Croup
Croup is caused by an upper respiratory tract infection, especially in children, in which breathing becomes difficult due to obstruction and an unusually high-pitched (whooping) cough develops.
Coughing and other symptoms are the result of an inflammatory reaction around the vocal cords, trachea and bronchi. When a cough causes air to be expelled through a narrowed tube, the constricted vocal cords produce a seal-like cough. Also, inhalation causes a loud whistling breath - stridor
Croup is generally not a serious condition and will pass at home
Croup is mainly caused by a viral infection, most often by the parainfluenza virus
A child may become infected with the virus when particles of the virus are released into the air as a result of sneezing or coughing. The virus also lives on toys and other surfaces If a child touches a contaminated surface and then their own eyes, nose and mouth, an infection may develop
The infection starts mainly in the nasal mucosa, then it moves to the vocal cords (larynx) and trachea. Only a small number of those infected will develop croup
Croup starts like a common cold If inflammation and cough develop, the child may have a hacking cough Cough is worse at night and during crying, anxiety, agitation Fever and hoarseness are also common symptoms The baby's breathing may be loud or labored
Because children have smaller airways, they are more likely to develop symptoms of croup, especially before the age of 3.
Symptoms of nocturnal croup and labored breathing often frighten parents and they take their children to the hospital.
Symptoms of croup usually go away in 3-5 days
When to see a doctor Only 5% of children with croup develop an obstruction severe enough to require hospitalization. Get emergency help if the child:
- Makes loud breathing sounds (stridor) when inhaling and exhaling
- drools more or has trouble swallowing
- is anxious, agitated, or tired
- breathes faster than usual
