Croup

We are thankful for having health on our side most of the time. This season however, has challenged my health philosophy on numerous occasions. We have been battling mild colds and coughs all season long. Despite all my efforts we cannot seem to shake these bugs. I generally feel confident in self treating so we rarely visit the doctor. Sometimes we discuss whether to go in but we always end up saying, what’s he going to tell us? The usual let nature take it’s course or prescribe something I’d rather my children not take.

Last week I was again challenged when Evan got croup. It’s funny, no matter how much you try to protect your children- feeding them well, making sure they have life insurance, things can creep up on you when least expect it. Although we have never dealt with croup I was pretty sure it was by the rattle in his breathing and the occasional barking cough that makes you cringe.

It came on suddenly in the evening although in hindsight his “unwell” signs started earlier in the day that I misunderstood for teething (four new teeth in one month!). By evening, he spiked a fever of about 102+ and I was not able to lay him down to sleep in bed without him getting upset and making the breathing worse.

We discussed taking him into Emerg. I was worried for him and on the fence if we should go. I did not want him to get “unnecessary” medicines. By that, I mean that I would prefer to let nature take it’s course and avoid intervention unless absolutely necessary. After deliberating, we decided to ride it out until a morning visit with our doctor.

I consulted my baby book, called my mom and she suggested letting a hot shower run for the humidity or bundling him up for a walk outside. I made us comfortable for the long night by strapping on the carrier and opening a window to let the cold air in. Then I sat upright with him for the remainder of the night. He was able to fall asleep for 1-2 hour intervals. (Ahhh sleeeeppp…it still eludes me)

In the morning I went to see our doctor. Evan still had the fever and we could still hear the croup rattle in his breath. He coughed a few times and drew in a nasty sounding breaths so the doctor decided to admit us to the hospital. He told me we could be there for a few nights.

I freaked out. I caved. I felt silly and irresponsible and mad at myself. Did I put my son in harms way by waiting to see the doctor until morning? In Emerg, the OC doctor reprimanded me for not coming the night before. Bad neglectful mother for following my intuition and weighing the pro’s and cons of a sleepless wait in Emerg.

Evan was asleep for most of the intake and assessment. When he woke up he sounded much better. MUCH better. So much so that I felt felt silly for being there despite the doctors admission. The doctor picked up on this and told me many parents feel silly and that it would likely get worse the next night so we should treat him. He explained that he would give him a five minute EPI ventilator and a long acting steroid to help through the night.

I wrinkled my nose at these and he shook his head disapprovingly at me, don’t wrinkle your face at me, he told me, this is not a steriod you need to worry about. He seems fine now, he says, but it’ll be worse tonight, I’ve been through this with my kids and my wife always demands the steroids. (really? yeeks!)

OK, so I guess that’s solved. (frown)

I didn’t ask about side effects. You know, the part where I’m an informed parent making decisions to the best of my knowledge. I felt….belittled? Shamed even, for questioning the HOLY MEDICINE FRATERNITY. And I thought to myself, holy shit, these guys have EGO’s. He could not have a conversation with me…just a small one cause I know he’s a busy guy.  I just wanted to know if there was another way we could treat him, but there was no conversation because I am a lunatic natural parent for suggesting a more conservative approach than steroids and epinepherin.

But, you don’t get natural in Emerg. Silly me.

I guess I could have walked out at any time so Evan did not have to get “preventative” medicines, but I didn’t. Evan got treated and I was given a second dose of steroid for the following night. That night went pretty good, raspy, but able to sleep.

In the morning we went to my Naturalpath. He is arguably one of the best in Canada so I was looking forward to his perspective. I told him about the treatment he received. Evan was still rattling and coughing that morning, although sounding much better than the first night. My ND said that he would not use a steroid or other drugs unless a baby was in need of breathing assistance in that moment. Basically as a last resort, not as preventative measure when a baby seems to be doing OK.

He reminded me that  tonight I should see which works better. Cold air or a steam from the shower. He said that a little eucalyptus in a humidifier, a tiny bit of Vicks on his chest and sleeping in an elevated position were all helpful. He also gave me a tincture for his cough.

When we left my husband commented on how refreshing it was to have an intelligent conversation with a health professional.

I gave  Evan the herbal tincture for the rest of the day and into the night. The second night was not worse as the Emerg doctor had predicted. In fact, the tincture worked like a hot damn and we all managed to get some sleep. In the morning Evan was much better so I ditched the second dose of steroid. he recovered from that day on, almost as though he never had croup. What an experience!

I’ve learned that it’s easy to get shaken as a parent. To feel unsure and vulnerable, especially when questioned by others. Time and time again, I have not been satisfied with the care or consideration I’ve received by going the traditional medical route. Granted croup is not something to play around with, but I’m sure the ancient and natural treatments for croup would have worked just fine in our case. Visiting my ND was a great reminder that there are excellent care providers who share my philosophy and have the means to treat children or refer to another specialist. If I want a natural solution, it does not make sense to consult those who cannot offer me the solutions I seek.