Laryngotracheitis

Croup is a condition affecting the larynx as well as the trachea. A person suffering from croup will have a barking cough like that of a seal spontaneously. He will also experience a rasping sound while he breathes in. This is termed the inspiratory stridor.

This condition is normally found among children of the age group of six months to three years. The condition is more common among boys than girls.

Symptoms

The croup is a condition which is normally found in winter. The symptoms of croup in its initial stage will be similar as if the child has cold. The child will have the following symptoms if he is suffering from croup:

• A seal-like barking cough
• Running nose as well as
• Fever of 38C or above.

The bark like cough will develop in one to four days of getting infected. The sound will become croak and hoarse. The rasping sound which will be present while the child breathes in is called the inspiratory stridor which will be visible while the child coughs or cries.

After forty eight hours of the infection, the intensity of the cough becomes less.

Causes

Croup occurs as a result of viral infection on the trachea and larynx. This is contagious and will be passed among children. This happens in children due to the presence of narrow airways.

The virus that generally triggers this condition called croup is a virus by name parainfulenza virus. But measles virus as well as the virus causing flue can also trigger this condition.

Croup may also develop due to bacterial infection. But these cases are very rare.

Diagnosis

The croup will be diagnosed on the basis of the nature of the cough experienced by the child as well as the other symptoms the child experiences. If the child has fever, then the doctor checks for the presence of any viral infections or cold the child had in the near past.
The doctor performs test to rule out conditions like tracheitis as well as epiglottitis.

The child may be admitted for further check ups if the condition is worse or the treatment fails.

Treatment

The child must be comforted by making the child sit upright on the lap of the mother or caretaker. This is to provide a sense of reassurance as well as comfort for the child. If the child is distressed or crying, the symptoms tend to worsen.

One can opt for using mild analgesics like paracetamol to lower the temperature, in case the child is suffering from fever. The child must be given small quantities of fluid regularly and frequently to prevent the child getting dehydrated.

Drugs that will make the child drowsy should be avoided as for breathing properly they need to be alert.

Popping the child up with pillows will help them to breathe easier while sleeping. Places that are normally smoky should be avoided as there are chances of the child developing irritation in the throat due to the smoke.

One can avoid the use of decongestants as well as short term beta-agoinist since they are not helpful for treating croup.

In sever cases, the child must be admitted to the hospital.