Croup is an infection that often comes after a child experiences an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The infection may extend from the vocal cords (larynx) to the trachea and bronchi. This infection results in inflammation and increased mucus production. Although croup usually goes away on its own, between 5-10% of children with croup will require admission to the hospital.
Children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years are most likely to get croup. This common viral illness is estimated to occur in 5% of children between the ages of 1-2 years. Croup is rarely seen in adults because their larger breathing passages (trachea and larynx) can accommodate the inflammation without producing symptoms.
Croup is a viral respiratory infection that is easily passed among children. Common causes include parainfluenza, influenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, and measles. The infection starts with a cold, cough, and low-grade temperature. Symptoms gradually develop over 2 days. The typical barking cough is usually present by day 3 and is more likely to be worse at night.
If Your child has a temperature of 102°F or higher; or the child’s cough continues despite cough medication and cool-mist treatments at home; or the child is breathing faster than normal or has noisy respirations; or the child has signs of dehydration, including increased sleepiness, dry mouth, or decreased urination; call your doctor immediately.If the child starts having loud, high-pitched wheezing while breathing; or the child begins to struggle to breathe or speaks in short sentences because of lack of breath or the child has difficulty swallowing or the child is having signs of restlessness or sluggishness either from respiratory distress or dehydration or the child has signs of respiratory distress including retractions of skin around the ribs from deep breathing, nostril flaring, or rapid breathing or cyanosis, which is a bluish color to the skin, lips, or nail bed, indicates severe lack of oxygen in the body and should be considered an emergency shift the child to the emergency ward of the hospital.Breathing moist air from steamed water, a hot shower, or a cool-mist humidifier is helpful in the majority of cases. Taking the child outside while dressed warmly on a cold day for a few minutes may be helpful as well. The cool moist air that the child breathes on the way to the doctor’s office or Emergency Department often helps resolve the symptoms prior to arrival. Substitute juices for milk products. Frequent sips of clear liquids can loosen mucus and prevent dehydration, which often occurs with croup. Crying can trigger spasmodic coughing. Attempt to comfort your child to prevent agitation. Some children will benefit from sitting up straight for ease of breathing. An infant car seat can be used for small babies. Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants such as smoke.Humidified oxygen or cool mist is usually given to children coming to the hospital with croup. This treatment helps to moisten secretions and inflamed tissues to open the airway and soothe irritation. Children who are not responding to mist will receive nebulizer treatments to breathe (breathing into a machine with a face mask that generates a medication-enhanced mist). This therapy is believed to decrease the swelling in the respiratory airway. Steroid therapy has been shown to be of benefit in children with moderate to severe croup. It may be given orally, by injection, or by IV. Inhaled steroids appear to have limited value. Antibiotics have not been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of croup. Have the child rest as much as possible. Give him or her plenty of fluids to drink. Continue cool mist from a vaporizer or steam from a hot shower. Do not leave your child alone in the bathroom with hot water. Keep your child calm, because breathing symptoms can worsen with crying and agitation. Make certain your child takes his or her medications for the length of time prescribed, even if the child has improved. If symptoms return or worsen, then notify your doctor or return to the Emergency Department.Croup is a contagious disease. If possible, avoid contact with others who have colds or cough symptoms. Have children wash their hands often to reduce the chance of spreading the infection. Get prompt treatment with symptoms of respiratory infection. Increase the amount of fluids children drink. Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants such as smoke. Croup usually gets better over 5-6 days. Although most children respond to humidified air from a shower or vaporizer, studies have reported that 7% of cases will require admission to the hospital. Of these admitted, only 1-2% will be severe enough to require a breathing tube with mechanical ventilation or pediatric intensive care. Please visit: http://www.herbsandcures.com
