Croup | Medtick
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Croup

What is it?

It is a viral infection (rarely bacterial) of the causing swelling of the voice box (larynx) and can block or restrict the flow of air in the wind pipe and lung airways that split into two.

  • It normally affects young children and normally clears up within two days to one week and often occurs when one has had a recent infection.

Types:

  • Viral croup (laryngotracheobronchitis): Normally occurs as a result of an infection.
  • Bacterial croup – rare and serious complication – urgent medical treatment required
  • Spasmodic croup: Occurs without an infection but occurs repeatedly.
  • Recurrent croup
  • Symptoms of croup typically last only 2 to 5 days (Rarely, they can last several weeks).
  • Once the barking cough and difficulty breathing improve, one’s child may continue to have cold symptoms for 7 to 10 days.
  • One can get croup more than once as many viruses and non-viruses can cause this condition.

Contagious

It is contagious for three days after their symptoms first appeared or until their fever is gone. You should stay at home until 24 hours have passed without a fever and without using fever-reducing medication.
Cleveland Clinic

Medication

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be used under medical supervision, however Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is not recommended in asthma or asthma type symptoms. Check with your Medical doctor/Pharmacist when one can have any type of fever reducing medication to make sure it suitable for you.

Diagnosis tests

  • Clinical i.e. barking cough, inhalation sounds
  • Neck – Xray
    • Steeple sign (narrowing of the subglottic airway)
  • Viral testing
    • Nasal swabs
    • RT-PCR for respiratory viruses
  • Pulse oximetry
    • Check oxygen levels

Cause

  • Virus:
    • Parainfluenza I
    • Parainfluenza II
    • Parainfluenza III
    • Influenza A and B (flu viruses)
    • Rubella virus
    • Herpes-simplex virus (cold sore virus)
    • Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox virus)
    • Adenovirus
    • Rhinovirus
    • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
    • Mycoplasma pneumoniae
  • Acid reflux (heartburn)
  • Allergy
  • Foreign body stuck in the airways

Symptoms

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats?
  • Runny nose, congestion, cold not cleared by over the counter medication?
  • Seal-like barking cough and then a rasping sound when breathing in?
  • Voice changes/or a hoarse voice/or a high-pitched sound that goes with breathing?
  • Worse at night?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can lead to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Croup in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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  • WebMD

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  • Drugs.com

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  • Nathnac

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  • Better health - NHS

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