Croup
After a cold, an infection of the windpipe and the voice box can develop. The symptoms include a seal-like dry, barking cough and noisy breathing. It often gets worse at night.
Peak age: 6 months to 3 years.
What to do: Steam helps; run a hot shower and sit elsewhere in the bathroom. Oddly enough, cold air may help too: Take him outside for a few minutes. Also have him drink plenty of fluids. But call the doctor (or 911) if his breathing doesn't improve and he seems to be straining to breathe, or if his lips turn bluish or grayish -- it could be pneumonia or bronchiolitis instead.
