Croup

Childhood Skin Problems Slideshow

• Croup Overview
• Croup Causes
• Croup Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Croup Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related croup article:
  Croup - on MedicineNet
  

Croup Overview

Croup is an infection that often comes after a child experiences an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The infection may extend from the vocal cords (larynx) to the trachea and bronchi. This infection results in inflammation and increased mucus production. Although croup usually goes away on its own, between 5-10% of children with croup will require admission to the hospital.

• Children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years are most likely to get croup. This common viral illness is estimated to occur in 5% of children between the ages of 1-2 years and is the most common cause of stridor (upper airway wheezing when a breath is taken in) in this age group. Croup is rarely seen in adults because their larger breathing passages (trachea and larynx) can accommodate the inflammation without producing symptoms.
  
  
• Some children appear to be particularly prone to croup and have a number of infections. Boys are more prone than girls, with peak seasonal outbreaks in late fall and winter.