*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Croup

Croup is a common condition that mainly affects babies' and young children's airways. It's usually mild, but it's important to call NHS 111 if you think your child has croup as they may need treatment.

Check if your child has croup

Symptoms of croup include:

a barking cough - this may sound like a seal (you can search online to hear examples)
a hoarse voice
difficulty breathing
a high pitched, rasping sound when breathing in

Your child will usually have cold-like symptoms to begin with, such as a temperature, runny nose and cough.

Croup symptoms usually come on after a few days and are often worse at night.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:

you think your child may have croup - the doctor may give your child medicine to shorten the illness
your child is getting worse or not getting better after seeing a GP

Occasionally, your child may be referred to hospital if they're more seriously ill or they're under the age of 3 months.

How to look after a child with croup at home

Croup usually gets better on its own within 48 hours. There are things you can do to help.

Do

sit your child upright and try not to let them lie down
comfort them if they're distressed and try to keep them calm (crying can make the symptoms worse)
give them plenty of fluids
check on them regularly, including at night
give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a high temperature or any discomfort

Don't

do not put your child in a steamy room or get them to inhale steam

Call 999 or go to A&E if your child:

is struggling to breathe (you may notice grunting noises, see their tummy sucking under their ribcage, or their breathing may sound different)
has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
is sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
is unusually quiet and still
is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
is very upset or restless, is having difficulty breathing and can't be calmed down
is unwell and drooling more than they normally do, finding it hard to swallow, or wants to sit rather than lie down

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.