Croup
by jmmillerCroup is a respiratory viral infection that causes inflammation of the trachea and larynx. The air passage becomes swollen, which leads to blockage due to excessive amounts of mucous production. During the child’s respiration process, the air passage partially collapses, causing difficulty in breathing.
It is the partial collapse of the air passage that causes the child to have the “barking ” cough that is characteristic of croup.
Croup will usually last five to six days, and is usually more common in the winter months and in the early spring. Usually children five years old and younger are more susceptible to croup. Premature children are also more susceptible.
If you are unsure if your child has croup, some of the most common symptoms are:
- hoarseness
- fever
- hacking, ‘barking’ cough
The infection may also cause a crowing noise (called Stridor) as the child breathes in through a narrow windpipe. The symptoms of croup tend to affect children from ages one to three years old more severely, and can be worse at night.
Some other causes of croup include rhinovirus, influenza, adenovirus, Para influenza, RSV, and the measles. Usually children with mild croup can be treated at home. When a child has a croupy cough, you want to increase the amount of liquids that they intake. Cough medicines are not usually recommended. However, you can give your child Children’s Tylenol or Infant Tylenol; this will help with chest discomfort or fever.
If your child’s croup symptoms are severe and don’t seem to be responding to home treatment, call your family physician. The doctor may prescribe a medication to aid in reducing the swelling in the child’s air passage. Watch the child closely and phone your family physician if:
- Your child starts drooling
- Has difficulty swallowing
- If the child’s lips and skin are bluish
- If the child’s breathing becomes difficult
If you have any concerns about croup, or you think your child may have these symptoms, consult your family physician.
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