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Croup

Croup (also called laryngotracheobronchitis) is a disease which afflicts infants and young children, typically aged between 3 months and 5 years. more...

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Symptoms

It is characterized by a harsh 'barking' cough, stridor and fever.

The 'barking' cough of croup is diagnostic.

In diagnosing croup, it is important for the physician to consider and exclude other causes of shortness of breath.

Causes

It is most often caused by parainfluenza virus, but other viral and bacterial infections can also cause it. It is the body's reaction to the infection that causes the respiratory distress, not the infection itself. It usually occurs in young children as their airways are smaller and differently shaped than adults, making them more susceptible. There is some element of genetic predisposition as children in some families are more susceptible than others.

Treatment

Treatment of croup depends on the severity encountered.

  • Mild croup with no stridor and just the cough may just be watched or a small dose of inhaled or oral steroids may be given.
  • Moderate to severe croup may require airway intervention and oxygen supplementation in addition to steroids, depending on the amount of respiratory distress.
  • Adrenaline may also be given in cases of severe croup, either via nebulizer or injected intramuscularly or intravenously.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


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What should I know about croup? - Information: from your family doctor
From American Family Physician, 2/1/04

What is croup?

Croup is a common infection that causes swelling in the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box).

Who gets croup?

Group occurs in children six months to 12 years of age. It is most common in children one to three years of age. Because croup is caused by a virus, it can spread to other children through coughing and sneezing. The virus also is spread by dirty hands, shared toys, and shared drinking glasses or spoons and forks. How can I tell if my child has croup?

Symptoms of croup include:

* A mild fever

* Runny nose

* Hoarseness

* Wheezing

* A barking cough

In more severe cases, you may hear a harsh, loud, high-pitched noise (called stridor) when your child takes a breath. Other symptoms of severe croup include:

* Fast or difficult breathing

* Flaring nostrils

* Unusual restlessness

* Retractions (your child's chest and stomach muscles suck in)

* A blue tint to the lips and fingernails

Symptoms of croup may be worse at night.

How is croup treated?

Most cases of mild croup can be treated at home. Children often like to sit up or be held upright. Crying can make the symptoms worse, so keep your child quiet and comfortable. Your child should have lots of rest and plenty to drink. Cough medicines usually don't help. You can give your child acetaminophen (brand name: Children's Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand name: Children's Advil or Motrin) for fever or chest discomfort.

What if my child has stridor?

If your child has stridor, it may help to take him or her outdoors into the cool air for 10 minutes. You also can use a cool mist vaporizer. In addition, try having your child breathe warm moist air. This can be done in several ways:

* Run hot water in your shower with the bathroom door closed. After the bathroom becomes steamy, sit with your child in the room for about 10 minutes.

* Have your child breathe through a warm, wet washcloth lightly placed over the mouth and nose.

* In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help your child breathe easier. Occasionally, your child may need to stay in the hospital.

How long does croup last?

Croup may last for three to five days. However, the child can have a mild cough for a few days longer. Most children with croup get better without problems.

How can I prevent croup?

To help prevent croup, you should:

* Ask everyone in your home to wash their hands often.

* Throw away dirty tissues from runny noses and sneezes right away.

* Frequently wash toys in hot soapy water if a child with a respiratory infection has had the toy in his mouth.

* Ask anyone with a cough to avoid kissing or playing with your child.

When should I call the doctor?

Watch your child closely and call the doctor if your child:

* Starts drooling or has trouble swallowing

* Has blue lips and fingernails

* Becomes restless or confused

* Does not sound better after the moist air treatment or going outdoors

* Has more trouble breathing

Where can I get more information?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd., NE

Atlanta, GA 30333

Telephone (toll free): 1-800-311-3435

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov

American Academy of Pediatrics

141 Northwest Point Blvd.

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098

Telephone (toll free): 1-847-434-4000

Web site: http://www.aap.org

American Lung Association

61 Broadway

New York, NY 10006

Telephone (toll-free): 1-800-586-4872

Web site: http://www.lungusa.org

COPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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