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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffCroup, which is marked by a harsh, repetitive cough similar to the noise of a seal barking, can be scary for children and their parents.
The barking cough of croup is the result of inflammation around the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). When the cough reflex forces air through this narrowed passage, the vocal cords vibrate with a barking noise. Because children have small airways to begin with, those younger than age 5 are most susceptible to having more-marked symptoms with croup.
Croup usually isn't serious. Most cases of croup can be treated at home. Sometimes, your child will need prescription medication.
- Fort GG. Laryngotracheobronchitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/204796489-3/0/2088/366.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00021-6--sc0030_7544. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/204796489-4/1010564370/1608/906.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50384-4--cesec10_7443. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Everard ML. Acute bronchiolitis and croup. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:119.
- Woods CR. Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis of croup. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Woods CR. Approach to the management of croup. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Human parainfluenza viruses (common cold and croup). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/hpivfeat.htm. Accessed July 1, 2010.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 29, 2010.
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