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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

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 make an appointment.

Your child's doctor will likely ask a number of questions to help make a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Being ready to answer these questions may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Questions may include:

  • What are your child's symptoms? For instance, in addition to cough, 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?
  • 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?
  • Does your child have any other medical conditions?

DS00312

Aug. 5, 2008

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