If your child wakes up at night with a cough reminiscent of barking and has trouble breathing, it could be croup . This disease is also known as false croup . This disease, which is caused by viruses, is an upper respiratory tract obstruction caused by infection and is common in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Croup is a cough and shortness of breath caused by swelling of the entrance in the main trachea.
What are the symptoms of croup?
The symptoms of croup resemble a cold at the beginning of the illness, they are mild, but after a while they become more uncomfortable. The child wakes up at night with a rough barking cough that starts suddenly. During breathing, a different sound is heard, the voice is hoarse, hoarse and rough. Children with croup make a high-pitched, hoarse sound when they cry. The child has difficulty breathing, breathes suddenly, is restless, there may be bruising around the mouth, lips and nails, swelling of the lymph nodes and redness in these parts. Fever may not be observed. Symptoms are usually worse at night when the child is sleeping. Children with croup may develop ear infections and pneumonia.
Who Most Commonly Suffers from Croup?
Croup is especially common in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. This disease is more common in the fall, winter and spring months. The infection is defined as a lower respiratory tract infection caused by viruses and bacteria. Croup is more common in boys than girls.
What Causes Croup?
Croup disease; It usually develops as a result of a viral infection. Viruses, infections, bacteria are among the common causes of this disease. Since the condition usually develops as a result of a viral infection , there is a risk of transmission. The virus enters the body by inhaling droplets containing the virus in the air. In addition, not touching objects that come into contact with the virus and then not touching the mouth, nose and eyes with the hands also leads to the virus being taken into the body.
What can be done to prevent croup?
There are some methods that can be applied to prevent croup. As with other viral infections, the basic prevention methods in croup are the rules of cleanliness. The rules to be followed to prevent croup are as follows;
- Washing hands with soap and water
- Keeping distance from the person affected by the disease
- Covering the mouth with an elbow when coughing and sneezing
- Families with croup in their children should not send their children to school or kindergarten for at least three days to prevent the spread of the disease.
How is Croup Diagnosed?
Parents who receive support from a specialist can be asked questions such as what the symptoms of the patient are, what continues, in which cases they are severe and decrease. In general, the patient's history and physical examination are sufficient to diagnose croup. The specialist observes the behavior of the patient during breathing. He/she listens to the chest of the sick person with a stethoscope. A throat check is applied to the sick person. As a result of all these, a diagnosis is made.
How is Croup Disease Treatment Done?
Croup treatment is applied according to the severity of the symptoms and the general condition of the sick person. Most of the sick people regain their health with home treatment. Patients who are not well with home treatment or who have severe symptoms may need hospitalization. Medication can be applied according to the patient's symptoms. Corticosteroids are administered to minimize the swelling of the airways and thus alleviate breathing. If necessary, inhaler therapy is used. People with severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized for close follow-up to receive the necessary treatment.