Our Princess came down with fever on Monday and it worsened into a barking cough late and bout of vomitting last night. We brought her down to Dr. Yvonne and it was diagnosed as Croup. This is the 2nd time Dana has Croup but not many parents are familiar with this common childhood illness which disguises innocently and shares the same beginning as a common cold.

About Croup

Croup is a condition that causes an inflammation of the upper airways — the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). Most cases of croup are caused by viruses. Those involved are usually parainfluenza virus (which accounts for most cases).

Croup is most common — and symptoms are most severe — in children 6 months to 3 years old, but can affect older kids, too.

The term spasmodic croup refers to a type of croup that develops quickly and may happen in a child with a mild cold. The barking cough usually begins at night and is not accompanied by fever. Spasmodic croup has a tendency to come back again (recur).

Signs and Symptoms

At first, a child may have cold symptoms, like a stuffy or runny nose and a fever. As the upper airway becomes progressively inflamed and swollen, the child may become hoarse, with a harsh, barking cough. This loud cough often sounds like the barking of a seal.

Symptoms of croup are often worse at night and when children are upset or crying. Besides the effects on the upper airway, the viruses that cause croup can cause inflammation farther down the airway and affect the bronchi (large breathing tubes that connect to the windpipe).

Duration

The symptoms of croup generally peak 2 to 3 days after the symptoms of infection with a virus start. Viral croup usually lasts 3 to 7 days.

Complications

The vast majority of children recover from croup with no complications. Rarely, children will develop a bacterial infection of the upper airway, or pneumonia. To find out more about Croup, read this Kids health Article.

Our Princess has been extra whiny and fussy these few days due to the illness. She’s due for a review with Dr. Yvonne on Sat. Please pray with us that she’ll get better soon with the right medication and that she’ll emerge from this Croup episode stronger and healthier.