Croup
About Croup
Croup is a condition that causes inflammation of the upper airways - the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea).
It often leads to a barking cough or hoarseness, especially when a child is crying.
Most cases of croup are caused by viruses, usually parainfluenza virus or adenovirus and respiratory syncytial sometimes
Virus (RSV). Viral croup is the most common - and symptoms are severe - in children from 6 months to 3 years old, but can
to older children as well. Some children are more prone to developing croup when they get a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
Infection.
Most cases of viral croup are mild and can be treated at home. Rarely croup can be severe and even life threatening.
The term refers to a kind of spasmodic croup croup that develops quickly and can happen in a child with a mild cold. The
barking cough usually starts at night and not accompanied by fever. Spasmodic croup has a tendency to come back
(Repeat).
Treating the symptoms is the same for both forms of croup.
Signs and symptoms
First, a child may have cold symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose and fever. Since the upper airways (the lining of
Windpipe and the voice box) is more inflamed and swollen, the child may become hoarse, with a harsh, barking cough.
This loud cough, which is characteristic of croup, often sounds like the barking of a seal.
If the upper airways swell on, it gets harder to breathe for a child, and you can hear a high-
Pitched or squeaking noise (called stridor) when inhaling. A child could also breathe rapidly or revocations
(If the skin between the ribs when breathing draws). In the most severe cases, a child may appear pale or
bluish color around the mouth due to lack of oxygen.
The symptoms of croup are often worse at night and when the children cry or upset. Besides the effects on the upper
Respiratory viruses that cause croup can cause inflammation farther down the respiratory tract and affect the bronchi (large
Breathing tubes to connect the trachea).
Contagiousness
Outbreaks of croup tend to occur in the fall and early winter, when the viruses that cause it peak. Many children who come
in contact with the viruses that cause croup will not get croup, but instead have symptoms of a cold.
Diagnosis
Doctors can usually diagnose croup by listening for the telltale barking cough and stridor. You will also be asked whether your
Child has had any recent illness with fever, runny nose, and congestion, and if your child has a history of croup or
Problems of the upper respiratory tract.
If a child's croup is severe and slow to respond to treatment, a neck X-ray for other reasons may be done to rule his
respiratory symptoms, such as a foreign body stuck in the throat, a peritonsillar abscess (collection of pus in
the back of the mouth) or epiglottitis (a epiglottitis the flap of tissue, the trachea comprising).
An X-ray of a child with croup is usually the tip of the airway narrowing to a point, the doctors call a show
"Steeple sign."
Treatment
Most, but not all, cases of viral croup are mild. Breathing in moist air helps most children feel better and ibuprofen or
Paracetamol (for children over 6 months old) they can be more comfortable. As with most diseases, and recovery
much fluid is recommended.
The best way to get your child is exposed to moist air, use a cool mist humidifier or run a hot shower, a steam build-
filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 10 minutes. The inhalation of mist will sometimes stop a child from
severe cough. In the cooler months, taking your child outside for a few minutes to breathe in the cool air ease
Symptoms. You can also try taking your child for a ride on the car windows slightly.
Consider sleep overnight in the same room to make a close observation with your child. If you can not break
Child's fast breathing and croupy cough, call your doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Medical professionals evaluates your child if the croup appears serious or there is a suspicion of airway blockage.
Doctors often treat croup with steroids to reduce airway swelling. In severe cases, doctors will give a breathing
Treatment that contains epinephrine (adrenaline). This quickly reduces swelling in the airways. Oxygen could also be given
and sometimes a child with croup will remain in the hospital overnight for observation.
Time
Croup symptoms usually reach their peak 2 to 3 days after the symptoms of viral infection begin. Viral croup usually lasts 3 to
7 days.
Complications
The vast majority of children recover from croup with no complications. Rarely, a child may develop a bacterial infection
the upper respiratory tract or lung inflammation. Dehydration can follow inadequate fluid intake.
Children who were born prematurely or who have a history of pulmonary disease (eg asthma) or neuromuscular diseases (such as
Cerebral palsy) are more likely to develop severe croup symptoms and often require hospitalization. Nevertheless croup rarely
causes no long-term complications.
Prevention
Frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with people who have respiratory infections are the best ways to prevent
the spread of viruses that cause croup.
When to call the doctor
Immediately call your doctor or seek medical attention if your child:
Breathing, including shortness of breath or rapid
Recoveries: if the skin between the ribs into the shot with every breath
Stridor: high pitched squeal or inhalation
a pale or bluish color around the mouth
drooling or difficulty swallowing
a tired appearance
Signs of dehydration (including a dry or sticky mouth, few or no tears, sunken eyes, thirst, no urine or only a little
dark yellow urine for 8-12 hours, extreme fatigue)
a very sick appearance