Croup (The Sunday Times, 1st April 2007)

Printer friendly page


Q. My grandson is two years old. He was breast-fed until he was 10 months; he eats only organic food, drinks goat’s milk and is a fabulously happy boy. However, he is prone to croup. Cold air and wet weather appear to set it off. When he is particularly breathless and coughing, my daughter runs him a hot bath, which relieves the symptoms, but doesn’t eliminate them. I’d be grateful for your advice.



A.Croup – the term is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “to cry out” – is a respiratory illness that occurs in young children. It is most commonly triggered by a viral infection; it results in a barking cough, breathing difficulties, hoarseness and fever. The steam treatment you describe is what doctors traditionally recommend to help ease breathing.

When my son suffered from croup at the age of two, I turned to Julian Scott, a paediatric acupuncturist who works at the Turning Point clinic at the Bath Practice (01225 427835). The acupuncture was incredibly effective. And it is not as traumatic as it may sound; a small needle was inserted into a few acupuncture points and removed immediately. The benefits certainly outweighed any discomfort. To find a paediatric acupuncturist, visit www.paediatricacupuncture.com.

You may also consider homeopathy, which is effective in alleviating croup. Spongia Tosta and Hepar Sulph are two remedies prescribed (from £3.95 each, from Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy; 020 7379 7434). However, constitutional homeopathic treatment is always preferable, so I suggest you contact the Society of Homeopaths (01604 817890) to find a practitioner near you.



By using this website or any of it's information you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.