Disease: Croup

Overview

Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough.

The cough and other symptoms of croup are the result of swelling around the vocal cords (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi). When a cough forces air through this narrowed passage, the swollen vocal cords produce a noise similar to a seal barking. Likewise, taking a breath often produces a high-pitched whistling sound (stridor).

Croup typically occurs in younger children. Croup usually isn't serious and most cases can be treated at home.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Croup often begins as a typical cold. If there is enough inflammation and coughing, a child will develop a loud barking cough. This often is worse at night, and is further aggravated by crying and coughing, as well as anxiety and agitation, setting up a cycle of worsening symptoms. Fever and a hoarse voice are common, too. Your child's breathing may be noisy or labored.

Because children have small airways, they are most susceptible to having more marked symptoms with croup, particularly children younger than 3 years old.

Symptoms of croup usually last for three to five days.

When to see a doctor

Approximately 5 percent of children seen in the emergency department for croup require hospitalization. You should seek immediate medical attention if your child:

  • Makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds (stridor) both when inhaling and exhaling
  • Begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing
  • Seems anxious and agitated or fatigued and listless
  • Breathes at a faster rate than usual
  • Struggles to breathe
  • Develops blue or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails (cyanosis)

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

Croup is usually caused by a virus infection, most often a parainfluenza virus.

Your child may contract a virus by breathing infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Virus particles in these droplets may also survive on toys and other surfaces. If your child touches a contaminated surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth, an infection may follow.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

Croup is typically diagnosed by the doctor observing your child's breathing, listening to your child's chest with a stethoscope and examining your child's throat. Sometimes X-rays or other tests are used to rule out other possible illnesses.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

Most cases of croup are mild. In a small percentage of cases, the airway swells enough to interfere with breathing.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Prevention

To prevent croup, take the same steps you use to prevent colds and flu. Frequent hand-washing is the most important. Also keep your child away from anyone who's sick, and encourage your child to cough or sneeze into his or her elbow.

To stave off more-serious infections, keep your child's vaccinations current. The diphtheria and Haemophilus influenza type b vaccines offer protection from some of the rarest — but most dangerous — upper airway infections. There isn't a vaccine yet that protects against parainfluenza viruses.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Lifestyle and home remedies

Croup often runs its course within three to five days. In the meantime, keep your child comfortable with a few simple measures:

  • Stay calm. Comfort or distract your child — cuddle, read a book or play a quiet game. Crying makes breathing more difficult.
  • Moisten the air. Although there's no evidence of benefit from this practice, many parents believe that humid air helps a child's breathing. You can use a humidifier or sit with the child in a bathroom filled with steam generated by running hot water from the shower.
  • Hold your child in a comfortable upright position. Hold your child on your lap, or place your child in a favorite chair or infant seat. Sitting upright may make breathing easier.
  • Offer fluids. For babies, water, breast milk or formula is fine. For older children, soup or frozen fruit pops may be soothing.
  • Encourage rest. Sleep can help your child fight the infection.
  • Try a fever reducer. If your child has a fever, over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), may help.
  • Skip the cold medicines. Over-the-counter cold preparations aren't recommended for children younger than age 2. Plus nonprescription cough medicines won't help croup.

Your child's cough may improve during the day, but don't be surprised if it returns at night. You may want to sleep near your child or even in the same room so that you can take quick action if your child's symptoms become severe.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Most at risk of getting croup are children between 6 months and 3 years of age. The peak incidence of the condition is around 24 months of age.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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