What is Croup?

Croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis is a common, contagious respiratory infection. It affects the larynx or voice box, the trachea or wind pipe and the bronchial tree. Hence the name laryngotracheobronchitis. It occurs suddenly, usually at nights in children between the ages of 3 months to 5years of age. Croup has a characteristic hacking cough with a barking high pitched sound like that of a seal.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CROUP?

75% of the time croup is most commonly caused by the para-influenza virus.

Other causes might be due to:

Bacteria

Allergies and inhaled irritants.

THE FOLLOWING OCCURS DURING A CHILD'S INFECTION WITH VIRAL CROUP.

The virus infects the nose and throat, then migrates along the upper respiratory tract, invading and infecting the larynx and the trachea.

This infection results in swelling and narrowing of the trachea making it difficult for air to enter the lung. Hence the high pitched, noisy, raspy, barking sound.

In addition the wind pipe is the narrowest part of the airway so the swelling makes quite an impact on the area. (After the age of 3 years a child's wind pipe gets larger reducing the occurrence of breathing problems.)

OTHER SYMPTOMS OF CROUP ARE:

Fever which may range from 100 - 104 degrees F.

Nasal congestion affecting breathing through the nose.

Increased thick mucous secretions that may also cause blockage to the airway.

Hoarseness of the voice and sore throat.

Croup usually worsens at night.

Croup may last for 5 - 6 days.

STRIDOR (The grasping raspy sound heard when the child is breathing in.)

Stridor is a significant sign for a child with croup. It is the warning sign that there is narrowing of the airway to a serious extent. Severe breathing difficulty is a major concern of croup. Hospitalization in a pediatric intensive care unit is recommended for severe breathing difficulty so that the child can receive the appropriate care and treatment for airway problems.

TREATMENT

The treatment of croup depends on the severity of the child's condition.

Always seek medical advice for your child's treatment regardless whether the attack is mild or severe. The majority of croup attacks are mild.

A mild attack may be treated at home under the guidance of the pediatrician.

Cool moist air is highly recommended to sooth the throat and reduce the swelling.

Steam inhalation is very effective.

Turn on the shower or tap in the bath room to steam the area.

Accompany the child into the steamed area.

An humidifier is also helpful. Give the child plenty of fluids.

Parents should remain calm and be comforting and reassuring.

This helps to relax and reduce anxiety in the child and reduce the stress of the condition.

Acetaminophen may be prescribed to reduce the fever.

Severe attacks of croup needs professional medical care in a hospital.

PREVENTION

Croup is spread by droplets from the infected child via coughing and sneezing or contact with objects contaminated with the infected secretions.

Hand washing is important in preventing the spread of croup.

Protect your child from contact with another child who has croup.

Today most cases of croup are mild. With improved medical technology and research it is not as dangerous as it used to be in the past.

However it is still a condition that must be taken seriously to avoid the ill effects to your child should he/she have an attack of croup.