Adult croup treatment

Croup is an inflammation of the larynx and trachea, mostly seen in young children. A barking cough, varying degrees of airway obstruction, and hoarseness are the defining symptoms. A range of infectious conditions can lead to croup. It is also known as laryngotracheobronchitis. The barking cough that is characteristic of croup results from swelling and inflammation around the vocal chords and windpipe. Symptoms normally improve within a few days, but hospitalization may be needed in severe cases.

When the upper airway is infected with the virus that causes croup, tissues around the voice box larynx and the windpipe trachea will swell. When a cough forces air through this narrowed passageway, it may sound like a seal barking. Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough. The cough and other signs and symptoms of croup are the result of swelling 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 similar to a seal barking. Likewise, taking a breath often produces a high-pitched whistling sound stridor. Croup typically occurs in younger children.

Croup is a condition that affects your upper respiratory airways—the windpipe, bronchial tubes, and vocal cords. With croup technically called laryngotracheobronchitis , the airways swell and narrow, making it uncomfortable—and sometimes difficult—to breathe and producing a characteristic bark-like cough. Croup is usually caused by a virus. While there are many different kinds of viruses that can cause croup, the most common are parainfluenza viruses. There are four strains of these viruses, but the one mostly responsible for croup is parainfluenza virus 1.

Croup can usually be diagnosed by a GP and treated at home. Commonly, croup is caused by a virus. Several viruses can cause croup but in most cases it is the parainfluenza virus. Read more about the causes of croup.