If your child has a sudden attack of croup in the middle of the night, try to have him breathe steam in some form without delay. If you have hot running water in the bathroom, take him there at once, and turn on all the hot water outlets.

This will fill the room with steam and enable the child to breathe more freely. Be sure to call the doctor as soon as possible. Meanwhile, keep yourself calm and quiet and avoid any sign of panic. Otherwise, the child may become more frightened and may not be able to catch his breath.