Croup
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Croup
Croup is a common respiratory illness often seen in children 6 months to 36 months of age. Croup causes distinctive symptoms, including hoarseness and a barking cough, a high-pitched sound (stridor) heard when breathing in, and trouble breathing as a result of swelling or obstruction in the windpipe (trachea).
Croup is usually caused by a virus that affects the throat and upper airways but not the lungs. It often recurs until a child is 5 to 6 years old.
Symptoms of croup usually can be managed at home by humidifying the air and soothing the child. Severe symptoms may require a visit to the doctor or emergency room where the child can be given medicines to reduce airway swelling. Oxygen may be needed until breathing improves.
Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Last Updated | June 11, 2008 |
| Last updated: | June 11, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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