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Croup

Alt TextChildren are susceptible to croup and show signs of a chronic cough as well as fever and trouble breathing.
Most children with viral croup are most contagious during the first days of fever and illness.Source: iStock

Facts you should know about croup

  • Croup is an infection of the larynx, trachea, and the bronchial tubes usually caused by viruses. Less frequently, croup may be caused by bacteria.
  • Croup is contagious, especially during the first few days of the illness.
  • Teens and adults can develop a respiratory infection from the viruses that are associated with what is traditionally is considered croup in younger children. However, since the upper airway (trachea and larynx) in teens and adults are larger, the classic "bark" cough and "Darth Vader" sound (an abnormal, high-pitched sound while n inhaling).
  • A cough that sounds like a barking seal and a harsh raspy "Darth Vader" sound during inhalation are symptoms of croup.
  • Spasmodic croup is a distinct type of croup infection. Initially, the child has no associated signs and symptoms of the infection, for example, fever, runny nose, or sore throat.
    • Classically, a healthy child with spasmodic croup is put to bed and awakens in the early morning with respiratory distress characterized by the barking cough and deep pitched sounds while inhaling. A child with spasmodic croup will have a moderately hoarse voice. Symptoms diminish and often by midday, the child is “back to normal,” only to regain the previous ;s symptoms that evening. This pattern repeats for 3-4 nights.
    • A second phase of spasmodic croup (acute spasmodic croup) follows the above pattern in which the child's symptoms morph into what resembles the common cold. This second and different wave of illness will often last 2-3 days as the child fully recovers.
  • Treatment of croup can include:
    • Cool moist air
    • Saltwater nose drops
    • Pain and fever medication
    • Fluids
    • Rarely antibiotics.
  • In certain circumstances, a pediatrician may prescribe a single dose of an anti-inflammatory medication (dexamethasone).
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants, cough and cold medications, and aspirin should not be given to children because of the association with aspirin usa and Reye syndrome, a potentially deadly illness affecting the liver, brain, and cardiovascular system.
  • The major concern in croup is progressive breathing difficulty as the air passages narrow.
  • Close monitoring of the breathing of a child with croup is important, especially at night.
Croup is contagious and many children spread both viruses and bacteria that cause croup and chronic cough.
Teens and adults may develop an upper respiratory infection caused by the viruses which cause croup in younger children.Source: iStock

What is croup? What causes croup?

Croup is an infectious pediatric illness of the respiratory system that involves predominantly the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea), and to a lesser degree the upper airways of the lungs (bronchial tubes). The majority of a child's symptoms reflect involvement of the larynx. Usually, croup is a viral infection and may be caused by many different viruses, including those responsible for the common cold and influenza. Rarely, it is caused by a bacterial infection.

Croup is more common and concerning in children between 6 months and 3 years of age, and rarely occurs in children over 6 years of age. Commonly, croup is seen from late fall through the early winter months. It has a slightly higher frequency in boys than in girls. Bacterial croup is an infection of the same structures that are affected during a viral process. Treatment varies depending on whether the child's illness is caused by a virus or a bacteria.

Croup cough often sounds like a barking seal when a bacterial or viral infection has settled in the airways of a patient.
Croup cough often sounds like a barking seal when a bacterial or viral infection has settled in the airways of a patient.Source: MedicineNet

What are croup symptoms and signs?

Viral croup can have two distinct presentations, both of which are a consequence of swelling of the vocal cords resulting in a narrowing of the airway. The more common variety has symptoms of fever (100 F-103 F), mild hoarseness, and sore throat two to three days after virus exposure. Quick to follow is the characteristic dry "barking seal" cough that may be associated with a harsh, raspy sound during inspiration. (This sound, called "stridor," has been noted to resemble the breathing of the Star Wars character Darth Vader.) The symptoms commonly last for four to seven days.

The alternative and less frequent presentation is called "acute spasmodic croup." These children will appear totally well when put to bed at night only to awaken their parents in the middle of the night with the above described barky cough and stridor. Fever and sore throat are not noted in these children, and the symptoms commonly resolve within eight to 10 hours from onset, and the child appears totally well until this same acute onset recurs the following night. This on/off pattern may occur over three to four nights in a row and then morph in to symptoms more characteristic of the common cold -- mucus-like nasal discharge and a "wet" cough for several days.

These two different presentations are the result of the particular virus that has infected the child. Manifestations of croup vary from mild (common) to life-threatening (rare). The severity of symptoms is proportional to the amount of relative narrowing of the airway. The more severe the vocal cord narrowing the more effort is required to inhale. A severely sick child will refuse to lie down, demanding to remain in an upright position. They will show retractions of the skin above the collarbone and between the ribs with inspiration and may develop facial cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration). Apparent exhaustion and decreased respiratory effort are an indication of impending respiratory failure and are cause for immediate paramedic evaluation and transport to the emergency department of the closest hospital.

In general, the duration of symptoms of croup is five to seven days. More severe croup may resolve in 14 days.

Croup is contagious and many children spread both viruses and bacteria that cause croup and chronic cough.
Teens and adults may develop an upper respiratory infection caused by the viruses which cause croup in younger children.Source: iStock

Can adults get croup?

Teens and adults may develop an upper respiratory infection caused by the viruses which cause croup in younger children. However, since the internal diameter of the upper airway (larynx and trachea) is much larger than in younger children, the classic barky cough, inspiratory stridor, and respiratory distress are rare. More commonly, symptoms seen in a routine “cold” are the primary symptoms and signs.

Is croup contagious? How does it spread?

Croup is contagious and is usually spread by airborne infectious droplets sneezed or coughed by infected children. When a healthy child inhales infectious droplets, symptoms can develop in two to three days. The infection can also be spread by infected mucus deposited on doors, furniture, toys, and other objects. A healthy child can become infected by accidentally touching the infectious mucus and transferring the infection into his/her mouth.

How long is croup contagious?

  • Most viral causes of croup have an incubation period of 24-72 hours between exposure to the virus and development of initial symptoms.
  • Most children with viral croup are most contagious during the first days of fever and illness.
  • The infection spreads easily in a household. Older children, teens and adults in the family will often develop a sore throat or a cough, without necessarily developing the characteristic barky cough and stridor seen in croup.
  • Infants and children may return to school or day care when their temperature is normal and they feel better. A lingering cough can last another two weeks but should not be the reason to keep them at home.
Symptoms alone often lead to a croup diagnosis in children when evaluated by a health care provider.
A particular X-ray orientation of the neck will often show a characteristic elongated narrowing of the region called a "steeple sign." Such an X-ray finding is confirmatory for croup.Source: BigStock

What tests and imaging procedures diagnose croup?

The diagnosis of croup is most commonly made by obtaining the characteristic history of sudden-onset of hoarse voice, barky cough, stridor during inhalation, and the possibility of low-grade fever. While the child may appear rather ill, the child does not have a look of pure panic or terror. There can be high fever (> 103 F), sitting forward positioning, and excessive drooling. Recent exposure to another child with croup helps to confirm the diagnosis. Laboratory tests are rarely necessary and are mostly limited to severe situations where concern regarding a secondary bacterial infection may have developed and is superimposed upon the primary viral process. A particular X-ray orientation of the neck will often show a characteristic elongated narrowing of the region called a "steeple sign." Such an X-ray finding is confirmatory for croup. Rarely will consultation with an otolaryngologist (ENT physician) be necessary to have a direct visual examination of the patient's airway. Such a procedure is termed fiberoptic laryngoscopy and is indicated if there is a concern for an anatomical malformation of the upper airway, possible aspiration of a foreign object, or should the child rapidly deteriorate or not respond to routine therapy in an anticipated manner.

Most infants are routinely immunized against the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). When the child is not immunized against Hib, the possibility of a more ominous, deep bacterial infection called epiglottitis exists.

Treatment for croup in children and infants may require lung breathing treatments such as a vaporizer and medication.
Treatment for croup in children and infants may require lung breathing treatments such as a vaporizer and medication.Source: iStock

What is the treatment for croup? Do remedies help symptoms?

Croup can be frightening for both children and parents. Therefore, comforting and reassuring the child is the first step. Breathing difficulties can develop and worsen rapidly. Close monitoring of the child is important during the early phases of the illness.

  • To help the child breathe more comfortably, a cool or warm mist vaporizer can be placed near the child. The humidified air promotes reduction of vocal cord swelling and thus lessens symptoms. To avoid accidental burns, hot water vaporizers should be out of the reach of infants and toddlers. Also effective is having the child breathe in a bathroom steamed up with hot water from the tub or shower. When cough or stridor worsens at night, 10-15 minutes sitting or driving in the cool night air can also help relieve the child's respiratory symptoms.
  • In infants and children, blockage in the nasal passages from mucus can further impair breathing. Careful instillation of saltwater nose drops (¼ teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup of water) into the nasal openings every few hours, followed by gentle suction using a bulb syringe, can be helpful in opening nasal passages.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding most combination cough and cold medicines. Several studies show that these medicines are ineffective in children. They can potentially cause side effects that could lead to more serious symptoms. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are helpful for pain relief and fever.
  • Aspirin is avoided in the treatment of croup and other viral illnesses since aspirin is suspected as being related to Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a serious illness that causes kidney, liver, and brain damage, which can lead to the rapid onset of coma.
  • Occasionally, an oral cortisone medication (dexamethasone) is prescribed for more severe cases of croup.

Rarely, a patient may have severe respiratory symptoms that need treatment with inhalation therapy with epinephrine (adrenaline) in the hospital where he or she can be monitored continuously. These therapies provide a temporary (two hour) reduction of symptoms, but is commonly followed by a return of equally severe symptoms. This reappearance of symptoms is commonly termed as a "rebound" phenomenon.

Side effects of epinephrine inhalation therapy include:

Because a virus usually causes croup, antibiotics are reserved for those rare occasions when bacterial infections cause croup or become superimposed on the viral infection.

Learn more about: Aspirin | dexamethasone

Even though plenty of fluids are encouraged to avoid dehydration, forcing fluids is generally unnecessary. Popsicles are a popular means of providing fluid. Activity should be restricted to quiet play during the first days of the illness.

Symptoms of croup can appear suddenly, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of croup can appear suddenly, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.Source: iStock

What warning signs should parents look for with croup?

The major concern in croup is the accompanying breathing difficulties as the upper airway narrows. Close monitoring of the child's breathing is important. The child should be especially observed at night or when napping for breathing difficulty. The doctor should be notified if the child is having progressive breathing difficulty, unusual drooling, agitation or restlessness, fever over 103 F, or if the parent feels frightened.

The breathing difficulties seen in croup can progress rapidly, turning into a life-threatening emergency. On rare occasions, a child must be rushed by ambulance into the emergency room because of serious breathing problems. Signs of serious trouble include swallowing difficulty, nonstop drooling, bluish discoloration of the skin or lips (cyanosis), sucking in of the chest, and rapid breathing (over 60 breaths per minute).

While most children recover from croup without hospitalization, some children can develop life-threatening breathing difficulties. Therefore, close contact with the doctor during this illness is important.

Croup is a highly contagious cough that effects infants and children.
Croup is a highly contagious cough that effects infants and children.Source: BigStock

Is it possible to prevent croup?

There is no current vaccination to prevent croup. However, several laboratories are working diligently to develop one. The infectious virus is most commonly transmitted by coughing or sneezing. Touching objects contaminated with infectious viral particles also allows transmission of the virus. Airborne viral particles can be infectious for about one hour. Virus on objects remains infectious for several hours. Avoiding these exposures can prevent croup.

What is the prognosis if my child develops croup?