{"id":19903,"date":"2020-02-04T06:31:07","date_gmt":"2020-02-04T06:31:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=19903"},"modified":"2021-10-15T02:40:10","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T02:40:10","slug":"14-signs-of-croup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/14-signs-of-croup\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Signs of Croup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Croup is a condition that causes swelling around the vocal cords, resulting in a wheezing voice and numerous other symptoms. This is usually caused by an infection of the upper airway, with the most common cause being a viral infection called the parainfluenza virus. This virus is airborne can spread via tiny droplets of moisture in the air. Likewise, if a child should touch a surface that has been coughed on, and then touch their face, this can also spread the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This condition is normally not serious, and in most cases, it can be treated at home and will be self-limiting. However, it is slightly more common in young children and can sometimes be alarming to witness. Most often, it will affect children between 6 months and 3 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some rare cases, croup may lead to more serious symptoms that make it hard for them to breathe, or that suggest a more serious complication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we will examine some of the most common symptoms that you need to look out for. This will help you to spot the difference between croup and other more serious conditions, and help you know when to see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Coughing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common symptom of croup is, of course, the cough<\/a>. In fact, the condition is sometimes called \u201ccroup cough.\u201d This cough is very distinctive and is caused specifically by the swelling of the vocal cords and the resulting narrowing of the airway. This can then result in a cough that sounds like a \u201cbarking seal cough.\u201d This has a harsh, raspy, and dry sound that is technically called \u201cstridor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason that croup is more commonly diagnosed in young children under three is that they have many small vocal cords and airpipes. This means that a smaller amount of swelling is necessary in order for them to have a noticeably altered breathing pattern and cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, the cough is not one of the first symptoms that are noticed. Rather, the cough appears a few days later (about 3 days into the illness). It will then typically last for around 4-7 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Wheezing <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just as the coughing can be caused by swelling and restriction around the vocal cords<\/a> and airways, so too can this cause a wheezing sound when breathing and even a change in voice. This is of course because the air is escaping through a narrower passageway. If you try blowing air through pursed lips, you\u2019ll notice this results in a similar squeaking sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can sometimes make it somewhat difficult to breathe, though this shouldn\u2019t be the case. If you notice that you or your young child find it difficult to breathe, then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, it is important that the wheezing sound is being made during the inward breath. If the high pitched sound is also heard when exhaling, then this is a sign that the issue may become dangerous and you should see a doctor right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also very important to look for signs of bluing skin around the nose, mouth, or fingernails. This suggests that the patient is not getting enough oxygen, and again it requires immediate consultation with a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Contagion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Croup cough is highly contagious<\/a>. As mentioned, this viral infection can spread both via airborne droplets, and via surfaces. If you should breathe in the droplets, or if you should touch a surface that has been infected with croup and then touch your face, eyes or nose, then this can cause the condition to spread quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coup is most contagious during the first few days of the condition, which may be before the main symptom (cough emerges).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this isn\u2019t a symptom as such, it can sometimes help to more quickly diagnose the problem: if you notice that your child is suffering from croup and they have been spending time with other people that now have the cough, then this could provide a hint as to what might be the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to limit the spread of croup, it is important to ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly, that you wipe down surfaces after use, and that you are careful to limit the spread of spittle by putting your hand in front of your mouth. Generally, it is good advice to try and avoid touching your hands to your face and mouth wherever possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Spasmodic croup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spasmodic croup is a slightly different variation on coup cough. This type is unique in that it has none of the signs and symptoms that you would normally associate with croup cough. This means that the onset of the cough will not be preceded by a running nose, headache<\/a>, fever, or any other issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will usually happen, is that the parents will put the baby to bed none the wiser. They will then be woken in the night to find that the child has the signs of croup cough: a barking cough with pitched sounds. The child will then apparently return to normal, usually by around midday, only to then wake up in the night again with the cough has returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This cycle of symptoms can often last for several days before the child genuinely recovers. The spasmodic in the name, fortunately, does not refer to any spasms, but rather the spasming nature of the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Altered voice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just as the inflammation <\/a>surrounding the through and voice box are able to cause a barking cough and wheezing, it can also, of course, have an impact on the voice. This might cause the voice to sound very hoarse and raspy, or it might result in a slightly high pitched escape of air during the certain speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to simulate this is to try looking directly up and back as far as you can. This will cause pressure on the throat and voice box, which will in turn cause it to narrow. If you now try to speak, you will notice that your voice comes out sounding a little different. This is also how croup cough can affect the voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The changes to the voice and to the breathing are sometimes described as causing a person to sound \u201clike Darth Vader.\u201d If you notice this, then you may well be experiencing someone with a case of Croup cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Mucus and discharge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Croup cough also causes many of the usual symptoms and signs that you would associate with other respiratory and sinus infections. These include the production of mucus and discharge. This is the body\u2019s way of trying to drive out the infection, which it does by causing the nose to constantly run, and the sinus to fill up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This discharge and mucus can exacerbate the cough and cause it to sound a little more \u201cwet.\u201d It can also further make breathing and talking difficult, and it can make it hard to sleep. You may find that you also experience headaches caused by the build-up of pressure in the sinuses<\/a>, and this can add to other causes of headaches associated with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to manage this discharge is to try inhaling hot steam over a bowl of water. This can soften and break down the phlegm, helping it to clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Difficulty sleeping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With an irritating cough, it can become difficult to get to sleep. This is also very apparent in younger children, and in cases of spasmodic croup, which tends to wake those children in the middle of the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is noteworthy, seeing as the difficulty sleeping <\/a>can lead to a number of additional, unwanted symptoms. For example, you may find that it causes extreme tiredness, lethargy, and poor mood during the day. This can also lead to headaches, to the appearance of bags under the eyes, and to muscle weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that your child is struggling to stay awake during the day due to croup cough, keep in mind that this may be a contributing factor and it can be a good idea to give them the opportunity to catch up on sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Dehydration <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Croup cough can cause dehydration due to the fact that it causes fever. This, in turn, may also exacerbate other symptoms such as headaches, difficulty sleeping, sore throat, and cough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration <\/a>leads to headaches as it actually causes the brain to shrink as it loses moisture, which in turn causes it to pull away from the inside walls of the skull. It can also cause muscle weakness, indigestion, and a host of other unwanted symptoms. This can help to explain seemingly unrelated symptoms that may appear at the same time as croup cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect you or your child is suffering from dehydration, then you should make sure to increase consumption of fluids. Drink regularly, and this can also aid with general recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Headache<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, there are many symptoms that can cause a headache as a secondary effect. The dehydration that causes the brain to shrink for instance can cause a headache, so too can difficulty sleeping. What\u2019s more, is that headaches can occur due to the condition itself \u2013 this is due to the body\u2019s immune response which causes inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, when you suffer from any kind of viral infection, the body will attempt to drive that infection out in a number of ways. One way it does this is by causing inflammation and swelling throughout the entire body. This is triggered by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other biological signalers. These then have the effect of causing widespread inflammation, which includes inflammation in the brain, causing headaches as well as feelings of brain fog, low motivation, and drive, and even potentially depression<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have ever wondered why feeling ill makes you also feel miserable and prevents you from wanting to do anything, then this is why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Sore throat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The sore throat<\/a> associated with croup cough is caused by numerous factors. This is initially caused by the swelling itself, which can cause the area to become inflamed and tender. This is one way in which the body is able to fight the infection and attempt to drive it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the soreness can also come as a result of constant coughing and wheezing, which in itself can lead to pain and discomfort. If you struggle to stop coughing, then you should try drinking warm water with honey which can help to soothe the area and reduce irritation. Analgesics (painkillers) can also help to combat pain and soreness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Runny nose<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Croup cough causes a runny nose along with the other symptoms that are regularly associated with cold <\/a>or flu. You\u2019ll find yourself repeatedly needing to sniff, blow your nose, and generally prevent the loss of fluids this way.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find your nose won\u2019t stop running, then you should blow your nose and then use a menthol rub to try and break up the mucus. Place this on your chest, and the fumes you inhale will help to thin out and remove the build-up of phlegm. Sleeping with a tissue can be a good way to prevent this irritation from bothering you during the night and preventing you from sleeping properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, this condition is most likely to affect younger children aged between 6 months to 3 years old. This is large because the small size of the child means that their airways and voice boxes are much thinner \u2013 making the effects more noticeable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition can still be seen in those up to 6 years old, but rarely occurs in anyone older. That said, it is possible for croup to appear in adults <\/a>and elderly patients.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition is also most common at certain times of year \u2013 in particular during late fall and the early winter. It is more common in boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Bacterial croup<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial croup is similar to regular croup but is of course caused by bacteria rather than a virus. This means that it is treated differently, using antibiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial croup will otherwise have many of the same symptoms: including nasal congestion, running sinuses, fever, headache, and more. It is important to always see a doctor before attempting to treat yourself, as depending on the precise nature of the condition, the best course of treatment is likely to vary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial croup is generally much rarer than viral croup, however. It can be caused by one of two main bacteria tracheitis: laryngotracheobronchitis, or laryngeal <\/a>diphtheria.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, a fever is another common symptom of croup cough. Fevers are caused by the body again attempting to drive out the source of the illness, which it does by trying to make the environment as inhospitable as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A high fever is therefore not a negative thing in itself, and might actually help you to recover more quickly from your condition. That said, fevers can be dangerous if they are allowed to get too high, or go on for too long. The main concern is that a high fever may lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause a host of other problems. The best treatment then is to keep drinking lots of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In young children, a high temperature <\/a>is anything over 37.5C. This may be alarming, but it is generally not necessary to see a doctor unless the temperature reaches over 38 degrees. In this case, you should seek urgent medical attention to prevent serious dehydration.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, you should always see a doctor if you are unsure \u2013 it is better to be too cautious than not cautious enough.
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