DD1 got croup a LOT. It was always out of nowhere, and she would wake up in the middle of the night with really bad stridor. We had several ER visits with her. During the day, she had very little croupy cough. B/c it was so bad for her, if she was croupy at all and we had warning, we'd get her decadron--the oral steroid that they can give for croup.
DD2 has a croupy cough today and b/c of DD1, I freak out about what will happen at night and whether we'll end up in the ER. So I made her an appt to try to get the decadron. It's pretty harmless and my doctor has no problem just giving it in case it's needed, but we're seeing a different doc today. Do other people do this for croup, or are they going to think I'm a crazy drug-seeker whose kid isn't even that sick?
ETA: I know all about cold air and steam and fluids. DD1 would wake up really, really bad with chest retracting and bad stridor even at rest.
Because of the history with your dd1 you sound reasonable to me and I'm sure your doctor will get it too. I don't have croup experience but understand it is scary so better safe than sorry
DD had croup back in November. It super duper sucked. Based upon your family history I don't think you are crazy for making the appointment but don't be surprised if you are told wait and see.
DS1 got croup really bad all the time. He always got the steroid and we had a standing script for albuterol. I think it depends on the doctor but ours was fine with giving the steroid.
Got the steroid! Thank goodness! She's really croupy/coughing so I am SO GLAD we were able to get an appointment today or else I would currently be freaking out and wondering whether to go to urgent care. Let's hope tonight will go just fine. Now just crossing my fingers that the baby doesn't catch it.