Child’s Croup: When to Rush to Hospital?

1. Etiology

Laryngitis – inflammation of the larynx caused by:

Infectious:

• Viruses (80%): influenza, parainfluenza
• Bacteria (rare): streptococci, staphylococci
• Fungi (in immunocompromised)

Non-infectious:

• Vocal strain
• Allergies
• GERD
• Smoking/irritants
• Cold/dry air

2. Symptoms

Acute:

• Hoarseness/voice loss
• Dry “barking” cough
• Sore throat
• Low-grade fever
• Breathing difficulty (rare)

Chronic:

• Persistent hoarseness
• Voice fatigue
• Throat discomfort
• Mild cough

3. Diagnosis

1. Laryngoscopy:
   • Redness
   • Swollen vocal cords
   • Mucus/pus
2. Additional tests:
   • CBC
   • Throat culture
   • Allergy tests
   • pH-monitoring (for GERD)

4. Treatment

General:

• Voice rest
• Humidification
• Warm fluids

Medication:

1. Antivirals (for viral)
2. Antibiotics (bacterial only)
3. Antihistamines (allergy)
4. Inhalations (steroids)
5. Local antiseptics

Physiotherapy:

• UHF
• Electrophoresis
• Magnet therapy

5. Prevention

• Avoid cold exposure
• Quit smoking
• Respiratory protection
• Proper voice hygiene
• Treat GERD/allergies
• Air humidification

6. Red Flags

• Hoarseness >2 weeks
• Breathing difficulty
• Blood in sputum
• Complete voice loss
• High fever
• Symptoms in toddlers

7. Prevention Tips

• Avoid shouting
• Treat URIs promptly
• Wear masks in dusty areas
• Boost immunity
• Avoid temperature extremes