Parents who have experienced an attack of croup with shortness of breath in their child, will not forget it so quickly. And are naturally afraid of a recurrence. Here you can learn how to quickly help their child during an attack. So what is real about real croup and false about pseudocroup? Or do both terms refer to the same thing? There is a real confusion of terms around croup.
The explanation
The so-called real croup is a severe manifestation of diphtheria, in which mainly the larynx is affected. Due to swelling of the mucous membranes, there is a narrowing of the tracheal entrance with shortness of breath and choking attacks accompanied by a violent, barking cough.
The term pseudocroup – which means “false” croup – was created to distinguish the nocturnal shortness of breath in children from the diphtheria croup described above. Thanks to early vaccinations even in infancy, diphtheria has almost disappeared today. So that pseudocroup is now often referred to as croup or croup syndrome.
What is pseudocroup?
Pseudocroup is a condition in which the mucous membrane of the larynx becomes inflamed and usually swells severely below the vocal cords. It is particularly common in young children between 18 months and six years of age. At this age, the laryngeal cleft is still very narrow and the mucosa reacts particularly strongly to acute inflammation. Swelling makes the cleft even narrower and threatens to close.
Pseudocroup is usually triggered by cold viruses. This is why it occurs mainly in the seasons of autumn and winter, when colds are most common. Environmental influences such as wet and cold weather, air pollution and passive smoking further promote the disease. Rarely, however, there may also be an allergic cause, or bacteria may be involved.
What are the symptoms?
Often, an attack is preceded by a simple cold. Then, when a croup attack occurs, it happens very suddenly and without warning signs; usually during the night. The child is plagued by a violent, barking cough, his voice is hoarse, breathing in is clearly difficult. The breathing sound is rattling, hissing or whistling.
The child has shortness of breath up to fear of suffocation and is therefore very restless. This restlessness increases the already reduced oxygen intake. Due to the lack of oxygen, lips and fingernails may turn blue and a general pallor may occur.
First aid in a seizure
- Take your child in your arms, reassure and cradle him.
- Go with him to the open window or balcony (even in winter).
- Do not let the child breathe more dry-dusty air (turn off the heating). Better is damp-cool air; it makes the mucous membranes decongest. For example, run cold water in the shower or hang damp cloths in the nursery.
- The child should drink a lot (sips of water at room temperature).
- Position it with the upper body slightly elevated.
- If present, give the medication prescribed by the doctor (!) (for example, cortisone suppositories or epinephrine spray).
When to see the doctor?
In the case of a mild attack of croup, with the above measures will improve very soon. If this was the first attack, you should make an appointment with their doctor soon to be equipped with emergency medications for a possible next attack. Children who have had a croup attack once tend to have more.
For more severe attacks, if there is still shortness of breath despite the administration of cortisone, they need to call an emergency doctor.
What complications can occur?
Pseudocroup is usually harmless. However, it can spread to the middle ear, trachea or lungs. If there is additional bacterial colonization, pneumonia may result.
Can croup attacks be prevented?
As general measures, you should pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet and train the immune system of your child by sufficient exercise in the fresh air. For children who have had frequent attacks, emergency medication should always be in the house.
Another good preventive measure is a humidifier, which keeps the air in the room moist during the cold season. Parents should also make sure that there is no smoking in the home.
