-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
respiratory system
croup
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis; an acute inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, characterized by inspiratory stridor, subglottic swelling, and respiratory distress that is most pronounced on inspiration.

etiology:
Parainfluenza viruses are the major pathogens; spread is most commonly airborne or by contact with infected secretions: Generally age group 6 mo. to 3 yrs.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
• usually preceded by URI
• barking, spasmodic cough, may mark the onset of inspiratory stridor, commonly at night
• respiratory distress
• tachypnea
• obvious inspiratory retractions of the skin, e.g. above the clavicle
• cyanosis with increasingly shallow respirations may develop as the child tires
• auscultation reveals prolonged inspiration and stridor with expiratory rhonchi and wheezes
• rales may also be present
• symptoms worsen at night and may be better in mornings

lab findings:
• diagnosis is clinical

course and prognosis

Obstruction increases the work of breathing and, as the child tires, results in hypercapnia. Hypoxia without hypercapnia commonly occurs due to parenchymal pulmonary infection. Atelectasis may occur if the bronchioles become obstructed.

differential diagnosis

• epiglottitis
• foreign body in throat
• diphtheria
• retropharyngeal abscess


footnotes