Difteria e virus ou bacteria

Croup is a term used to describe inflammation of the larynx and trachea in children.A variety of inflammatory conditions can cause croup, which is characterized by varying degrees of inspiratory stridor (airway obstruction), barking cough and hoarseness due to obstruction in the region of the larynx.The upper respiratory tract includes the following organs, structures and tissues:

1. Larynx (voice box with vocal chords)
2. Pharynx (top of throat where the openings of the mouth and nose meet)
3. Epiglottis (flap of tissue in the throat that prevents food and liquids from entering the windpipe)
4. Trachea (windpipe that leads to bronchi)
5. Bronchi (tubes that branch off the trachea and lead into the lungs).

The main symptoms of croup include a "barking" cough which can sound similar to a barking seal or sea lion and which often has a sudden overnight onsetThe barking cough characteristic of croup is a result of swelling and inflammation around the vocal chords and windpipe (i.e., the larynx and trachea). Although most children with croup improve within a few days, hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.You will also see introductions at the end of some sections to any recent developments that have been covered by MNT's news stories. Also, look out for links to information about related conditions. Fast facts about croup1-5

• Croup accounts for 15% of respiratory illness in children, but almost never occurs in teenagers or adults
• Croup may occur in 3% of children up to the age of 6, with 1.5-31% of these admitted to the hospital
• Average age for viral croup is 1-6 years, with peak incidence between 6 months and 3 years
• Up to 80% of cases are due to parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3, with types 1 and 2 accounting for around 66% of cases
• The most common type of croup is a viral type affecting the upper respiratory tract (laryngotracheitis)
• Bacterial and viral agents can cause disease lower in the respiratory tract (laryngotracheobronchitis and laryngotracheobronchopneumonitis, for example)
• Common bacterial agents responsible for bacterial croup (also known as bacterial tracheitis) include staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumonia
• The main symptom of croup is a distinctive "barking cough"
• The majority of cases of croup are mild and can be managed at home

What is croup?

Croup is categorized either by the cause (e.g., virus, bacteria) or by specific symptoms that may accompany the cough. Below is an overview of viral and bacterial croup.

Viral croup (most common)

Viral croup is the most common type and is caused by viruses, such as adenoviruses (cold viruses) and influenza (flu) viruses.