Pseudocroup – causes, symptoms & therapy

The term pseudocroup describes an inflammation of the mucous membranes at the level of the larynx and vocal cords. The inflammatory processes lead to swelling in the affected areas, which in the context of pseudocroup narrows the airway and can lead to breathing difficulties.

Small children and infants are particularly affected by pseudocroup. One reason for this is that the airways in small children are comparably narrow in diameter, which leads to a more rapid narrowing of the airways.

causes

Possible causes of pseudo-croup in children are varied; a combination of several causes can ultimately lead to the disease. According to medical professionals, pseudocroup is mainly caused by viruses . In rarer cases, bacteria can also lead to pseudocroup.Pseudocroup can be transmitted by droplet transmission or, for example, through the use of glasses or handkerchiefs by a child suffering from pseudocroup. Pseudocroup can also develop as a result of allergies.

Scientific studies have confirmed that children from families where people smoke suffer from croup. It is also assumed that other pollutants from the air have an influence on pseudo-croup.

When to the doctor?

A doctor’s visit is advisable if a persistent cough develops. This is characterized by barking and dry acoustics. Most sufferers of pseudo-croup are children. Adults should therefore pay particular attention to their offspring and consult a pediatrician with their child if anything unusual occurs.

A cold, fever, hoarseness or exhaustion should be presented to a doctor. If symptoms persist for several days or if they increase in scope and intensity, medical care is required. Pale appearance, shortness of breath, or blue discoloration of the skin are causes for concern. The organism is exposed to an undersupply of oxygen which, if left untreated, can lead to a life-threatening condition. In the event of clouded consciousness or disturbances of consciousness, a doctor must be consulted immediately. In acute cases, an emergency service must be alerted. At the same time, first aid measures must be taken to ensure the survival of the person concerned.

Irregularities in the heart rhythm, sleep disorders, breathing noises when inhaling, restlessness or a decrease in the usual performance are signs of a health impairment. They must be examined and clarified by a doctor. Apathy, loss of appetite and a decrease in body weight are other signs of the disease. They should be seen by a doctor for clarification of the cause as soon as they persist for several days.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of pseudo-croup can either appear suddenly or after the first signs of a runny nose or cough. This often leads to a barking cough and simultaneous hoarseness .

These symptoms of pseudocroup often appear at night. Feelings of shortness of breath or shortness of breath are particularly pronounced when inhaling; In pseudocroup, whistling or hissing noises can often be heard during inhalation. The shortness of breath can also lead to restlessness in children suffering from pseudo-croup. Croup is rarely associated with fever . Usually the course of pseudocroup is harmless. However, in rare cases, the disease can spread to the lungs or middle ear. It can also be important to calm a child, since rest can relieve shortness of breath.

Diagnose

In the case of pseudocroup, the attending physician makes the diagnosis based on the symptoms that the patient experiences. Based on the classic cough and the associated whistling noises when inhaling, the doctor can very quickly determine whether the disease pseudocroup is present. In addition to these clearly audible signs, the doctor asks his patient about the symptoms as part of the anamnesis. If there are children, the parents will provide the appropriate information. Typical questions to substantiate the diagnosis are aimed at how long the cough has been in the form, how often coughing fits occur and whether there is shortness of breath.

As a rule, the doctor also determines the degree of severity of the disease. Croup can be life-threatening and needs education. To assess the severity of the disease, the doctor uses the Westley score to give points to stridor, retractions, ventilation and the like. The points add up to either a mild, moderate or severe pseudocroup. If the highest possible score is almost reached, there is a risk of shortness of breath and admission to the hospital is necessary.

To differentiate pseudocroup from an epiglottis, which has similar symptoms but is generally life-threatening, the doctor examines the patient’s throat with a spatula. This examination is quick and painless.

treatment and therapy

Appropriate therapy is initially based on the severity of the symptoms that occur in pseudocroup. Experts recommend seeking medical advice if in doubt.

In principle, cold and moist air can have a positive effect against coughing fits in pseudocroup that occur without serious complications. Because coolness and moisture help to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes and make breathing easier.If children suffer from a harmless form of pseudocroup, it can be helpful, for example, to hang up damp rags or laundry in the children’s room to humidify the air in the room.

Regular airing can also help against dry room air. Other measures against coughing fits in a harmless pseudocroup are staying in the bathroom with running cold water or giving cool drinks.

In more severe cases of pseudocroup, a child may be given medications to reduce swelling and coughing under medical supervision; for example, these are adrenaline or cortisone . If severe shortness of breath, tachycardia and pale skin appear, it may be important to contact the emergency doctor.

prevention

Pseudocroup can hardly be specifically prevented. However, it can be helpful to avoid risk factors that contribute to pseudo-croup: for example, avoiding contact with children who are known to have pseudo-croup. Adequate humidity can be maintained and air pollution avoided in a vulnerable child’s room; it is particularly advisable not to smoke in the home to prevent pseudo-croup attacks.