Croup And How To Recognize The Symptoms

There's a good chance that upon reading this article you'll have a vague flashback to a distressing time as a small child when you were afflicted by croup. During a couple of days in bed, you'll have spent your time beset by a horrible cough, wheezy breathing and an overall poor feeling.

Affecting around 15% of all children, croup becomes very rare after the age of six. It is quite straightforward to treat, but can be extremely upsetting for smaller children due to its persistent symptoms which cause a great deal of discomfort.

In the course of this article, we'll be covering some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the condition including what is croup, how to recognize the croup cough and is croup contagious.

What is Croup?

Usually occurring in the winter during an epidemic, croup is commonly caused by a viral infection that affects the two airways leading off the trachea. This infection then leads to swelling which can make breathing harder than usual and will always result in the notorious croup cough.

Despite usually being viral in nature, croup can also be spasmodic and occur infrequently despite no infection being present. The symptoms of spasmodic croup are generally the same as the viral version as are the suggested remedies.

Recognizing the Croup Cough

Somewhat onomatopoeic, the croup cough is usually unmistakable. As a cause of the inflamed trachea, the vocal cords in the larynx become swollen and this results in a particularly barky cough followed by a wheezy sound within the throat (a "stridor").

Due to the harshness of both the cough and the subsequent stridor, croup can be quite distressing for both parent and child despite the relative ease of treatment. When coupled with high temperatures, sore throat and difficulty in breathing, the time in between the development of the illness and its eventual treatment can be uncomfortable and tiring for all involved.

Is Croup Contagious?

As children of the age at when croup usually develops spend a lot of time with others of the same years, it's not surprising that one of the more commonly asked questions around the condition is, is croup contagious? And unfortunately the answer is a resounding yes.

As croup is essentially caused by the same viruses which are responsible for the usual array of bugs and colds contracted by children, these too can lead to the development of croup. Contagion is therefore more likely during the winter and can often sweep through a nursery in the space of a fortnight.

How Is Croup Treated?

Should you suspect that your child has croup, then visit your doctor immediately. You will normally be advised to give your child Calpol (or something similar), ensure their fever is controlled and to give them cool drinks. A steroid based medicine will generally be prescribed and will in most cases start to alleviate symptoms within four hours of application.

By: Sandy Rutherforde

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Do you have a family member suffering from croup? Be sure to visit Patient.co.uk for information on croup cough and methods of treatment.