Krup (Laringotrakeobronkitis) is a viral infection that causes inflammation and swelling of the upper respiratory tract (larynx, trachea, and bronchi). Krup is characterized by dry cough and shortness of breath.
CAUSE
Krup is usually caused by para-influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses A and B. The virus is commonly found in the air and spread by splashing saliva or through objects contaminated by the saliva of the patient. Krup most often found in children aged 6 months - 3 years.
In severe cases, can occur by bacterial superinfection. This condition is called bacterial tracheitis and should be treated with antibiotics. If there is infection of the epiglottis, the entire windpipe can swell and can be fatal.
SYMPTOMS
Krup usually begins with flu-like symptoms. Swelling of the respiratory tract and the airways tightens so that the patient suffered respiratory distress. Respiratory problems, dry cough, and hoarseness, usually first appear during the night. Respiratory disorders cause the child awoke from his sleep. Breathing becomes rapid and deep, and half the patients experienced fever. Will improve the situation of children in the morning, but worsened again in the evening.
Krup usually lasts for 3-4 days. Krup is often called krup spasmodic recurrences, which may caused by allergies, but it is usually preceded by a viral infection.
Other symptoms that may be found:
- Stridor (high pitched breath sounds),
- Cyanosis (bluish skin color from lack of oxygen),
- Intercostal retractions (increased use of the muscles of the neck and chest in an effort to breathe).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis based on symptoms and physical examination results indicate the presence of intercostal retraction when the child inhales. Examination with a stethoscope showed wheezing (wheezing breath sounds), the phase of inspiration (air inhalation) and expiration (blowing air) are elongated and reduced breathing sounds. Neck x-rays can show narrowing of the trachea.
TREATMENT
If the disease is mild, the child does not need to be hospitalized. At home can use a humidifier to moisten the air and the child should drink plenty of fluids and adequate rest.
If disease is severe, usually children treated at the hospital and get extra oxygen. To help his breathing could be placed on a ventilator. Ultrasonic nebulizer can reduce the amount of mucus that reach the lower respiratory tract and reduces the viscosity of mucus so it is more easily removed by coughing.
Bronchodilators (drugs to dilate the airways) can be inhaled through a nebulizer so that the child breathe more easily. As an initial treatment in severe krup, given corticosteroids (but this is still controversial). If there is bacterial infection, antibiotics are given.
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