Croup is a childhood condition that affects the windpipe trachea , the airways to the lungs the bronchi and the voice box larynx. Children with croup have a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in. They may also have a hoarse voice and find it difficult to breathe because their airway is blocked.
Read more about the symptoms of croup and diagnosing croup. Commonly, croup is caused by a virus. Several viruses can cause croup but in most cases it is the parainfluenza virus. Read more about the causes of croup. Croup usually affects young children aged between six months and three years, with most cases occurring in one-year-olds.
However, croup can sometimes develop in babies as young as three months, and older children up to 15 years of age. Adults can also get croup but this is rare. Most cases of croup are mild and can be treated at home. Sitting your child upright and comforting them if they are distressed is important, because crying may make symptoms worse.
Your child should also drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. A single dose of an oral corticosteroid medication called dexamethasone or prednisolone will usually also be prescribed to help reduce the swelling in the throat.
If your child has breathing problems they may need hospital treatment, such as adrenaline and oxygen through a mask. Read more about treating croup. Most cases of croup clear up within 48 hours. However, in some cases symptoms can last for up to two weeks. There are a number of conditions that can follow croup, such as pneumonia and middle ear infection.
Read more about the complications of croup. Good hygiene is the main defence against croup, such as regularly washing hands and cleaning surfaces. A number of your child's routine vaccinations also protect against some of the infections that can cause croup.
These include:. A child can get croup at any time of the year, although it's more likely to occur during late autumn or early winter. This may be because there are more viruses, such as colds and flu, around at this time of year. Stridor is often most noticeable when the child cries or coughs. But in more severe cases of croup it can also occur when the child is resting or sleeping. Although croup symptoms usually only last for a few days, they can occasionally last up to two weeks.
You should take them to your nearest hospital's accident and emergency department or dial for an ambulance. Some of these symptoms may indicate a potentially life-threatening underlying condition called epiglottitis inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. The symptoms could also indicate tracheitis inflammation of the windpipe , which also requires immediate medical attention.
Croup usually develops as the result of a viral infection. The infection causes the larynx voice box to become swollen and the trachea windpipe to become blocked, and may affect the tubes in the lungs bronchi. It is sometimes called laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis. The parainfluenza virus is the most common cause of croup. Four strains of the virus are responsible for most croup cases. These are:. The virus can be transmitted through close contact with infected people, as well as contaminated objects and surfaces.
As with many airborne viruses, the parainfluenza virus is often spread by breathing in droplets from infected coughs or sneezes. A GP can diagnose croup by studying your child's symptoms, particularly the sound of their cough. They may also check your child's temperature for a fever and ask whether they have recently had a cold or viral infection.
In some cases, a pulse oximetry test may be carried out. This involves clipping a sensor onto your child's earlobe or finger to find out their oxygen levels. The test does not hurt and should not distress your child, and determines whether your child is absorbing enough oxygen into their blood. Most cases of croup can be safely managed at home. However, you should call your provider for advice, even in the middle of the night. The tissue that covers the trachea windpipe is called the epiglottis.
If the epiglottis becomes infected, the entire windpipe can swell shut. This is a life-threatening condition. If an airway blockage is not treated promptly, the child can have severe trouble breathing or breathing may stop completely. Most croup can be safely managed at home with telephone support from your provider. Call your provider if your child is not responding to home treatment or is acting more irritable.
James P, Hanna S. Upper airway obstruction in children. Oh's Intensive Care Manual. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Rose E. Pediatric respiratory emergencies: upper airway obstruction and infections. Updated by: Neil K.
Editorial team. Croup-like symptoms may also be caused by: Allergies Breathing in something that irritates your airway Acid reflux. The main symptom of croup is a cough that sounds like a seal barking. Exams and Tests. The provider will examine your child's chest to check for: Difficulty breathing in and out Whistling sound wheezing Decreased breath sounds Chest retractions with breathing An exam of the throat may reveal a red epiglottis.
Treating a fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as instructed by your child's provider Do NOT give a child aspirin as it can cause a condition called Reye syndrome. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes croup? Viruses that are known to cause croup are: Parainfluenza virus Respiratory syncytial virus RSV Influenza virus Adenovirus Enteroviruses Croup is spread through direct contact with a person, or fluids from another person who has the disease.
Facts about croup Croup is most commonly seen in children 3 months old to 5 years. The peak time for croup to occur is 2 years old.
Croup is seen more often in the winter. What are the symptoms of croup Symptoms of croup are not always the same. Common symptoms of croup are: A runny nose, a stuffy nose, and slight cough A cough that turns into a "seal's bark" Laryngitis losing his or her voice Fever Stridor Symptoms are often worse at night and wake the child from sleep.
How is croup diagnosed? Other tests may be needed, including: Neck and chest X-rays Blood tests Pulse oximetry. Treatment for croup Treatment for croup depends on: Your child's age, overall health, and medical history How sick your child is How well your child does with medications, procedures, or therapies How long the disease is expected to last Your opinion or wishes In severe cases of croup, or if your child is not breathing well, your child may need to go to the hospital.
Your child's provider may also order the following medications to help with the symptoms of croup: Inhaled medications Injected medications Oral medications taken by mouth Home treatments may include: Using a cool mist humidifier Taking the child outside into cool, moist, night air Drinking lots of fluids Treating a fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as instructed by your child's provider Do NOT give a child aspirin as it can cause a condition called Reye syndrome Keeping your child as quiet and calm as possible to make it easier to breathe.
0コメント