General Health

Croup is an upper respiratory tract infection which often comes on suddenly and is accompanied by a cough and noisy, laborious breathing because of obstruction at the larynx (voice box) level. It may come on slowly or suddenly, depending on the cause.
It may be produced by infections of viral or bacterial nature, and a foreign body lodged in the airways may also be the cause. Sometimes a mild respiratory infection may precede it, or smoke in the room may initiate an attack.

The condition may be very alarming to parents who think the child is about to perish. In mild cases, simple measures usually bring relief fairly quickly. But severe cases may need prompt hospitalization with full supportive therapy.

Treatment

The simplest and quickest form of treatment is to place the child in a room filled with moist steam. To do this, the quickest method is to turn hot and cold taps on in the bathroom; use the basin as well as the shower and bath taps. The combination of hot and cold usually fills the room rapidly with steam. This is probably the easiest and most rapid method of gaining relief for the child. It may quickly ease the respiratory distress and the harsh noises, as soothing, moist heat reduces the swelling and obstruction in the larynx. It may be advisable to move the child’s crib into the bathroom for the night, and have the child remain in this environment for many hours. Alternative methods of heating the bedroom with moist air (boiling kettles or commercial humidifiers) are not as good, and could result in scalding accidents to other children. Care is essential.

The infant will most likely be frightened, so plenty of parental attention is essential. Give in to the child’s whims and wishes, and hold him or her close if this seems to help. It often does. Increasing anxiety by the patient may be a sign of increasing anoxia (the system receiving inadequate oxygen). Give fluids. And if the child desires food, give simple foods, for swallowing is often difficult. Fruit juices, cold water, jellies and ice-cream may help to prevent dehydration and provide nourishment.

In all but the very mildest attacks, the child should be admitted to hospital. A guiding point is that if the child is making a noise when breathing when resting quietly, he or she should be admitted. Do not delay. Do this either via your own family doctor, or take the child directly to the nearest big hospital as a matter of urgency if you cannot get your own doctor immediately.

In young children, it may be necessary for the doctors to place a tube down the air passageways to enable enough air to reach their lungs. Also, appropriate medication is essential. Never neglect the warning symptoms. Do not procrastinate if there is any doubt. Prompt action may be life-sustaining.

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General Health