Croup treatment: Does high humidity relieve symptoms?

My mother and I are having a disagreement about whether steam treatment relieves croup symptoms. She says that her experience as a mother tells her it does. But I say it doesn't. Who's right?

- No name / No state given

Answer

You're both right. Changes in humidity and air temperature have long been considered useful in managing mild croup at home. But in a 2006 study, high humidity provided no benefit for cases of moderate to severe croup treated in an emergency room.

The primary symptom of croup is a distinctive barking cough caused by inflammation around the vocal cords. Other signs and symptoms include fever and a hoarse voice.

For mild croup, use a cool-air humidifier in your child's bedroom or have your child breathe the warm, moist air in a steamy bathroom. Weather permitting, you may also wrap your child in a coat or blanket and stand in the cool night air. For severe croup — such as a barking cough accompanied by noisy, labored breathing (stridor) — a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, epinephrine or another medication to open your child's airways.

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