Croup
Alternative names:
acute laryngotracheobronchitis; viral croup
Treatment:
Mild illness may be treated at home with supportive measures. Parents should stay calm; this will help the child to stay calm. Warm or cool humidified air should be provided. A hot shower can provide warm steam, and the child can be held in the bathroom for 20 minutes. (Do not place the child in the shower.) Taking the child outside in the cold air is often helpful.
Croup caused by a foreign object can be removed by direct visualization of the larynx with a laryngoscope, and the object can usually be removed with an instrument. THIS MUST ONLY BE DONE BY A TRAINED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER!
Serious illness requires hospitalization. Increasing or persistent breathing difficulty, fatigue, bluish coloration of the skin, or dehydration indicates the need for medical attention or hospitalization. Oxygen and humidity may be provided in an oxygen tent placed over a crib. A bacterial infection requires antibiotic therapy.
Increasing obstruction of the airway requires intubation (placing a tube through the nose or mouth through the larynx into the main air passage to the lungs). Intravenous fluids are given for dehydration. In some cases, corticosteroids are prescribed.
Expectations (prognosis):
Viral croup usually goes away in 3 to 7 days. The outcome for bacterial croup is good with prompt treatment. If an airway obstruction is not treated promptly, respiratory distress (severe difficulty breathing) and respiratory arrest can occur.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
In most cases, you should apply home treatment first.
Call your health care provider if severe symptoms persist for more than 1 hour. Call IMMEDIATELY or go to the emergency room if severe breathing difficulty, bluish coloration of the skin, fatigue, dehydration, or unconsciousness occurs.
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