Elliot is sick with croup again. He used it get it much more frequently when he was younger, which was around the time when Ellis’ heart condition was precarious. Hectic times. I’d leave the house with my shirt on inside out and wonder why people at Starbucks gave a second glance; when the sunblock smear is plain smeared and forgotten to be blended in.

I’ve been told croup affects some kids more than others. But once antibodies are built up in the body, it gets easier to get over them in the future. Croup has similar symptoms like a cold: an ominous sore throat, mild fever, loss of appetite, and crankiness. One difference is that it worsens at night time and you hear an alarming cough; a barking seal with wheezing breathing sounds.

The first three to four nights are tough with constant coughing, crankiness, phlegm provoking a throw up. If elevating the pillow or massaging arms doesn’t work, I wrap him in a thick blanket and have him sit next to an opened window. The cold air opens up the inflamed upper airway. In the past I’ve tried running hot water to breathe in the steam. This upset him more than it helped.

Last night, Elliot woke up throughout the night crying and coughing. The fresh air seemed to help so we slept with the window cracked open. I put an unreasonable layers of blanket over him and I have a sore back from sleeping in a funny position on the floor.

We’re on day 3. Croup is a viral illness (which doesn’t require antibiotics), but our pediatrician decided otherwise after hearing his cough turn phlegmy. Fear is that it could turn into bronchitis.

Sleep deprived mom here; thank Jesus for naps, simple meals, and endless cups of coffee! Not being facetious. He coughs and I’m the lady following behind him with the antibacterial spray. Trying to help him recover and prevent Ellis from catching it. I don’t think I can take anymore Ellis hospital drama anymore. No more of that please!!!

Our fun activity today is canvas painting and playing with air-drying clay. I already guess it will be something Lego, mixing paint colors, and listening to the Ninjago soundtrack (again for the thousandth time).

Categories: Raising kids

Tagged as: antibiotics barky-seal cough cold symptoms croup doctor visit fresh air fun activity on sick day ninja Ninjago painting and listening to music

singlikewildflowers

Welcome to my blog! My name is Esther and I'm so happy you are here. I'm an avid nature photographer and a daydreaming thinker. My posts revolve around photos of nature's beauty, homeschooling adventures with my 2 kids, sporadic reflections on my child's heart condition, Bible reading reflections, gardening feats, and other mish mash things. Hopefully you'll leave encouraged, pensive, or smiling at the simple things of life. Thank you for stopping by and hope you'll find some interesting posts to read!