subject: Croup Cough - Common Symptoms And Precautions! [print this page] Croup Cough is viral infection which affects small children in the age group of 6 months to 3 years the maximum (but this doesnt rule out the possibility of older children being affected by this viral infection). The viruses involved usually are parainfluenza virus (which accounts for most cases), adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This cough causes an inflammation of the upper airways the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). This can lead to a barking cough or hoarseness in the childs voice especially when he or she cries.
The good news is that most cases of croup cough are mild and can be treated at home, though rarely it can be severe and even life-threatening.
What are the symptoms of Croup Cough?
First of all, you might notice cold like symptoms in your child, like a stuffy or runny nose and a fever. But if the upper airway (the lining of the windpipe and the voice box) becomes progressively inflamed and swollen, your childs voice might become hoarse, with a harsh, barking cough.
Further still, if the upper airway becomes increasingly swollen, it might become even more difficult for your child to breathe, and you may hear a high-pitched or squeaking noise when your child inhales. This condition is commonly known as stridor. If the condition becomes a little more acute, your child might start breathing very fast and might have retractions (when the skin between the ribs pulls in during breathing). In the most serious cases, the child might appear pale or have a bluish tinge around the mouth due to a lack of oxygen.
These symptoms become worse at night and when children are upset or crying. The symptoms of Croup Cough generally subside during the day time.
