Croup - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
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Definition

Croup is a common respiratory problem in all over the world. It is characterized by a harsh and barking cough. Mostly children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years old are affected with viral croup. Croup is most likely to occur during the winter months and early spring, and symptoms are most severe in children younger than 3 years of age. It causes inflammation, swelling, and narrowing in the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and breathing (bronchial) tubes that lead to the lungs.

Causes

Croup is infected by viruses .Croup is caused by not only a single virus but also variety of different viruses. Amoung them the most common virus is the parainfluenza virus. Other viruses may include:-

respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

influenza virus

measles

adenovirus

enteroviruses

Before the era of immunizations and antibiotics, croup was a dreaded and deadly disease, usually caused by the diphtheria bacteria. Today, most cases of croup are mild. Nevertheless, it can still be dangerous diseases.

Symptoms

Croup usually appears after your child has had a cold fever, runny nose, etc. for several days. For the most children, this is the extent of problems that occur. Croup is characterized by a harsh 'barking' cough, stridor (a high-pitched sound heard on inhalation) and fever. Hoarseness is usually present. The barkiness of the cough lasts for a couple of days, although the cough itself may last for a few days longer. More severe cases will have respiratory distress. A child with croup may experience some common symptoms are :-

runny nose

noisy inhalation

rapid pulse

clammy skin

labored breathing with retractions

Treatment

Most croup may be treated at home. Normally vaporizer is good for the Childs because it can provide moist air that is easier to breathe for the children. Also, a walk in the cool night air might be enough to open up the air passageways. Some doctors even recommend sitting in a bathroom with the hot water running for 10 minutes so the steam will making breathing easier. If a fever is present then Tylenol is a medicine which is good for treatment. Treatment of croup in the doctor's office or hospital depends on the severity of the croup and may include :-

administration of oxygen

mist therapy

administering a nebulized (inhaled) saline solution

administering nebulized racemic epinephrine

administering an oral or intramuscular corticosteroid called dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)

Croup can be scary especially if it lands your child in the doctor's office, hospital or emergency room. Hold your child, sing lullabies or read quiet stories. Offer a favorite blanket or toy. Speak in a soothing voice. Your presence can help keep your child calm.

Alien writes for Online doctor. Check out the croup treatment and prescription drugs .

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