Croup Definition
Croup refers to diseases of the respiratory system which are caused by inflamed upper airway. Characterized by sneeze and barking cough, vomiting, nausea, fever and high pitch sound the child makes when inhaling, Croup is often a benign condition that is treatable at home. Croup diseases are spasmotic croup, laryngotracheobronchopneumitis, acute laryngotracheitis, laryngeal diptheria and laryngotracheobronchitis. Laryngotracheobronchopneumitis and laryngotracheobronchitis are caused by bacterial infection and often severe.
Croup Diagnosis
Doctors identify the disorder by looking at the telltale signs of Croup. For severe cases of blockage, an X-Ray will help eliminate other possible causes of the symptoms.
Croup Treatment
Taking care of children afflicted with Croup usually involve getting them to breath moist air, taking them outdoors to break the attack and sometimes taking steroids. It may be helpful for parents to stay with their children for the whole duration to observe the progress of the disease. Doctor's intervention is necessary if these remedies are do not cure the fast breathing and cough. Doctors will prescribe medicines to reduce swelling. It is also recommended that the child gets plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
Croup Symptoms and Signs
At the onset, children afflicted with Croup could experience cold-like symptoms, such as clogged or runny nose. They might also have fever. The hoarse, "barking" sound the children make while coughing is caused by the worsening inflammation of the upper airway. In severe cases, children will have difficulty breathing and because of lack of oxygen, the sides of their mouth will be pale and bluish.
Croup Causes
Croup can be caused by viruses, most commonly the parainfluenza virus, bacteria and allergic reaction. The inflammation which results from the infection causes the respiratory problems mainly among children because they have smaller airways.
|
