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Patients, parents and carers

Croup: A Guide for Parents

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What is it?

Croup is common. It causes swelling of the upper airway. It usually affects children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, but can affect older children as well.Croup is often caused by viruses and mostly happens in the autumn and winter months.

What are the symptoms?

Croup causes a barking cough that often sounds like a seal. There can also be a hoarse or raspy voice and difficulty breathing, especially at night. Children may also have a noisy breathing sound called stridor. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and may come on suddenly at night.

How is it diagnosed?

It’s important to seek medical attention if your child is having difficulty breathing or if their symptoms are severe. A healthcare professional will diagnose croup by listening to the story and examining your child.

What is the treatment?

Children with mild cases of croup can stay at home and be given simple treatments such as paracetamol and lots of fluids. In more severe cases, your child may be given a dose of steroids to improve breathing. Sometimes your child might need to be admitted to the hospital for monitoring and other treatments.

Remember, most cases of croup are mild and get better after a few days. If your child is getting worse and having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.

Use this quick guide to know what signs to look out for in your child.

Bronchiolitis: A guide for parents

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What is it?

  • Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the lungs and airways. The tiniest air passages become swollen and produce a lot of  mucus. This can make it more difficult for your baby to breathe
  • It mainly affects babies and young children
  • It happens mostly in winter, but can happen at any time of the year
  • It is caused by a number of different viruses, the most common being respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Most children don’t need any medical help, but some need to come to hospital for assessment or treatment

How did my child get it?

RSV and other viruses that cause bronchiolitis often cause mild coughs and colds in older children and adults who can easily pass the virus on to infants in tiny droplets that travel in the air. Almost all children will have had an infection caused by RSV by the time they are two years old. It is most common in the winter months and many infants only get mild ‘cold-like symptoms’ for a few days. Most infants get better on their own but some, especially very young ones or infants with other health problems, can have difficulty with breathing or feeding and may need to go to hospital.

What symptoms will you see?

  • Bronchiolitis starts like a simple cold. Your baby may have a runny nose and sometimes a temperature and a cough
  • After a few days your baby’s cough may become worse. This may be dry initially, but becomes wet as the symptoms develop. Your baby’s breathing may be faster than normal and they may become wheezy.  They may need to make more effort to breathe
  • As breathing becomes more difficult, your baby may not be able to take the usual amount of milk by breast or bottle. You may notice fewer wet nappies than usual
  • Your baby may be sick after feeding and become clingy, unsettled and cry more
  • Sometimes, in very young babies, bronchiolitis may cause them to have brief pauses in their breathing

 

Tonsillitis in Children: A Guide for Parents

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What is it?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the throat. It is a common childhood illness and can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Tonsillitis can vary in severity and duration, ranging from mild discomfort to more severe symptoms that may require medical treatment.

What symptoms do you get?

Symptoms of tonsillitis in children may include:

  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing or pain with swallowing
  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • White or yellow patches or spots on the tonsils
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Bad breath
  • Hoarse voice or loss of voice

It’s essential to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical advice if they are experiencing severe symptoms or if their condition does not improve within a few days.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing tonsillitis in children typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional. Your child’s healthcare provider will examine their throat and tonsils for signs of inflammation, redness, swelling, or pus. In some cases, a throat swab or culture may be taken to determine if the infection is caused by bacteria.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for tonsillitis in children depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. In most cases, tonsillitis is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are not effective, so treatment is focused on relieving symptoms. This may include rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Less commonly, the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, and your child may require antibiotics to help clear the infection and prevent complications. It’s important to ensure your child completes the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if their symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

If you have any concerns about your child’s symptoms or if they are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

Sleep

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Problems with sleep are very common in children. Here are some useful resources to help manage sleep problems and bedwetting that might be helpful. Also follow the links to some helpful websites with more tips and tricks.

Sleep training

You are certainly not alone with this; plenty of nursery aged children, and older, spend some, or all, of the night in their parents bed. For many parents this isn’t a problem. But there are many who yearn for privacy and dream (when they get the chance) of an unbroken night’s sleep. Just why do little ones sleep horizontally across the pillows and thrash around quite so much?

Here is a simple plan with which you can teach your child to sleep through the night in his or her own bed. Quick and gentle, the programme will allow your child a real sense of achievement as well as ensuring all of you wake feeling more rested and able to cope with the demands of the day. It’s extremely difficult to be the good parent you want to be when you simply have not had enough sleep.

See the tabs below for the weekend training plan

Headaches in Children: A Guide for Parents

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What are they?

Headaches are a common complaint in children and can occur for various reasons, including stress, dehydration, or illness. Most headaches in children are mild and temporary. Understanding the causes and symptoms of headaches can help you to effectively manage your child’s discomfort and seek medical advice when necessary.

What symptoms do you get?

Headaches in children may present with a range of symptoms, including a dull or throbbing pain in the head, sensitivity to light or noise, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, or changes in mood or behaviour. Children may also describe their headache as a feeling of pressure or tightness in the head. It’s essential to pay attention to any associated symptoms or patterns, such as headaches that occur at specific times of day or in response to certain triggers, as this information can help determine the cause of the headache.

How are they diagnosed?

Diagnosing the underlying cause of headaches in children often involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests or evaluations. Your child’s healthcare provider may ask about the frequency, duration, and severity of the headaches, as well as any associated symptoms or triggers. It can be helpful if you keep a headache diary. They may also inquire about your child’s medical history, lifestyle, and any recent illnesses or injuries. In some cases, further evaluation, such as blood tests, scans, or referral to a specialist, may be necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions or identify potential contributing factors. It can be very helpful to get your child’s eyesight tested by an optician, as untreated visual problems are a common cause of headaches.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for headaches in children depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. In many cases, simple measures such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may provide relief from mild headaches. It’s essential to follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid giving aspirin to children. For recurring or severe headaches, your child’s healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments or interventions, such as stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, or prescription medications.

When to seek urgent medical attention

While most headaches in children are self-limiting, there are some red flag signs that may indicate a more serious underlying condition and require prompt medical attention:

  • Sudden and severe pain
  • Headaches accompanied by fever or neck stiffness
  • Your child is confused and not their usual self
  • Your child appears to have weakness or complains of numbness
  • Your child has difficulty speaking or walking
  • Your child is complaining about vision changes
  • Your child has a seizure
  • Your child is under 5 years old (it is uncommon for children to report headaches at this age)

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

For further information have a look here.

Remember, while occasional headaches are common in children and often resolve with rest and supportive care, persistent or severe headaches may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional. It’s important to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical advice if you have any concerns. The Head Smart Campaign is a great place to get more information, with clear guidance around worrying features of headaches.

Contact NHS Lothian