What Is The Croup Cough?

And What To Do For Croup

Croup (often called "the croup") is a respiratory condition that often strikes children under the age of six. Croup begins with an acute viral infection of the upper air passages. It is only rarely caused by bacteria. It triggers an intense, repetitive cough that results from swelling that occurs near and around the vocal cords. This swelling interferes with normal breathing.

The medical term for croup is laryngotracheobronchitis.

What does croup sound like?  Many people ask what croup sounds like. It's often compared to the sound a seal makes when barking. When you have croup and you cough, your body forces air through the vocal chords which then vibrate, thus creating the barking sound. Besides the classic barking sounds when coughing, signs of croup include stridor (a high pitched sound resulting from turbulent air flow in the upper airway), thick mucus, fever, body aches, and hoarseness. 

How long is croup contagious? Croup can be highly contagious because the germs spread when the infected person sneezes or coughs. Germs get on doorknobs, furniture, toys, clothes and other objects. Croup is usually contagious for about a week, or as long as the child has symptoms - especially a fever. 

Treating croup A croup cough is extremely annoying, but most times it can be treated without medication. It is important to understand, however, when you need to go to a doctor:

• if your child has a difficult time breathing or if he has difficulty swallowing
• if his or her throat swells up too much it could block the air passageway to his lungs
• if your child develops a fever of higher than 103.5 F.

If your child attends a doctor’s office the doctor will diagnose him or her based on observations of your child’s breathing patterns. In extreme cases, X-rays are sometimes used to help make a more accurate and precise diagnosis. Usually, X-rays are not needed. Drinking fluids and resting are among the best ways of treating croup.

The only people who need medication for treating croup are some young children. The doctor may prescribe medicine for croup when the child’s symptoms get worse or last a long time. Medicine for croup often includes corticosteroids or other medications that will help to open the passageway to his longs. There are a number of medication available at your grocery store or pharmacy that may relieve the discomfort while your child is being treated for croup. Click on over-the-counter medications for treating croup.

Sometimes if your child has a bacterial infection a doctor will prescribe antibiotics. The most rare and severe cases of croup sometimes require a child to stay in a hospital while receiving humidified oxygen. Very rarely, a temporary tube can be placed in a child’s windpipe.

Croup can be extremely scary, but it is important to stay calm. Most cases of croup are easily treatable.