$Unique_ID{BRK01151}
$Pretitle{Respiratory System}
$Title{What is "Croup Syndrome"}
$Subject{croup children types treatment}
$Volume{H-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Croup Syndrome"


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QUESTION:  I thought that croup was a simple condition seen in children, but
my doctor gave me a long lesson on something called "Croup Syndrome".  Now I
am more confused than ever.  Can you please help?

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ANSWER:  Croup syndrome is a term for four respiratory diseases of which occur
frequently in children:  spasmodic croup, laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB),
bacterial tracheitis, and epiglottitis.  The leading symptom in all of these
diseases is a harsh, barking cough.  Although most cases of croup syndrome are
mild and can be treated at home, it can be life-threatening if the airway
becomes swollen and blocked.
     The most common form of croup is LTB, which is seen most frequently in
children between a few months and 3 years old.  The cough starts gradually,
often after a mild respiratory infection.  The child may run a fever and
become short of breath.  Breathing may be accompanied by a harsh high-pitched
noise.  Bacterial tracheitis is similar to LTB, with a high fever and onset
after a respiratory infection.  Spasmodic croup is sudden in onset.  The child
wakes up in the night with a harsh barking cough, but has no fever and had no
previous infection.
     The most severe type of croup syndrome is epiglottitis.  It is a rare but
life threatening infection of the epiglottis, the little flap of tissue that
closes off the respiratory system when food is swallowed.  A swollen
epiglottis in a child's small throat can easily cause suffocation.
     Mild croup syndrome can be treated at home using humidity.  If you don't
have a humidifier or nebulizer, another quick way to provide humid air when
your child starts coughing harshly is get into the bathroom, close the door,
and start running hot water in the shower and sink so the room steams up.
Have the child sit up quietly on your lap.  If breathing is still difficult
after a few minutes, take the child to the hospital.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
