Croup

Causes

Croup is a viral infection of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It is usually part of a cold. Swelling of the vocal cords cause hoarseness. All children with croup have a tight, low-pitched "barking" cough.

Stridor occurs as the opening between the vocal cords becomes narrower. Stridor is a harsh, raspy vibrating sound when your child breathes, and is usually present only with crying or coughing. As the disease becomes worse, stridor also occurs when he is sleeping or relaxed.

Expected Course

Croup usually lasts for 5 - 6 days and generally gets worse at night. The symptoms are usually worse in children under 3 years of age.

Home Care For Attacks Of Stridor With Croup

• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe Dexamethasone to your child. This is a steroid which helps to reduce the swelling of the windpipe and vocal cords, and thus relieves the breathing difficulties. Cough medicine may be given to help clear the secretions.
• Warm fluids for coughing spasms: Coughing spasms are often due to sticky mucus caught on the vocal cords. Warm clear fluids may help relax the vocal cords and loosen up the mucus.
• Smoke exposure: Avoid anyone smoking around your child. Smoke makes the croup worse.
• Close observation: Sleep in the same room as your child so that you can monitor him closely.
• Consult your doctor if:
  • Breathing becomes difficult or the stridor returns (when your child is at rest)
  • The child is lethargic
  • There is poor feeding
  • Your child appears pale or blue - LATE SIGN!
  • Croup lasts more than 1 week