Croup is a respiratory condition primarily affecting children between six months and three years old. It is characterised by inflammation and swelling of the upper airway, which can also cause a cough. The cough and other signs and symptoms of croup result from swelling and irritation around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea), and bronchial tubes (bronchi).
When a cough forces air through this narrowed passageway, the swollen vocal cords produce a noise like a seal barking. Taking a breath often produces a high-pitched whistling sound called stridor.
85% of children examined at the emergency room for signs of croup have mild symptoms. Severe croup is rare and accounts for less than 1% of cases.
A viral infection most commonly causes croup, typically the parainfluenza virus, but other viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can also trigger it.
Physiotherapist Role:
Help manage the child’s symptoms and improve their breathing.
Chest physiotherapy involves percussion, vibration, and postural drainage to help clear mucus from the airways and improve airflow.
These techniques can help reduce coughing and make breathing easier for the child.
Working with the child and their caregivers to provide education on positioning and breathing techniques that can help alleviate symptoms of croup.
For example, sitting the child upright or taking them outside in cool, humid air can help reduce airway inflammation and make breathing easier.
Parents need to remain calm and reassure their child during croup episodes, as stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms.
In more severe cases of croup, medical intervention may be necessary, such as administering steroids or inhaled medications to reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.
Harsh coughing and breathing issues with croup can sometimes be reversed with simple measures at home, like cool air from an open window, steam from steaming the bathroom or using a humidifier.
Croup is a common respiratory condition that can be challenging for young children and their caregivers. When in doubt,, seek professional medical help.
References:
Mayo Clinic (2022). Croup – Symptoms and causes. [online] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/croup/symptoms-causes/syc-20350348.
Philadelphia, T.C.H. (2020). What is Croup? Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Worry. [online] www.chop.edu. Available at: https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/what-is-croup-symptoms-treatment-and-when-to-worry.
www.medicalnewstoday.com. (n.d.). Croup: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. [online] Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155932#signs-and-symptoms.
