Croup

What is Croup?

Croup is inflammation and narrowing the main airways to the lung. It’s medical name is laryngotracheitis. Mucosa lining the airway becomes inflamed  and the amount of mucosa produced increases. Croup is usually mild, although it occasionally causes severe breathing problems that may need emergency treatment.

Croup typically occurs between the ages of six months and six years. The peak age is during the second year of life. Asthmatic children can suffer repeated episodes.

What Causes Croup?

Over ninety five per cent of cases of croup are due to a virus. Bacterial infection can be the cause in a few cases.

What Are The Symptoms Of Croup?

• cold with snuffly nose and mild fever
• characteristic barking cough
• rasping sound heard when the child breaths in
• shortness of breath
• hoarse voice
• symptoms are usually worse at night

More serious croup symptoms include :-

• drawing in of the chest wall below and between the ribs,
• fast difficult breathing,
• agitation
• drowsiness as the child gets tired
• blue tinge to the lips

 In bacterial croup, the child may seem more ill, with a high fever and rapid deterioration.

How Is Croup Diagnosed?

Your doctor will be able to diagnose croup.

How Is Croup Treated?

Mild viral croup can be treated at home by creating a moist environment, try hanging a damp towel over a radiator or sit your child in the bathroom as you run a hot bath, Paracetamol will help the fever and plenty of fluids will help to avoid dehydration

Hospital treatment may be needed for more severe cases. This can include steroids and oxygen. Occasionally the child will  have a tube put into the trachea via the nose or mouth to assist breathing.