Croup Disease
BASICS
DESCRIPTION
Croup is a viral illness characterized by barking cough, high-pitched breathing, and fever, that often causes upper airway obstruction in children.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Barking, spasmodic cough
- Noisy, high-pitched breathing
- Low-grade to moderate fever
- Bluish discoloration around eyes, mouth, and nail beds (cyanosis)
- Fatigue
CAUSES
Viral infection
RISK FACTORS
- History of croup
- Recurring upper respiratory infections
DIAGNOSIS
WHAT THE DOCTOR LOOKS FOR
- The doctor will perform a physical examination to assess for the presence of croup.
- Conditions that can cause similar signs and symptoms include epiglottitis, foreign body aspiration, and other types of infection.
TESTS AND PROCEDURES
- Blood tests
- Fluid from the throat may be sampled for laboratory analysis.
- X-rays of the neck
- The airway may be examined by laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Mild cases of croup may be managed in the outpatient setting.
- Severe cases may require intensive care.
- Humidification ("croup tent")
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Intubation may be required.
- Tracheotomy (rarely)
ACTIVITY
Must keep patient quiet; crying may worsen symptoms.
DIET
- Nothing by mouth for severe cases
- Frequent small feedings with increased fluids for mild cases
FOLLOW UP
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE
N/A
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Dexamethasone
- Racemic epinephrine (Vaponefrin)
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen as needed
WHAT TO EXPECT
- If required, intubation is maintained for 3-5 days.
- If required, tracheotomy is maintained for 3-7 days.
- Recovery is usually complete, without lasting effects.
MISCELLANEOUS
PREGNANCY
N/A
OTHER NOTES
N/A
ABBREVIATIONS
N/A
Clinical Investigations
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- General Destistry
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
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