Croup in children


Croup in children affects the upper airways, particularly the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box). It is usually caused most often by the parainfluenza virus. A key feature of croup is the characteristic “barking” cough that sounds like a seal and hoarseness of voice. Children aged 6 months to 3 years, are most susceptible to croup but can occur up to 5 years of age. Recovery occurs with rest, hydration, and humidified air.


For expert pediatric care and croup treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


What are the symptoms of croup in children?


Symptoms of croup in children slowly start off as mild cold and then aggravate over a few days. Symptoms to watch out for are:

  • Barking cough that is harsh, seal-like sound when coughing
  • Hoarse voice due to the infected vocal cords
  • Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy sound while inhalation, especially noticeable when crying or at night.
  • Laboured breathing which will aggravate with activity or agitation
  • Fever ranges from usually mild to moderate.
  • A runny or stuffy nose starts before coughing.
  • Fatigue, tiredness, restlessness due to troubled breathing


If the croup becomes severe it causes :-

  • Rapid breathing
  • Skin pulling in at the ribs or neck (chest retractions)
  • Bluish lips which require immediate medical attention.



For expert pediatric care and croup treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


What are the causes of croup in children?


Croup in children is usually caused by a viral infection that leads to inflammation and swelling of the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchi (air passages). Below are the main causes of croup:

1. Viral infections:

  • Parainfluenza virus (types 1 and 2)
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Influenza A and B viruses
  • Adenovirus
  • Enteroviruses
  • Measles virus


2. Bacterial infections (in rare cases):

  • Bacterial croup is a complication of viral croup.
  • The most commonly affected bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae.


3. Other contributing factors:

  • Irritation due to cold or dry air in the airways.
  • Allergies (rarely) may trigger croup-like symptoms.


Croup is contagious, hence can spread through:-

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Touching contaminated surfaces
  • Children in close contact e.g., daycare settings.


For expert pediatric care and croup treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


How is croup diagnosed in children?


Croup in children is usually diagnosed based on the physical examination and the child’s symptoms. Imaging or laboratory tests are rarely needed.

Diagnostic steps include:-

Medical history:

  • The doctor asks about the barking cough, hoarse voice, or noisy breathing.
  • Recent history of cold or viral illness is also reviewed.


Physical examination:

  • The doctor listens for the characteristic high-pitched sound when breathing in.
  • The child’s breathing pattern, difficulty in breathing, oxygen levels, and the throat are physically examined.


Additional tests (need basis):

  • Pulse oximetry to measure the oxygen levels in the blood.
  • Neck X-ray will show a typical narrowing of the upper airway.
  • Throat swab or viral tests help to identify the specific virus.


In most cases the doctor can recognize it based on how the child sounds, without needing any additional tests.


For expert pediatric care and croup treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


What are the treatments for croup in children?


The aim of treatment for croup in children is to reduce the airway inflammation, and relieve symptoms. Most cases can be managed at home, but severe cases may need hospital care.

1. Home care:

  • Make sure that the shield does not cry since crying can worsen breathing difficulty.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier to reduce airway swelling. Swelling can also be reduced by exposing the child briefly to cool night air
  • Give fluid intake like water, warm soups, or clear juices.
  • The child should take good rest since it helps recovery.


2. Medical treatment for moderate to severe croup:

  • Corticosteroids, Dexamethasone, Budesonide medicines help to reduce airway inflammation and swelling.


Nebulization:

  • Used only in emergencies where the child has severe breathing difficulty.


Oxygen therapy:

  • Administered in hospitals if the child has low oxygen levels.


Hospitalization:

  • Only when the child has severe respiratory distress, poor response to initial treatment, or dehydration.

3. Dont’s:

  • Do not give cough medicines or decongestants since they may worsen symptoms.


Most children recover within 3–7 days.

How to prevent croup in children?


Prevention of croup in children focuses on protecting the child’s respiratory health.

1. Prevent viral infections

  • Teach children to maintain hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water.
  • Do not let the child come near those who are sick with coughs or colds.
  • If the child has cough and cold, encourage them to use a tissue or elbow to prevent virus spread.
  • Disinfect toys, and commonly touched items like tabletops etc.


2. Strengthen the child’s immunity

  • Provide nutritious meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and fluids.
  • Keep the home smoke-free, or do not let them come in contact with cigarette smoke since smoke irritates the airways.


3. Vaccination

  • Mandatory vaccines help prevent infections that can cause croup, such as:
    • Influenza vaccine (flu shot)
    • Measles vaccine (MMR)



For expert pediatric care and croup treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located  at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.


Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.


Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.


Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.


Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.


Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty


Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections


For expert pediatric care and croup treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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