Respiratory disease that is characterised by inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
It is usually triggered by an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The most frequently involved viruses are parainfluenza, influenza A and B viruses, measles, adenovirus infections and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Characterised by a “barking” cough, stridor (an acute sound that occurs during inspiration), dysphonia and difficulty breathing which often worsens at night. Other symptoms include fever, coryza (inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose) and retraction of the chest wall.
It is diagnosed by carrying out a detailed clinical history of the patient and a complete physical examination.
Treatment is based on the assessment of the patient's respiratory tract inflammation. Ii includes inhaled, oral or intravenous corticosteroids, as well as inhaled nebulised epinephrine.
- Charles R Woods. Croup: Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis. UpToDate. May 10, 2016.
- Charles R Woods. Croup: Approach to management. UpToDate. Aug 02, 2016.
- Alberta Clinical Practice Guidelines Guideline Working Group. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of croup. www.topalbertadoctors.org/download/252/croup_guideline.pdf (Accessed on March 13, 2015).
- Clarke M, Allaire J. An evidence-based approach to the evaluation and treatment of croup in children. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice 2012; 9:1.
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