Croup and Your Child:

What is Croup?

Croup is a condition, where a combination of illness causes an extreme upper respiratory infection that causes severe inflammation of the lungs and airways leading to the lungs. It is most recognizable by the barking cough that children exhibit, usually when crying. Usually children between the ages of 3 mos. and 5 years are the ones who develop it. Children under the age of three usually develop the most severe stages of the illness and need to be monitored closely while ill. Extreme cases of croup can be life-threatening. Premature children are also at high risk for developing it.

Croup is usually caused by a virus, but sometimes an allergic reaction or a bacterial infection can bring it on as well.

Spasmodic croup refers to the condition without symptoms, meaning it appears out of nowhere. The condition usually begins suddenly at night and has no fever, whereas regular viral croup usually entails a fever.

What are the Symptoms of Croup?

Symptoms of croup include the characteristic "barking" cough, rapid breathing, wheezing, or even difficulty breathing at all. It will also exhibit cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, fever, hoarse crying, and in extreme cases, extreme difficulty breathing due to partially blocked airways, and a bluish-gray tinge to skin. Symptoms usually worsen at night.

How is Croup Diagnosed and Treated?

The tell-tale cough of croup usually gives the condition away to doctors, and your child's physician will check for the other symptoms listed above. Sometimes, an X-ray may be necessary to inspect for blockage of the airways.

Since croup is usually caused by a viral infection, antibiotics are useless, although your doctor may administer steroids to calm down the inflammation of your child's airways, depending on how extreme the condition.

It is recommended to purchase a humidifier to place in your child's bedroom, since this will aid the child in breathing. Symptoms of croup usually wane after a week, with the most severe symptoms appearing 2 or 3 days after initial symptoms appear.

Croup is not contagious, but any young child with a cold can contract the virus that causes croup. Croup if left unattended can spiral into more serious infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.