What is croup?

Croup is a condition affecting the larynx that causes a barking cough and noisy breathing. The major risk is laryngeal obstruction, which can make breathing difficult or even impossible.

Transmission

Croup is transmitted through upper respiratory viral infections, which can be caused by various viruses. The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b can also cause croup, although this is rare nowadays.

Regarding transmission, what is actually transmitted is the viral infection—not the clinical condition of croup. The transmitted respiratory virus may lead to other clinical presentations.

Is it a disease that mainly affects children?

Although it is more common in children—because they have narrower larynxes—it can also affect adults.

Main Symptoms

The main symptoms are a barking cough and difficulty breathing. In very severe cases, respiratory arrest may occur.

Prevention

The vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae type b is administered to all children and is part of the official immunization schedule. In other words, it is provided free of charge to all children.

Treatment

If croup is suspected, it should be treated urgently. Take the child to the emergency room. There are medications that can be administered, humid tents to ease breathing, and even resources for very severe cases, such as tracheostomy—although this is rare in patients who receive prompt care.

By the Einstein Editorial Board