I was told by medico's to avoid steam as it makes the condition worse, I was also told (as I have an asthmatic child) to seek immediate medical intervention most likely because my 6 yr old has asthma.

Just want to know who told you use steam? And why? I'm just curious as the information you've given is almost opposite to what I've been told. I have been told to put pillows under the mattress to prop the bed up.

I hope this doesn't sound like I'm having a go, I'm just curious and trying to figure out why (whether it's because of asthma) that the DR's would tell me to get pred mix straight away and avoid steam. We also use vicks on their chests which seems to ease the symptoms too.

I can't stand all the double talk from medico's. One person gets told do to this way and I get told no to do this another way!

Thanks Raven

Yeah  no worries, there is a lot of different doctors with different advice.  Yes we prop the bed up.  some doctors say not to use steam because some doctors say it makes no difference, not because it's dangerous (though it could be in an asthmatic child mine don't suffer) so of course you would do as your doctor suggest.  We find it helpful, but it could be more the medicated ecupalyus (sp?) you put in.

I would think because of the asthma that your children get the pred mix straight away, as the croup would make it harder for them to breath and the 2 could have potentialy fatal consequences.  Generally doctors I have dealt with don't like to give it until/unless it gets really bad.

Thats my experince with doctors in this case.

yeah it can be scary the conflicting advice, um on the phone to the nurse the other night she also told me to use steam, I havent but going to the docs this morning, i havent disregarded your advice but i did feel it wasnt urgent as in no way life threatning,his coughing is not as bad, and i;m sleeping with him to monitor him at all times . Thank you for your info really appreciate it.

Yeah tell me about it, as I said I think it may be because my daughter has asthma and hummidifiers and steam can actually trigger an attack. If she has steamy shower, she gets asthmery and thats on a good day. We usually put her through the shower first to eliminate it. You didn't mention if your son had asthma or not so I put in it there. It's hard when your kids have a number of different issues and you offer advice and the general consenses is for the other treatment. It makes me Q if I'm getting the right treatment for my kids! We were told by SA Doctors and Allergist specialists. As I said I was only asking because I want the best for my kids. I'll definately be sticking to what I've been told in case it is because of her asthma.

Cheers Raven

that is so odd. My Hubby had a bad astma attack last year and we went to the 24hr chemist and they said to get the humidifer. stopped his attack straight away with ventilin as well.

definately do some research on it and write advice for minti. :D

Sorry a quick correction it's an infammation of the bronchials in the lungs and as I said it's very serious and should not be left untreated.

Raven