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Croup (Croup) is a common upper respiratory tract infection in young children, especially between the ages of 6 months to 5 years. The main cause is viral infection, leading to inflammation of the throat, larynx, and bronchi, resulting in children having a barking cough, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness, which are characteristic symptoms of this disease. 
 
Causes of Croup are due to viral infections. Common viruses include 
<ul>
<li>Parainfluenza virus (most common)</li>
<li>Influenza virus (flu)</li>
<li>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)</li>
<li>Adenovirus</li>
</ul>
 These viruses can spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or contact with mucus and phlegm from infected individuals. 
 
<h2>Symptoms of Croup  </h2>
Children with croup will initially have symptoms similar to a common cold, then start to show specific symptoms such as 
<ul>
<li> Barking cough</li>
<li> Wheezing or harsh breathing sounds, especially when inhaling</li>
<li> Hoarseness</li>
<li> Low to moderate fever</li>
<li> Difficulty breathing, chest retractions, or flaring nostrils</li>
<li> Symptoms often worsen at night</li>
</ul>
If symptoms are severe, the child may have bluish discoloration around the mouth or extremities and become lethargic. 
 
<h2>Diagnosis of Croup </h2>
Doctors can diagnose croup by taking a history and physical examination, listening to the cough and breathing sounds. In cases where complications are suspected or symptoms are unclear, additional X-ray imaging may be considered. 
 
<h2>Treatment of Croup </h2>
Most cases of croup resolve on their own within 3–5 days with proper home care, including 
<ul>
<li> Keep the child in a humid room or use warm steam inhalation</li>
<li> Encourage plenty of fluids (preferably sipping warm water frequently) to prevent dehydration</li>
<li> Give fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol if fever is present</li>
<li> Ensure adequate rest</li>
</ul>
If breathing difficulty occurs, doctors may consider additional treatments such as 
<ul>
<li> Steroids, either by injection or nebulized, to reduce airway inflammation</li>
<li> Adrenaline nebulization to reduce airway swelling</li>
</ul>
 
<h2>When to Take the Child to the Doctor Immediately </h2>
Parents should take their child to see a doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur 
<ul>
<li> Clear difficulty breathing or wheezing even at rest</li>
<li> Rapid breathing, pale or bluish discoloration around the lips</li>
<li> High fever, lethargy, refusal to eat or drink</li>
<li> Symptoms lasting more than 3 days or rapidly worsening symptoms</li>
</ul>
 
<h2>How to Prevent Croup in Children </h2>
<ul>
<li> Frequently wash hands and wear masks</li>
<li> Avoid taking children to crowded places such as shopping malls and children’s cafes</li>
<li> Do not let children share personal items such as cups and handkerchiefs</li>
<li> Ensure children get enough rest and nutritious food</li>
<li> Consider influenza or RSV vaccination as recommended by a doctor</li>
</ul>
 
Croup is a common respiratory infection in children that is usually not severe. With proper care, symptoms improve within a few days. However, parents should closely monitor symptoms and seek medical attention immediately if the child shows abnormal signs to prevent possible complications. 
&nbsp;
 
 Dr. Rujira Mongkolkul  
Pediatric Respiratory Specialist, Phyathai 2 Hospital

Croup in children: symptoms include a hoarse cough that sounds like barking and noisy breathing. It may seem like a common cold, but if left untreated, it can be dangerous and cause difficulty breathing. Parents should be aware to respond safely.

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When your child's cough sounds unusual… 'Croup in children' Cold-like symptoms, a danger that parents must be aware of immediately

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