Croup Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Croup is a common respiratory infection that affects children.
Understanding
Croup is a common respiratory infection that affects children. The areas of the body commonly affected are the trachea (windpipe), bronchi, and larynx (voice box).
This disease will cause irritation and swelling of the larynx and trachea so that the sufferer will experience a severe cough. If not treated properly, croup will last a long time and can cause serious pneumonia.
Reason
Croup is caused by a virus and is generally a parainfluenza virus. Transmission occurs through direct inhalation from patients who cough or sneeze, or from contaminated hands and then touching the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes.
Croup can also be caused by allergies, inhaling something that can irritate the airways, and inflammation of the epiglottis area. In addition, acid reflux or acid discharge from the stomach to the throat can also trigger croup.
Symptom
In some cases of croup, flu-like symptoms may occur. Starting from a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. However, symptoms that generally appear include:
- cough with a barking sound
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing
- stridor (an added sound when breathing)
- symptoms generally worse at night, lasting 3–7 days (but sometimes up to 2 weeks)
- these symptoms may be preceded by cold symptoms (cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat)
If the following symptoms occur, the child should be immediately taken to the nearest health facility:
- severe difficulty breathing (severe shortness of breath)
- worsening cough
- the child becomes restless
- skin turns pale or bluish
- when inhaling, the skin between the ribs appears to be pulled in (retraction)
- sleepy child
- very high body temperature
- trouble drinking
Diagnosis
Croup is generally diagnosed through a medical interview and physical exam. Investigations such as blood tests rarely help confirm the diagnosis. A radiological examination can help check for symptoms of other diseases that are similar to croup.
Treatment
In croup with mild symptoms, treatment can generally be done at home (outpatient). Sufferers can be given febrifuge, and steroids (to reduce inflammation in the throat).
Make sure the sufferer drinks a lot, warm drinks can help liquefy phlegm and reduce cough symptoms. Avoid crying the patient (may exacerbate symptoms). Avoid smoking near croup sufferers. It is better when the child sleeps accompanied so that if you have difficulty breathing at any time it can be detected early.
In severe cases, hospitalization is required (rare).
Prevention
Avoiding children with croup is the main key to preventing the transmission and spread of this disease. Make sure your child washes their hands properly, namely under running water and using soap, after doing activities to reduce the risk of transmission.
Get routine vaccinations to protect children from the type of infection that triggers croup.