Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway.
Symptoms of typical cold appear - patient experiences difficulty breathing and it causes a characteristic barking cough.
The cough and other signs and symptoms of croup are the result of swelling around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi).
Croup typically occurs in younger children.
If your child's symptoms are severe, worsen or last longer than three to five days or aren't responding to home treatment, contact your child's doctor.
Croup is typically diagnosed by a doctor. He or she will:
- Observe your child's breathing
- Listen to your child's chest with a stethoscope
- Examine your child's throat
- Sometimes X-rays or other tests are used to rule out other possible illnesses.
Treatment
The majority of children with croup can be treated at home.
Comforting your child and keeping him or her calm are important, because crying and agitation worsen airway obstruction.
If your child's symptoms persist beyond three to five days or worsen, your child's doctor may prescribe medications.
For severe croup, your child may need to spend time in a hospital to be monitored and receive additional treatments.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/croup/diagnosis-treatment/drc-
20350354
