What is the recommended position for a child with respiratory distress due to croup?

The recommended position for a child experiencing respiratory distress due to croup is upright. When a child is in an upright position, it helps facilitate better airflow and makes breathing easier. This position can also help reduce anxiety, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties.

Croup commonly causes swelling in the airway, leading to a characteristic barking cough and stridor. By sitting the child up, you can help ease the pressure on the airway and allow gravity to assist in keeping the airway open. This positioning can also aid in the parent's ability to monitor the child's condition and intervene promptly if necessary.

In contrast, lying supine can increase airway resistance and make breathing more difficult for a child with croup. The side-lying or prone positions may not provide the same benefits in terms of airway management as the upright position does.