Breathing Difficulties = Croup?

[mumworries]

Hi, My six yr old son has had croup at least 4 times a year since he has been born.  At least at the start that is what we were told it was.  We never heard the seal-like barking cough, yet doctors told us that what he was experiencing was croup, they also said he was too young to be diagnosed with asthma.  At around 4yrs old, we finally heard the barking cough and I remember at 3am saying to my hubby "THAT'S what is meant by a barking cough!" Anyway, it has been off and on and now he has had 3 episodes of croup since November 2006.  So, we toddled off to the doctor and get referred to a respiratory pediatrician. We were there for one hour and he says that he is not convinced it is asthma (What the?) Anyway, I describe to him the last episode: Two weeks ago we notice our son getting a cough, dryish (sounds like an asthma type cough - our older son and hubby gets asthma) after 2-3 days, he wakes up coughing and unable to breath. AND GETS WORSE WHEN HE PANICS ABOUT IT!  The coughing sound like a seal (classic sign of croup we are told - and consistent with the two times before that) he has this for about 4-5 days and now he has a wet/moist cough and runny nose. It has now been two weeks, this doc says - call me when it happens again so I can hear him over the phone. Everything I read tells me it is croup.  What do you think?

[National Jewish]

It is possible that this is croup.  It is also possible that this is asthma.  It is certainly a good idea to have the pulmonary physician see your son when he is sick to listen to his lungs and perhaps give some medications to see if he responds (as in asthma).  It is difficult to determine the cause from the sound of a cough.  A lung function test is also fairly easy in a 6 year old and may help with the diagnosis.

[mumworries]

The doc also did a lung capacity test and it was 95% before AND after.  The problem is, our son doesn't have any of the symptoms at the moment, he just looks like he has a cold.
I have no idea what to do??  Please Help??

[ozark]

your son could have an anatomical problem that he would need some xrays to rule out anything such as a fistula, an innonimate vein compression,  tracheal web etc...since he has had this since he was born.  He could also have a floppy epiglottis too.  I would insist on some sort of swallow study to rule this out. I hope you find an answer.  

[walls]

I had croup just like you described for your child when I was younger.  I grew out of it.  If all of the tests are normal and the Dr. says it is in fact croup, then try using vics salve and a humidifer in his bedroom at night.  You will see a huge improvement just after one night.  I also use this for my children when they bark like seals.  GREAT comparison!