Croup

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 21 May 2024 | 05:45 PM (IST)

Also known as laryngotracheitis, laryngotracheobronchitis and laryngotracheal bronchopneumonitis

Overview

Croup is a respiratory illness that primarily affects the voice box, windpipe and upper airways of children under 5 years of age. The condition is mostly caused by viruses and rarely by bacteria.

The most characteristic symptoms are ‘barking cough’ and ‘stridor’ characterized by high-pitched whistling noise while breathing. Other symptoms include sore throat, runny nose,hoarseness of voice and fever.

Most of the cases of croup are mild and resolve within a few days with symptomatic care. Children with severe symptoms may need steroids, epinephrine, and supplemental oxygen. Careful monitoring of heart rate along with respiration is also critical in such cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is croup contagious?

Croup is mostly caused by viruses that can be easily spread from person to another. One can be exposed to the virus through coughing or sneezing by the infected person. Handling an infected person and touching contaminated surfaces can also transmit the virus.

How long is croup contagious?

Children with croup are contagious for at least 3 days after the infection.

How croup can be distinguished from epiglottitis?

It is extremely important to distinguish croup with epiglottitis for the better treatment approach. The both can be differentiated from some characteristic symptoms. The cough is a sign of croup whereas drooling (excess saliva in the mouth) indicates epiglottitis. The other symptoms to watch for in children with epiglottitis include acute onset dysphagia, odynophagia (painful to swallow), high fever, and muffled voice.

Is croup very serious?

In most of the cases the symptoms of croup resolve spontaneously. However, some children may suffer from life threatening symptoms.

What is the main causative agent of a croup?

The parainfluenza virus typically causes croup, but a bacterial infection can also cause it.

Does the child suffering from steroids need steroids more frequently?

There is only a small percentage of children who need steroids to overcome the symptoms. The symptoms that need steroids include severe coughing spells, inability to speak or cry due to difficulty in breathing, whistling sound with breathing or noisy, high-pitched breathing even while sitting or resting, and sucking in of the skin around the ribs and top of the sternum while breathing.

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Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Causes

Types

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

FAQs

References