not the throat, where it might cause your child to choke. And make sure a bottle of water is there to wash away the nasty taste of the medicine right after the "forceful act".

Thank God, after 5 days of roller coaster ride battling the fever, she is on the road to recovering. I believe her immune system is boosted up and she will stay strong and healthy! Here's a picture of the little sick girl.