{"id":1878,"date":"2022-05-08T07:51:11","date_gmt":"2022-05-08T07:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/?p=1878"},"modified":"2022-06-01T07:53:04","modified_gmt":"2022-06-01T07:53:04","slug":"croup-in-children-causes-prevention-and-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/croup-in-children-causes-prevention-and-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Croup in Children: Causes, Prevention and Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Croup is the common name for a medical condition known as laryngotracheobronchitis. Common in babies and young children, croup involves infection and the resulting inflammation of the windpipe, vocal cords and bronchial tubes, or trachea, larynx, and bronchi, obstructing breathing and causing what\u2019s characteristically known as a “barking cough.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of Croup<\/b><\/h2>\n

Croup is typically caused by a virus, most frequently the parainfluenza virus. A child can contract the virus by inhaling respiratory droplets an infected child coughs or sneezes into the air. The virus that these droplets contain can also remain active on surfaces, like tables, chairs, and toys. If a child touches their eyes, mouth, or nose after touching an infected surface, they could develop croup and start developing symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

A croup that develops quickly while a child is already experiencing a mild cold, is called spasmodic croup. Possible causes of spasmodic croup include allergies and acid reflux. In this form of the condition, the cough typically starts in the middle of the night and, unlike viral croup cough, has no fever associated with it. Spasmodic croup cough is much rarer than common croup, though once acquiring it, it frequently recurs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Croup Symptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n

Croup often first appears with symptoms resembling a common cold. Symptoms shortly following these include swelling of the vocal cords and windpipe; the child may experience trouble breathing as a result. This swelling, then, also leads to hoarseness and raspiness, especially while crying, as well as a sore throat and a cough. The child may also have a fever and make noisy and high-pitched sounds while coughing that resemble a seal barking, hence the common name a “barking cough.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Other times, a child\u2019s breathing will include a high-pitched whistling sound on the inhale, or what\u2019s medically known as “stridor.” Other possible croup symptoms include a rash, redness and swelling around the eyes, and swollen lymph nodes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Croup symptoms tend to be worse during the night and can be worse in children ages six months to three years. Croup symptoms generally last for about three to five days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Conditions Presenting Similar Symptoms<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Be aware that your child may experience these symptoms and not actually have croup. Similar symptoms can also result from a child breathing in fine particles, such as flour or powder. Epiglottitis, bacterial tracheitis, and certain other infections can also cause similar symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

A food allergy can also cause similar symptoms as croup, particularly a constricted airway and strained breathing. If you suspect that your child may be experiencing symptoms of a food allergy, call 911 immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because the symptoms of croup have so many other potential causes, seeking a pediatrician\u2019s diagnosis is crucial to identify the proper treatment and facilitate the quickest and fullest recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Croup Cough Complications<\/b><\/h2>\n

In rare cases of croup, the child\u2019s airway can swell so much as to impede the child\u2019s ability to breathe. Also in rare cases, a second infection, this time bacterial, can occur in the trachea also impairing breathing. In such cases, the child requires urgent medical care. Only a small fraction of children taken to the emergency room for croup need hospitalization.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment for Barking Cough in Kids<\/b><\/h2>\n

In most cases, viral croup is mild, in which case you can generally treat your child at home. Simply try to soothe your child and keep them calm to avoid crying, which can exacerbate symptoms. Keep your child as comfortable as possible while ensuring that they remain upright. Be sure, as well, that your child drinks plenty of water. To reduce a low fever, you can use over-the-counter fever-reducing medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.<\/span><\/p>\n

In those rare cases when croup cough does interfere with a child\u2019s breathing ability, you\u2019ll want to call 911 right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

When to See a Doctor for Croup Cough<\/b><\/h2>\n

If your child is experiencing a barking cough while agitated, crying, or playing, there\u2019s no emergency; if the barking cough occurs while none of those things are occurring, there may be cause for concern. Other instances in which a child with croup should see a doctor are:<\/span><\/p>\n