What is Croup?
Croup is in an infection that causes swelling of the area surrounding the vocal cords. It is most common in children under the age of 5 years old.
Croup is a viral condition, most commonly caused by the parainfluenza virus.
The most common symptom of croup is a ‘barky’ cough. Other symptoms can include:
Stridor, a harsh vibrating sound when breathing, caused by inflammation of the airway.
Hoarseness
Fever
Stridor is the most dangerous symptom associated with croup. Inflammation of the upper airway can make it harder for your child to breathe.
Stridor occurs when the skin at the bottom of the neck just above the sternum indents inwards when your child tries to breath in, indicating that inspiration is labored. Stridor can become more pronounced when your child is agitated or has a fever.
Croup Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of croup can be made by taking a history and doing a physical examination. Sometimes, an x-ray might be done to look at narrowing in the upper airways.
Treatment of croup depends on the severity of symptoms.
For a child with no stridor when calm, or very mild stridor, and no difficulty breathing:
Croup can be managed from home, as long as you are in communication with your child’s medical provider. Treatment includes:
Oral Steroids
Bathroom filled with steam
Cold, nighttime air
Tylenol and ibuprofen as needed for fevers
Plenty of fluids and rest
For a child with significant stridor when calm:
This requires emergency room evaluation immediately. Treatment in the emergency room might include:
Oral steroids
Nebulized epinephrine – this is a medication given through a mask that helps open the airways
Oxygen
Tylenol and ibuprofen for fevers
Encouraging fluid intake
In cases where a child does not improve significantly in the emergency room, they will be admitted to the hospital for further management.
See a Doctor in Person If…
Your child is having difficulty breathing
Your child develops high fevers
Your child is not drinking well
Your child develops significant pain
Your child has drooling or difficulty swallowing