Preparing for an appointment

In most cases of croup, your child won't need to see a doctor. However, if your child's symptoms are severe or aren't responding to home treatment, you should call your doctor.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Your child's symptoms, including how long they have been occurring, what if anything makes them better or worse
• Any medication your child is taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements, and their dosages
• Questions to ask your child's doctor

What to expect from your doctor

Your child's doctor will likely ask a number of questions to help determine the best course of treatment:

• What are your child's symptoms?
• Has your child had a fever or difficulty swallowing?
• How long has your child been experiencing symptoms?
• Has your child's cough become progressively worse? If so, how rapidly?
• Have you noticed a pattern to your child's cough? For instance, does it get worse at night?
• Has your child had croup in the past?
• Has your child recently been exposed to other sick children?
• Does your child have any other medical conditions?
• Are your child's vaccinations up to date?

Your doctor will ask additional questions based on your responses and your child's symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.