8.3
Medical Emergencies Croup
The most common group to be affected by Croup are young children between the ages of six months and three years but it can affect children up to fifteen years of age. Croup is instantly recognised by a distinctive “barking” cough and a particularly harsh sound as the child breathes in. This is known as stridor.
Viral infections cause the majority of cases of croup in children, be aware the virus can be passed onto others through normal contact with things like surfaces or objects such as toys.
The infection affects the child’s windpipe and the airways to the lungs. Consequently Croup is often mistaken for a cold at the outset as the child can have a cough, sore throat and runny nose.
However as the condition worsens over the next couple of days (particularly at night) that distinctive “barking” cough, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and hoarse voice present themselves and you will know the child has Croup.
Treatment will depend on severity; Severe
- The child is struggling to breathe - Child needs urgent medical attention at hospital. Dial 999/112 for an ambulance
Mild
- Child can remain at home - Arrange to visit GP - Give the child children’s paracetamol to lower their temperature (if agreed with parents)
- To prevent dehydration give plenty of fluids - Monitor child to ensure breathing does not deteriorate
47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68