Causes and Symptoms of Croup

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Croup is a viral condition characterized with difficulties in breathing and severe cough and often resulting in the inflammation vocal cords region. Children below the age of 5 are mostly susceptible to this condition.

Causes

The common causes are:
Para-influenza viruses
Adenovirus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Measles
Allergic reaction and irritants
Bacterial infections, but it very uncommon

Symptoms
Fever
Runny nose and sneezing
Barking cough
Breathing heavily

Seeking Medical Attention

High fever above 103.5 degrees
Breathing difficulty
Inability to swallow food and drink properly
Appearance of blue or gray skin color around the nose, mouth and fingernails
Recurring croup

Diagnosis

There is need to physically examined the child to aid the diagnosis of the condition. Here, the medical doctor will listen to the cough, examine the breathing process. The most important and effective way to diagnose this condition is by ordering for a throat X-ray and throat examination to effective isolate other respiratory conditions.

Treatments

Applying cool mist humidifiers to ease breathe when they sleep

Using pain relieve medications to reduce discomfort in the throat, chest or head.

Cough medicines should be used strictly based on prescription by a medical doctor.

The child may be placed on intravenous fluid to prevent dehydration.

Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections.

Hospitalization may be required in case of chronic condition where the child may be given steroid medications to clear the airways to create room for ease breathe, breathing tube may be used to provide enough oxygen for the child.

Prevention
Regular washing of hands with soap and water
Ensure that the child keeps off his/her hands and objects out of the mouth Avoid being too close to infected person
Receive appropriate vaccines particularly measles vaccine