16 Month Old with Barking Cough

Hi A..
Could it be croup?
My son has gotten it since about your daughter's age (he is 3 1/2)...

if so, the best things to do (as per our dr who is tops in our area):
-- let her breath cold air when it happens -- breath in air from the freezer or fridge or outside

-- cold air humidifier in room at all times (not hot steam.)

the above has helped his croup episodes be more manageable. if it is the croup and the above does not work, there is a special steroid to be inhaled through a special machine with a mask...this you need definitely to consult with a dr.

good luck.

jilly

I would take her in to see a doctor since whooping cough is at epidemic levels in Washington State.

My best guess would be croup. The barking cough usually is worse at night. My daughter had it a few times and watch it closely. One time, I had to take her to the ER because she was having issue breathing. I didn't know at the time what it was but it was croup. The barking cough is the sign of it. The 2nd time and I knew what it was, We put her and I in a bedroom closed the door and let the cold air come in to help. It can get very serious. I would Google it also. Good luck.

I would definitely take her to the doctor. The potential danger of whooping cough would definitely override a little embarassment if it's just a common cold. Better safe than sorry.