Croup Case

English

Informative Essay

CROUP

There are many things that parents can do to prevent infection in their children. Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent infections (James & Ashwill, 2007). However, even if parents do everything that they can, infections can still develop. Respiratory infections are common in infants and children (James & Ashwill, 2007, 605). Young children may have more serious risks involved because their immune systems are not as strong and the respiratory airways are smaller and are more easily obstructed by mucous and edema (James & Ashwill). There are different types of respiratory diseases that children may face, including croup. As a Respiratory Student that might work with children, you will need to know the signs and symptoms, complications, and treatment of Croup.

Croup is a respiratory infection that affects children between six months and five years of age (James & Ashwill, 2007).In most cases, a virus called parainfluenza is the cause for the development of most types of croup.

The edema and secretions related to the infection cause the tracheal airway to become obstructed and narrowed. This narrowing can make it extremely difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. "This infection causes inflammation of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lung tissue" (Schiffman, MD, 2008).

Once the inflammation is present, it increases the amount of effort it takes to breath. Croup is contagious and is spread by any contact with infected airborne/settled droplets (James & Ashwill, 2007). Once exposed to the infection, symptoms may start to show in two- three days and after that it can last up to three to four days. (Schiffman, MD).

The signs and symptoms of each type of croup are similar. A "hoarse, barking, spasmodic cough that gets worse in the night time" is characteristic of croup. Stridors (a high pitched wheezing sound resulting from turbulent air flow in the upper airway) on inspiratory and possibly expiratory breaths are usually present because of the obstruction (Huether & McCance, 2008, 748). Increased respirations, retractions, use of accessory muscles are also often noted in a child with croup. In severe cases, as the child tires cyanosis (a condition in which the skin and mucous membranes take on a bluish color because there is not enough oxygen in the blood) and increasingly causes shallow respirations may develop . (Schiffman, MD, 2008) Fever and sore throat are present as well. (James & Ashwill, 2007). A child with croup may be irritable and anxious from the respiratory distress and lack of sleep due to the hoarse coughing at night. (Schiffman, MD, 2008)

Humidified air from a hot shower or a cool-mist humidifier may help the coughing and stridor by reducing the inflammation throughout the respiratory tract and providing a positive psychologic effect. The child's head should be elevated