What is Croup?
Croup is the name given to a contagious upper respiratory tract infection that causes a characteristic barking cough that obstructs breathing.
The most obvious symptom of croup is;
- A cough that occurs as a result of swelling around the voice box (larynx),
- Wheezing pipe (trachea)
- And bronchial tubes (bronchi).
When a cough forces air through this narrowed passage, the swollen vocal cords produce a sound similar to a seal barking.
Likewise, breathing often produces a high-pitched whistling sound (stridor).
What Causes Croup?
Croup develops when a viral infection affects the respiratory tract. The infection causes swelling of the larynx and obstruction of the trachea. And it can affect the bronchi in the lungs. Sometimes it is also called laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis in the medical literature.
The most common causes are:
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Parainfluenza Virus:
Parainfluenza virus settles in the tissues of the respiratory tract and begins to damage the area where it is located.
As a result of this damage, inflammation begins in the tissues as a response of the body’s immune system.
The cells’ efforts to fight the virus trigger the inflammatory process and cause damage to the respiratory tract.
Different types of parainfluenza virus have different effects on the severity of croup cases, and the most prominent types are the types usually seen in children. They increase the damage to the respiratory tract and cause it to narrow.
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Family History:
A family history of croup may indicate that genetic predisposition may be involved. This genetic predisposition may affect an individual’s response to respiratory viral infections and may increase the likelihood of developing croup.
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Environmental Effects:
Environmental factors such as cold weather and dry air can increase the risk of croup by increasing the sensitivity of the respiratory tract. Children may be more exposed to respiratory tract infections due to their immune system being in a developing stage and being in crowded environments such as daycare and schools. This can increase the risk of developing croup.
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Respiratory Tract Structure:
Since children’s airways are usually narrower and more sensitive than adults, viral infections can spread more easily. This can increase the likelihood of developing croup.
This virus infects the tissues in the airways.
It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Croup causes significant changes in the voice due to swollen vocal cords.
Croup, which starts as a simple cold, later presents with some unique symptoms that reveal that it is not a cold.
The inability to breathe can cause intense panic in children.
Parents should remain calm and calm their babies and children.
What are The Symptoms of Croup?
- Severe and noisy cough,
- Fever,
- Nasal congestion,
- Inability to swallow,
- Weakness,
- Drooling,
- Hoarse voice,
- Cracked voice,
- Noisy breathing,
- Frequent crying in babies and children
- Gray or bluish skin tone changes may be seen on the face.
When Should You See a Doctor?
In addition to getting information about medications used in the treatment of croup, a doctor should definitely be consulted in the following cases.
Situations that require urgent croup treatment are as follows:
If your child has severe symptoms such as noisy, high-pitched breathing, drooling or difficulty swallowing
If their breathing is faster than normal
Or if they appear tired and lack energy
A doctor should definitely be consulted and expert information should be sought regarding whether antibiotics are used in the treatment of croup.
How is Croup Diagnosed?
Croup is usually diagnosed based on a physical exam and symptoms.
The doctor will listen to the child’s breathing sounds. And will examine the throat.
In some cases;
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests (Example: Lung X-ray)
may be ordered.
These tests can be used to rule out other respiratory infections that have symptoms similar to croup.
How is Croup Treated?
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Patient Follow-up:
The doctor regularly monitors the patient.
And treatment is planned considering the severity of the respiratory distress. If the respiratory distress becomes severe.
Or if the patient’s general health deteriorates significantly, urgent medical intervention is required.
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Medications:
Doctors may prescribe steroid medications or bronchodilators. Steroids can reduce inflammation in the airways. Bronchodilators can increase airflow, making breathing easier. If croup causes fever, antipyretic medications can be used under the supervision of a doctor.
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Nutrition and Fluid Supplementation:
A healthy diet and adequate fluid intake help strengthen the immune system.
It can relieve inflammation in the respiratory tract.
And it can help moisten the throat.
It can also support the overall health of the body and contribute to the healing process of croup.
However, the doctor’s recommendations regarding fluid intake should be taken into account, considering the child’s general health.
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Cold Air Applications:
Cold air can help reduce constriction in the respiratory tract. This can be comforting for the patient. Especially short walks outdoors and opening windows for a short time in the evenings can relieve croup symptoms.
What are The Precautions that Can Be Taken Against Croup?
Hands should be washed or disinfected frequently.
Close contact should be avoided in public areas.
Parents should avoid environments where there are flu, colds and similar diseases for the health of babies and children.
Necessary vaccinations should be made to prevent all infections.
Irritating environments such as tobacco products, dust and smoke should be avoided.
Without the approval of a physician;
- Antibiotics,
- Painkillers,
- Cough Syrups
and similar medications should not be given to children.
