Croup (upper airway inflammation)

Description An infection that c...

Description

An infection that causes swelling and irritation of the area around the vocal cords leading to the characteristic seal barking cough and noisy breathing (stridor). It is most commonly caused by a viral infection. Steroids are sometimes given to reduce the swelling and shorten the course of the illness. Most cases resolve on their own. Rarely croup can be life threatening.

Symptoms

Characteristic deep barking cough (seal barking cough), noisy upper airway breathing (stridor) that becomes worse with crying or agitation, rapid breathing, bluish discoloration of skin (cyanosis), fever. The symptoms are usually worse at night and the first few nights of the disorder can be the worst.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Generally the diagnosis is made without tests. Because stridor may be the result of inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis (epiglottitis), an x-ray may be performed to rule out this serious condition.

Tests:
X-ray

Specialists:
Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Pulmonology

Treatment

Most cases of croup can be safely managed at home with a cool moist vaporizer and treatment of an associated fever with acetaminophen/Tylenol. Relief of symptoms can be achieved by taking the child into the cool air, and/or into a steam filled bathroom. If breathing become rapid or labored, bring the child to the emergency department immediately. More severe cases require medical treatment with: epinephrine breathing treatments, oral or intramuscular steroids, and possibly admission to the hospital. Bacterial epiglottitis is treated with antibiotics. Rarely the disease is life threatening and can require insertion of a breathing tube.