Experts warn: Beware of the danger of croup in children

Croup is an infection that affects the larynx, vocal cords, and trachea. It is usually caused by an underlying virus. It often follows a mild course and resolves quickly.

However, these symptoms can sometimes be more serious and lead to respiratory distress. It is generally common in children between 6 months and 3 years of age. Some children may experience two or more bouts of croup.

Although it is rare after the age of 6 because the trachea becomes a stronger and wider structure as the child grows, it is still possible to encounter croup in adolescents.

THE FIRST SYMPTOM IS A COMMON COLD

Children may generally appear well during the day, aside from cold symptoms, but a harsh, barking cough and noisy breathing may develop at night. Symptoms of croup include the following:

Cough: It is usually a harsh, barking-style cough. The cause of this is inflammation and edema in the vocal cords. Voice changes and hoarseness may occur.

Respiratory findings: The infection causes an inflammatory process on the inner surface of the trachea. In addition, an increase in secretions may also occur during this process.

This inflammatory response and the increase in secretions can result in a narrowing of the trachea. As a result of this narrowing, children make a noisy sound called 'stridor' while breathing. Furthermore, in direct proportion to the degree of narrowing, children may have difficulty breathing.

Other symptoms: Cold symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, runny nose, hoarseness, and sore throat may also accompany the condition. Although croup usually accompanies cold symptoms, it can also appear without any prior symptoms.

IF SHORTNESS OF BREATH DEVELOPS

Typically, children with croup often worsen at night. Croup symptoms usually reach their most severe level 1-3 days after the onset of the infection and then enter a recovery period.

However, the bothersome cough may persist for another week. Respiratory distress that occurs in the event of severe narrowing of the trachea is a matter of concern.

If the child's skin or lips are turning blue, if they are prone to sleepiness, if respiratory distress is progressively worsening, or if they are producing excessive saliva and having difficulty swallowing, they must be evaluated by a specialist physician.

STEROID MEDICATIONS MAY BE USED

Since croup is caused by a virus, antibiotic treatment does not help. Croup can often heal at home without the need for any special treatment. Because the causative agent of croup can easily spread, the sick child should be kept away from other children.

Paracetamol can help relieve high fever or sore throat. When croup causes narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing, steroid-containing medications may be used to reduce swelling and make breathing easier.

In addition to oral steroid medications, adrenaline administered via a nebulizer (mask) can help reduce swelling in the airways.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO HELP WITH CROUP

Children with stridor, in particular, should be calmed down and encouraged to take a comfortable position. Crying can make breathing even more difficult.

High fever can cause an increase in respiratory rate. In this case, fever reducers containing paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given.

If the child is willing, they should be encouraged to consume cold drinks. This will help reduce edema.

Similarly, cold and clean air can also help alleviate symptoms.