What is Croup
By: Brian HarmonTotal Views: 173, Word Count: 598,
Croup is basically known as an infectious illness of the respiratory system. It involves infection of the vocal cords, the windpipe along with the bronchial tubes. It normally takes place in children between 6 months to 6 years. It is important to know what croup is, so that one can contact the doctor at the right time. In most of the children, the symptoms of croup involve the infection of vocal cord i.e. larynx. Croup is a viral infection caused by different viruses which are mainly for common cold and influenza; sometimes it can also take place due to bacterial infection. Children experience this mostly in late fall through the early winter months. It is noted that it has somewhat higher frequency in boys as compared to girls.
Symptoms of Croup
- It includes a harsh, barking cough along with common cold symptoms
- Most of the times, there is fever which accompanies it, which is up to 104°F (40°C).
- Croup can be indentified when your child experiences hoarse voice due to swelling of the vocal cords.
- Along with this, stridor which is known to be a gasping and raspy sound is noted when the child takes breath in.
- When the croup case is not that much serious, the affected child behaves normally, but if your child can sleep well due to cough, then it is time to see the doctor as to whether there is an infection of croup.
- The first step towards treatment starts from home. Provide a steamy bathroom to your child which can help to relieve croup symptoms. Increased humidity helps to clear breathing passages.
- There are different types of cool mist humidifiers and vaporizers available in the market which can provide a good solution.
- Fever which accompanies croup is treated with the help of Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
- Keep in mind that it is possible that this case of croup can progress to life threatening conditions. If your notice that the child's condition is worsening, immediately call a doctor.
- If the child is concentrating on breathing, watch him/her for pulling neck or shoulders while breathing. If it is happening, then it’s a case of croup.
- If in case the child is not able to cry or talk and has trouble in swallowing, this can cause great concern.
- In case of bad croup situation, the doctor may recommend a dose of vaporized epinephrine to open airways.
- It is possible that there may be recommendation steroids for a short period to open the airways.
Diagnosis of Croup
· Croup is a clinical diagnosis which is done by taking x ray of the neck. Narrowing of the trachea, called the steeple sign is the main characteristic of croup.
· Along with it, viral culture taken from nasopharyngeal aspiration is clinically studied to diagnose croup.
Treatment of Croup
Steroids
· Recommendation of Corticosteroids like dexamethasone and budesonide are used to improve the situation.
· Dexamethasone doses of 0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg are known to be equally effective.
Epinephrine
· Severe croup may be improved by using nebulizer epinephrine within 10–30 minutes; its benefits last for only about 2 hours.
As now we are familiar with what is croup, deal with it properly as it can form a complicated situation in your child’s health.
About the Author
Brian Harmon is a General Health Practitioner. He has an MD degree and has worked in different Medical Clinics of Texas for 25 long years.
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