ALSO KNOWN AS
Viral Croup or croup
DESCRIPTION
* Croup is the description given to a "barking" cough, which generally results from infection, inflammation, and swelling in the upper airways. This leads to breathing difficulties.
SYMPTOMS
* "Barking" or hoarse cough
* Stridor (whistling/wheezing sound in the neck)
* Restlessness
* Fever
* Nasal flaring with breathing
* Blue lips and skin in severe cases
* Breathing difficulties
CAUSE
* Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
* Influenza
* Hamophilus Influenza bacteria
* Allergies
* ParaInfluenza virus
* Trauma
* Foreign body aspiration
HOW THE DIAGNOSIS IS MADE
* Examination:
1. Chest -- prolonged inspiration and expiration, wheezing, and decreased breath sounds
2. Throat -- red epiglottis (this exam must be undertaken cautiously by a physician)
3. X-Ray may show a foreign body
TREATMENT
* Mild cases caused by viruses:
1. Warm or cold humidified air
2. Cold outside air sometimes help
* Bacterial causes
1. Needs antibiotic treatment, e.g., Augmentin
* Foreign bodies
* Removal by physician (usually an ear, nose and throat specialist)
COMPLICATIONS
* Respiratory arrest
* Epiglottitis (swelling of tissue over vocal cords)
* Atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue)
IF YOU SUSPECT THIS CONDITIONS
* Croup can be mild or very severe. Contact your physician early if you have any doubts about the seriousness of the case. Any respiratory distress or suspicion of foreign body aspiration needs immediate emergency medical attention.
SIMILIAR CONDITIONS
* Viral Bronchitis
* Asthma
* Influenza
* Pneumonia
* Walking Pneumonia
* Whooping Cough
* Acute Mountain Sickness
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