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Monday 21 May 2012

Suffering from Pseudo-croup


What is Croup or Pseudo-Croup?


Pseudo-croup or the croup is a lump in throat and is distinct by a strident cough similar to the yap of a seal. It is caused by a virus and the patient suffers from redness and inflammation around the larynx. It is generally cured within a week and croup in children is very common. Similar to common cold application of vaporizer and hot steam relieves the patient from tenderness around the throat. This may sound similar to any cough and cold but the child suffering from it generally find it very difficult to swallow anything and it is very dreadful confrontation.


Causes of Croup:


Like common cold, croup cough is caused by a virus known as parainfluenza. It is a communicable disease and can be communicated to a healthy person from another sick person. It is transferred through air and by touch. When the patient actually comes in physical contact with another healthy person or coughs in close distance from him without covering his mouth with either hand or handkerchief it may be communicated. On few occasions it can be an additional disease. Like while suffering from measles, flu, RSV or any kind of bacterial infection Croup can be an associative disease amassing more trouble for the child. Commonly it occurs during winter season.


Symptoms of Croup:


Like any common cold the patient suffers severely through night due to fall in temperature. Other few symptoms of croup are



  • Loud barking cough similar to the sound made by seal.
  • Running nose
  • Milder cough
  • Inflammation in throat
  • Trouble while breathing.
  • May even be accompanied by fever.

Treatment of Croup:


As Croup is caused by a virus antibiotics don’t have reaction over it. Generally it is advisable to treat croup through home remedies however if in any case the child feels severe breathing difficulty then it is better to consult a doctor and get the child admitted to a medical facility where he can be sited in a croup tent for croup treatment. Croup tent is a unusual tent where there is a controlled excessive supply of oxygen to facilitate the child to breath comfortably.   Steroids may be prescribed to the child to dwindle the swelling and inflammation in the throat. This will even help the child breathe normally.


Although this should create a difference in treatment for croup but if breathing still persist than artificial respiration through tube may be arranged in the hospital.


Lifestyle changes


Lifestyle changes alone don’t affect the condition of a child suffering from Croup. However prevention is considered better than cure. If care be taken such that the child is minimally exposed to common cold or flu virus it may minimize the probability of child suffering from croup. Frequent washing of face and hand is very important to maintain hygiene.


Home remedies for Croup



  • Stay calm and be patient with the child. Don’t seem anxious as this may alarm the child too which may worsen his condition further.
  • Make the child breathe moist warm air.
  • Hold the child tightly and in upright position to make his breathing easier.
  • For young baby water, formula and mother breast milk will be relaxing while for elder kids you can even try and fruit juice or soup.
  • Sleep will refresh the child and will sooth him over infection.
  • Take the child on a walk in cool air it will improve his breathing.
  • Try these home remedies and you will soon find considerable change. For a change you might want to sleep with your little one and take care of any emergency. If you observe you might find that the coughing subsides in baby during daytime and it might amplify during night. It is a common occurrence and you simply need to focus on getting his infection cured.

Friday 11 May 2012

Ideas for refashioning your basement

While refashioning your basement it is very vital to stay calm and focused all the way throughout the project. It is advisable that a dedicated folder is assigned to organize and record all information about the contractors, plans, warranties of new appliances, paint samples etc. While remodeling your basement you should give a good thought regarding the available area and then plan effective utilization to create extra space for your family and guests.

Few ideas of refashioning your basement into utility space


  • Make an entertainment or recreational room:
  • If in case your basement area is appropriate you can always create space for entertainment with big television, pool table and sound system. It will be a perfect spot for the entire family and kids to enjoy weekends and other free time together.
  • Include a guest room:
  • It is always difficult to accommodate an uncalled guest. Therefore an extra bedroom is never harm. In case you have ample space it is better to get both bedroom and bathroom constructed together so that the guest can also enjoy his privacy without hindering others.
  • Add a Kitchen or Laundry Room:
  • Extra space for laundry or kitchen always comes handy and you can create a spacious kitchen and laundry room in your basement. This will keep the rest of your house clean.
  • Build in Storage:
  • Many a times it is noticed that closets aren’t enough for storing our heavy equipments like rug washer, vacuum cleaner, lawn moaner, gardening tools etc. So you can refashion your basement to a storage space for your heavy equipment and they still be out reach of kids.
  • Build in Study for Kids:
  • With kids there is always shortage of space and you will always find it a lucrative option to create a study in your basement for kids. This way they can peacefully concentrate in their study.
  • Work space in Basement:
  • If you have your workspace designed in your basement then it saves you from the harassment of travelling. It can be a very pleasant experience to work and still be connected with your family all the time. 


While availing any of the above suggestions for remodeling your basement foremost thing which is needed in your basement is a plan to integrate windows and exterior doors in your basement. Although it will require consultation from professionals architects nevertheless it will astonish you with the results. It will facilitate ventilation and natural light which will amplify your pleasure of the extra space created in the basement.