Pediatrics

Last updated on: November 5th, 2020

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Croup

Clinicals - History

Introduction

Croup is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that generally occurs in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years. Parainfluenza types 1 and 3 are the most commonly implicated pathogens. Influenza A and B, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and metapneumovirus are other key agents.

Barking cough

Patients with croup often have a characteristic cough that is reminiscent of a seal barking; this cough appears abruptly and is more common in severe disease. Note that this finding may be absent in older children or adults, however. The underlying cause appears to be inflammation of the trachea and other subglottic structures.

Stridor

Patients may manifest high-pitched wheezing sounds. This is due to turbulent airflow through partially obstructed airways.

Nonspecific symptoms

A prodromed of nonspecific syptoms such as cough, rhinorrhea, coryza, and fever often precedes the barking cough and stridor by 24 to 72 hours.

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