pediatric cough / croup

[Unregistered]

I am wondering about safe home treatments for infants croup / cough
My baby is 8 months old and has developed a case of the croup
She currently has no fever but a loud dry hacknig cough, runny nose and seems sleepier than usual. Any suggestions.

[jibode]

I have frequently prescibed for croup a commonly available prepared formula called Zhi sou san, sometimes modified, sometimes not. The name means "Stop Cough Powder" and is effective for doing that as well as inhibiting the pathogen. Note that stopping a cough early before a pathogen is fully expressed is often not advisable, but for this disease it is important to prevent prolonged or hacking cough from injuring delicate lungs.
In addition, or alternatively, massaging in a rotating fashion betwen the shoulder blades to the midback can relieve the chest ache that often follows, as well as stimulating the Lung associated points either side of the 3rd thoracic vertabrae. Gentle and rhythmic percussion in the same area of the back can also soothe and settle the lungs between coughing episodes.

[Phooey]

Best of all to get in touch with a local acupuncturist with paediatric experience. They can prescribe holistically for your child's specific type of croup. If you are in UK, go to www.acupuncture.org.uk