INFORMATION ON CROUP

Croup has an unmistakable sound a harsh, repetitive cough similar to the noise of a seal barking. Attacks of croup often jar children awake and leave them frightened and gasping for breath. Croup can be scary for parents, too, but it's usually not serious. At its worst, croup can be treated in the doctor's office most of the time. Most croup is caused by viruses, but similar symptoms may occasionally be caused by bacteria or an allergic reaction. The viruses most commonly involved are parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and measles.

SYNONYMS OF CROUP

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Croup.
2. Laryngotracheobronchitis.
3. Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
4. Airway obstruction, parainfluenza type 1.
5. Parainfluenza type 2.
6. Parainfluenza type 3.
7. Rhinovirus.
8. Enterovirus.
9. Coxsackievirus.

CAUSES OF CROUP

Croup is often caused by the parainfluenza virus. Less often, respiratory syncytial virus, the measles virus or various other viruses cause croup. Your child may contract a virus by breathing infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Virus particles in these droplets also may survive on toys and other surfaces. If your child touches a contaminated surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth, an infection may follow. Some children are more prone to developing croup, particularly children who were born prematurely or with narrowed respiratory passages.

SYMPTOMS OF CROUP

The classic sign of croup is a loud, harsh, barking cough — which often comes in bursts at night. Your child's breathing may be labored or noisy. Fever and a hoarse voice are common, too. Other may include:

1. Fever, Cough, Difficult breathing.
2. Characteristic crowing-sound breathing.
3. Stridor - may indicate serious case.
4. Noisy breathing - may indicate serious case.
5. Barking cough.
6. Coughing attacks.
7. Hoarse voice.
8. Chest pain.
9. Throat pain.
10. Restlessness.
11. General unwell.
12. Night coughing attacks.
13. Rapid breathing.
14. Difficulty swallowing.
15. Restlessness.

DIAGNOSIS OF CROUP

Croup is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor will observe your child's breathing, listen to your child's chest with a stethoscope and examine your child's throat. Sometimes X-rays or other tests are used to help make the diagnosis.

TREATMENT OF CROUP

Self-care measures at home — such as breathing moist air and drinking fluids — can speed your child's recovery. More aggressive treatment is rarely needed. If your child's symptoms persist or worsen, his or her doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, epinephrine or another medication to open the airways. Antibiotics are effective only if your child has a bacterial infection. For severe croup, your child may need to spend time in a humidified oxygen tent. Rarely, a temporary breathing tube may need to be placed in a child's windpipe. If the child does not respond to home treatment, medical treatment at a doctor's office or an emergency room could be necessary. Based on the severity of symptoms and the response to treatment, the child may need to be admitted to a hospital.