This disease is treated fully in the general department; only a general
outline is given here. This is a disease dreaded by most mothers. It is
more distressing than dangerous. Its appearance is sudden and generally
at night. The baby may have had a slight cold or have been exposed to a
bad wind or it may have come on without any known cause.
Symptoms.--They are known to almost everyone. There is a hard, dry,
barking, hoarse cough, generally with difficulty in breathing to a greater
or less degree with a distressed look.
(For Mothers' Remedies, see General Department.)
Treatment.--If the child has eaten a big supper, it is well to give a
simple emetic, such as warm mustard water, alum and molasses, or goose
grease, or melted lard. Wring out pieces of flannel in hot water and put
them on the child's throat as hot as he can bear them and change them
often to keep them hot. Make a tent by spreading a sheet over an opened
umbrella over the crib then place a croup kettle or teakettle close to the
crib, directing the steam under the sheet into the tent so that baby may
inhale the vapor, taking care not to burn him. This affords much relief.
If necessary give ten drops of syrup of ipecac until vomiting occurs; a
teaspoonful of castor oil should also be given and if the baby is
constipated, give an enema of soapsuds and water. Keep the child indoors
the next day.