Croup is a common respiratory illness that affects about 15% of children at some point. The majority of cases are 5 years of age and younger. It’s an infection of the throat and vocal cords, that is caused by several viruses. The lower breathing area, the bronchi, can also be affected. The affected portion of airway, usually the vocal cords and right below, becomes swollen and narrow, and breathing becomes difficult. The term croup is used for infection of children aged 5 years and under, while laryngitis is used for older children.
The infection occurs more frequently in the fall and early winter, and is more prevalent in boys. Parainfluenza viruses account for about 75% of the cases. The infection is also caused by other types of viruses, as well as measles, bacteria, allergies, and acid reflux. Children that are afflicted will be very contagious and the virus can spread through mucus, hacking, and sneezing. The sickness might start off with cold symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, and then lead to congestion and hoarseness. Stridor may also be present; this term means a harsh vibrating noise when breathing. Your child may also have a high temperature and their breathing may sound more like wheezing. Symptoms are usually worse at night and some may come on very suddenly.
1. Cough
Barky coughing, similar to how a seal sounds, is one of the main signs of croup. The virus that brings about the infection causes the airways to become inflamed, and a barky hacking sound is one of the telltale signs of the sickness. The respiratory illness causes a change in breathing that triggers hacking. Some of the viral infections that cause croup in a young child can manifest differently in an older child or adult, causing only a sore throat. Children with croup often suffer with hacking fits, especially at night, so its difficult for them to get sufficient rest. They wake frequently throughout the night and this often exacerbates their level of irritability and discomfort.
2. Fever
In the beginning stages of croup, children usually have cold or flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature. Viral croup is the most common type of the illness and the majority of children will have a low fever. Temperatures could go up to 104°F in severe cases. This is one of the symptoms that requires emergency medical treatment, as a high temperature is very dangerous to your child’s health. Another type of croup, spasmodic, is believed to be the result of allergies or acid reflux.
This type has many of the same symptoms as the viral and starts off the same, but it differs in that it comes on suddenly. Most children with this type of croup however, do not usually have a high temperature. Another condition that could present with very high temperatures is acute supraglottitis, which is an inflammation of the windpipe. Your child should be treated immediately for this condition, not only for the fever, but because the condition can cause complete blockage of your child’s airway in a short time if not treated.
3. Hoarseness
Croup infections directly affect the throat and vocal cords, and any illness that interferes with the vocal cords’ ability to close completely, will cause the voice to become hoarse. Croup inflames the throat and voice-box, so this will change the sound of your child’s voice. This hoarseness is what creates the distinctive hacking that sounds like a barking seal. Hoarseness and this harsh barking sound are the main symptoms of croup. The illness can progress rapidly after the initial symptoms, mainly difficulty breathing. Most croup infections only last for about a week and can be treated by your doctor. A hoarse sounding voice may linger after the infection, but it’s one of the milder symptoms.
4. Labored Breathing
Breathing difficulties is one of the most serious of the symptoms of croup. Stridor, which is common with mild cases, becomes louder as breathing becomes harder. The extra effort necessary just to breathe is very tiring and your child may become extremely fatigued. Even eating and drinking may require more energy than your child can muster. If the airway continues to swell, your child may struggle to breathe.
In severe cases of croup, your child won’t get the necessary oxygen in their blood in order to perform crucial bodily functions. The spasmodic form is similar to asthma and breathing difficulties can develop in a few hours. You should monitor your child closely for breathing difficulties, especially at night or while sleeping. Seek medical attention promptly if your child is experiencing breathing difficulties.
5. Fatigue
The symptoms of croup affects children to a greater degree, as they have small airways; this is especially the case for those that are younger than 3 years of age. The illness normally lasts about a week and symptoms are typical of a cold or flu. In severe cases, they may progress to breathing difficulties and hospitalization. The inflammation and constant hacking is tiring, and can lead to fatigue as your child gets more anxious and agitated. A high temperature and hoarseness may also be present, as well as crying spells. All these symptoms can further aggravate the condition, leaving your child breathless and exhausted. In addition, agitation can increase the narrowing of the airway, making it even harder to breathe. Seek immediate medical attention if your child has any breathing difficulties or is fatigued and listless.
6. Congestion
Croup sometimes develops during or just after a cold. Cold symptoms and inflammation of airways can be more severe for a child. A congested hacking may result after a few days of the typical dry, barky version. This is due to the affected areas becoming inflamed and filled with mucus produced by the lower airways. This congested hacking can last for a few days. Some children experience bouts of severe coughing that bring about vomiting. Congestion is typically worse at night and may be accompanied by stridor or wheezing. Breathing difficulties can develop and worsen soon after the start of congestion and coughing, from as short a time period as 12 hours afterwards.
7. Drooling
Drooling is a symptom of spasmodic croup, and is caused by an allergic reaction or reflux from the stomach. This type of the illness has a sudden onset and occurs more often during nighttime hours. Your child may produce excessive saliva and have difficulty swallowing, leading to drooling. It’s most common in children between the ages of 1 and 3. Immediate medical attention should be sought if your child is drooling or has difficulty swallowing. Another condition that may cause excess salivation is acute supraglottitis. This condition typically affects children 2 to 5 years of age. Other symptoms include a high fever, muffled voice, and difficulty swallowing. This condition should be treated right away, as it could result in complete blockage of your child’s airway in a very short period of time.
8. Phlegm
Most cases of croup are caused by a viral infection, and usually starts out like a cold. The windpipe, voice box, or airways to your child’s lungs can become inflamed or filled with mucus. Phlegm, which is a form of mucus, will be produced by the lower airways in response to inflammation and may be seen when your child coughs up sputum. Your child’s labored breathing can be exacerbated if the bronchial passages become blocked by too much phlegm. This may produce a hollow and raspy sound when your child breathes, which is the result of air being forced through the narrowed airways. Steam treatments and humidifiers are usually used to thin out mucus and moisten airways.
