Croup

Croup is an acute viral infection of the upper airway. Inflammation produces oedema below the vocal cords, in the subglottic region, so a child develops the characteristic barky cough, hoarse voice or cry, and inspiratory stridor. Parainfluenza viruses, especially types 1 and 3, are common causes. The nursing problem is dynamic upper-airway narrowing, not the cough itself. A young child's airway has a small internal diameter, so additional swelling can markedly increase resistance to airflow. The practical question is whether the child can maintain the airway while calm, and whether the work of breathing is increasing.