Understanding Croup: A Winter Illness in Kids

Skylands Pediatrics is a skilled team of experts who can help manage conditions as diverse as croup in Sparta Township, NJ. If your child has this problem and you aren’t sure what to do, it’s important to read on to know more. Dr. Calabrese, Dr. Meskin, Dr. Capozzoli, Renee Thomas, APN, and Joe Larena, APN will figure out what’s happening to support you.

What Is It?

This disease occurs in babies and children and can be very painful if it worsens. It triggers irritation and inflammation throughout the upper airways. Children who get it often find breathing hard or have a hoarse voice that might worsen with time. 

In the past, this disease was severe and could lead to long-term complications. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to treat these days. By understanding its many causes and symptoms, parents like you can more easily find therapy.

How Is It Caused?

There are a few different variations of this disease that occur due to various factors. Most will occur between three months to five years of age and rarely after that. These include:

• Viral, which is caused by a virus infection (usually parainfluenza)
• Spasmodic, which might occur in the middle of the night due to allergic reactions 
• Non-croup outbreaks or pseudo cases caused by things like breathing in fine particles

Which Symptoms Should I Watch?

Since this condition is contagious, you must watch your child’s symptoms. Our team at Skylands Pediatrics can quickly diagnose croup in Sparta Township, NJ, to help your little one breathe smoothly and comfortably. A few signs of this disease include:

• Difficulty breathing that doesn’t seem to come with any cold-related symptoms 
• Problems swallowing that might be due to a swollen or inflamed throat 
• Retractions or when the skin pulls in around their ribs as they breathe 
• Blue skin around the nose, mouth, and fingernails (cyanosis, a grave issue)

Can You Treat It For Me?

If you think your child has this condition, we’ll diagnose them by listening to their breathing, inspecting their throat, discussing previous conditions, and doing some x-rays. Then, we can provide therapies that can reduce their symptoms and suffering, such as:

• Providing clear and warm fluids, like heated apple juice 
• Prescribing medications that help manage their fever (not cough or cold medicines)
• Offering a mister or steamer that helps open up their breathing
• Serious therapies (IV fluids, humified air, or a breathing tube, all very rare)

Should I Call You?

Please let us know at Skylands Pediatrics if your child has croup in Sparta Township, NJ. We’ll find a therapy that makes sense for you and give your little one the help they need. Call Dr. Calabrese, Dr. Meskin, Dr. Capozzoli, Renee Thomas, APN, and Joe Larena, APN, at (973) 729-2197 to learn more about our therapies.