Croup

Croup scientifically known as laryngotracheitis is an infection that affects the larynx and the trachea. Croup coughs is also accompanied by a rasping sound while breathing. This is called inspiratory stridor. The other symptoms include a hoarse voice and obstacle in the upper airways causing respiratory distress. Croup affects very young children generally in the age group of 6 months to 3 years. Sometimes even children above 6 years of age may be affected by croup. In rare case children below 6 months are affected by croup. A child affected with croup may suffer from this condition two or more times.

Symptoms

Children get affected with croup generally during the winter. The initial symptoms are similar to that of cold. Some general symptoms are
-a running nose
-bark like cough
-a fever
-Bark like cough
A child infected with croup will develop bark like cough between 1 to4 days. Most children tend to develop a croaky or hoarse voice. The child makes a rasping sound while breathing. This can be noticed when a child cries or coughs. In severe cases this sound can be heard when the child is resting or sleeping. The condition of a child affected with croup is at its worst for the first 48 hours and starts improving after this. After the condition improves, the child still coughs for a few days. Some of the severe symptoms of croup when one needs to seek immediate medical help are
-The child is struggling to breathe.
-The child is unusually sleepy.
-A blue tinge is visible on their lips and face.
One should seek urgent medical advice in the following situation
-The obstruction of child’s airways worsens
The child struggles to breathe and develops inspiratory stridor very often.
-The child has a high fever, becomes pale and a rapid heartbeat.

Cause

Croup may be caused by viral infection passed on from one child to other. Some of the major causes are

• Parainfluenza virus
  This is the most common virus that causes croup. It also may be caused by the measles virus and flu virus.
• Bacterial infections
  This causes croup but in very rare case.

Treatment

Croup generally does not need treatment because it gets better on its own and lasts for a short period of time. Some methods to treat croup are
-Comforting your child
Make your child sit upright on your lap if the child is distressed.
-Self
A child should not be given any medicine that makes him sleepy as it is easy to breathe when one is alert. Avoid smoky places and do not smoke around your child as smoke causes irritation in the airways. A window should be kept open for circulation of fresh air.
-Liquid paracetamol
Painkillers like paracetamol may be given in liquid form to the child
-Children below 16 years should not be given aspirin

Complications

A child suffering from croup gets complications in very rare cases. Sometimes onset of a secondary infection may leads to pneumonia. Severe croup sometimes blocks the airway completely. In such case immediate medical attention is needed. A child if develops blue tinge around neck, ribcage or mouth suggests he is not getting enough oxygen. The child should be given immediate treatment.