Croup

The term croup does not refer to a single illness, but rather a group of conditions involving inflammation of the upper airway that leads to a cough that sounds like a bark, particularly when a child is crying.

Most croup is caused by viruses, but similar symptoms may occasionally be caused by bacteria or an allergic reaction. The viruses most commonly involved are parainfluenza virus (accounting for most cases), adenovirus, influenza, and prematurely or with narrowed upper airways.

The term spasmodic croup refers to a condition similar to viral croup, except that there are no accompanying symptoms of an infection. The cough frequently begins at night with a sudden onset. The child usually has no fever with spasmodic croup. The symptoms are treated the same for either form of croup.

Signs and Symptoms

Croup is characterized by a loud ear infection or asthma) are more likely to develop severe symptoms of croup and may require hospitalization. Croup rarely causes any long-term complications.

Prevention

Frequent

difficulty breathing, including rapid breathing, belly sinking in while breathing, or

the skin between the ribs pulling in with each breath

stridor

pale or bluish color around the mouth

drooling or difficulty swallowing

greater inactivity than usual when ill

high fever

very sick appearance

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD