- Three-year-old Reuben Humphreys is in intensive care at hospital in Newcastle
- He had earlier developed a cough that later badly deteriorated into croup
- His father Owen Humphreys is warning parents to be on the lookout for croup
A father has warned parents to be look out for the signs of croup as his desperately ill lies fighting for his life in hospital.
Brave Reuben Humphreys, three, is being kept in intensive care at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary after a simple cough badly deteriorated.
Now, his father Owner Humphreys, of Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, is cautioning other parents to watch out for croup.
Brave Reuben Humphreys, three, is being kept in intensive care at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary after a simple cough badly deteriorated
Mr Humphreys told the Newcastle Chronicle: ‘Within 24 hours he went from a happy little boy running around on holiday to being in intensive care.
‘I’m a dad and I had never even heard of croup.’
Just days before, Reuben had been enjoying a family holiday to the Lake District with his parents.
Children who develop croup will suffer from a distinctive barking cough and make a harsh sound – known as a stridor – when they inhale.
Now, his father Owner Humphreys, of Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, is cautioning other parents to watch out for croup
They may have a hoarse voice and find it difficult to breathe properly because their airway is blocked.
Little Reuben struggled to speak as the family were making their way home from the Lake District.
His parents brought the youngster to a walk-in centre when his cough croup worsened before he was rushed to hospital.
Luckily, the three-year-old is beginning to show signs of improvement.
Just days before, Reuben had been enjoying a family holiday to the Lake District with his parents
Children who develop croup will suffer from a distinctive barking cough and make a harsh sound – known as a stridor – when they inhale