Croup
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Croup
Croup is a common respiratory problem often seen in children between 1 and 3 years of age. Croup causes distinctive symptoms, including hoarseness and a barking cough, a high-pitched sound (stridor) heard when breathing in, and difficulty 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 medications to reduce airway swelling. Oxygen may be needed until breathing improves.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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