Introduction
Croup is often characterized by an acute, rapidly progressing respiratory disease
- Also referred to as laryngotracheitis, laryngotracheobronchitis, & laryngotracheobronchopneumonitis
- Common cause of upper respiratory tract obstruction in children
- Rarely occurs in adults
- Often self-limiting but may possibly cause severe respiratory obstruction
- Develops concurrent w/ coryzal disease
Etiology
- Most common causes of croup:
- Parainfluenza virus 1-3 (type 1 being most common)
- Respiratory syncytial virus
Signs and Symptoms
- Occurrence of symptoms is usually at night & w/ abrupt onset, & improve during daytime
- Barking cough
- Dyspnea, w/ possible rapid progression to airway obstruction
- Hoarse voice
- Inspiratory stridor may be severe & may herald complete airway obstruction
- Fever may or may not occur