Barking Cough in a toddler

[newmommy7-08]

Please some advice!!!! My 20month old DS has an awful barking cough, you can tell it's hurting his throat when he coughs and his nose is running like a faucet. This all started on Friday. We've been keeping his nose as clear as possible, sleeping w/ a warm mist vaporizer and using vicks on his chest and back. Pushing water to try to thin the mucous, he won't touch pedialyte or anything like it, doesn't even really care for juice all that much. When it gets really bad we sit in the bathroom w/ the shower on hot. He is playing just fine,until he starts coughing then he winds up crying and it's just so pitiful! Is there ANYTHING else I should be doing to help him with this??

[Addy's Mom]

Sounds like croup. Do you live in a cold weather climate? Sometimes taking them out and letting them breathe cold dry air helps as well. I know it's the opposite of the steamy shower, but it does help some kids. Some say standing in front of the freezer with the door open works too, although I haven't tried that.

[newmommy7-08]

It's definately cold and snowy here in Wester PA, so I will try that! Thank you!