What Is Croup? What Causes Croup?

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Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 01 Jul 2009 - 0:00 PST

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Croup is a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the upper airways that often occurs in infants and children. The result is a swelling and narrowing of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (wind pipe) that results in a harsh, barking cough.

Although croup is usually not a serious condition, it can be scary for children and parents. When combined with breathing difficulties, croup can become a severe and life-threatening condition.

Who gets croup?

Children who are age 5 and younger are most likely to develop croup. Symptoms are most common and most severe in children between 6 months and 3 years old.

What causes croup?

The most frequent cause of croup is the parainfluenza virus. However, adenovirus, influenza A and B, Measles, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have also been identified as causing croup. A child may contract the virus by breathing in infected air or by touching contaminated toys or surfaces. As an infectious disease, croup is contagious.

What are the symptoms of croup?

Symptoms of croup include:

• Harsh, barking cough and sneeze
• Stridor (a high-pitches whistling sound made during inhalation)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Drooling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bluish or grayish skin around nose, mouth, and fingernails
• Respiratory distress (in severe cases)

How is croup diagnosed?

A doctor often can diagnose croup after investigating physical symptoms and listening to the patient cough. On some occasions, a physician will order x-rays or other tests to inform the diagnosis or to rule out other causes. An x-ray in a child with croup will present a "steeple sign", showing the top of the airway narrowing to a point.

How is croup treated?

As croup is often a self-limiting condition, most cases can be treated at home with fluids, breathing moist air (from a mist humidifier or hot shower), and over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In more advanced cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or epinephrine to relax swollen airways. Severe croup cases may require hospitalization where humidified oxygen can be administered.

How can croup be prevented?

To prevent croup, it is advised to wash hands frequently and avoid contacting people who have respiratory infections.

Written by Peter Crosta
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today