Croup is a condition that primarily affects children’s upper respiratory airways, including the windpipe and vocal cords. It causes these airways to swell and narrow, leading to breathing difficulties and a distinct barking cough. While it’s common in kids, adults can rarely catch it too.
Croup is predominantly seen in children aged 6 months to 3 years because their airways are smaller. As people grow older, their airways increase in size and strength, providing some natural resistance against this inflammation. A study in 2017 indicated that only 15 cases of adult croup had been documented in medical literature.
The condition is usually caused by viruses, particularly parainfluenza viruses, with parainfluenza virus 1 being the primary culprit. Other viruses like influenza, RSV, measles, and those causing colds can also lead to croup. Recent research even suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, might cause more severe croup. Less commonly, croup can result from acid reflux or bacterial infections.
Croup spreads easily through coughing and sneezing and is more prevalent during winter when people are indoors more often. Symptoms often resemble those of a common cold and include a sore throat and runny nose. In adults, these symptoms might also pair with impaired immune function due to conditions like severe liver injury or the use of immunosuppressants.
In children, croup usually resolves within three to seven days and is mild, often manageable with home remedies. Signs of mild croup include an intermittent barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor (a high-pitched, wheezing sound) primarily during physical activity or distress. However, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider if more concerning symptoms arise or if the situation seems unpredictable.
When adults develop croup, it tends to be more severe, necessitating immediate medical attention. Because it infrequently occurs in mature respiratory systems, adult cases may demand hospital stays or intensive care.
Though preventing croup is not foolproof, practicing good hygiene, like regular hand washing, and getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumococcal infections can lower the risk. Hand washing is crucial year-round but becomes especially important during virus-prone winter months.
For mild croup symptoms, certain home treatments might help, such as using a humidifier, inhaling steam, or breathing in cool air. However, studies have not consistently proven the effectiveness of these approaches. More severe cases might require medical intervention with treatments like nebulized epinephrine or a steroid dose, typically dexamethasone. Children generally don’t need hospitalization, but adults tend to require more extensive care and may need up to 10 days of hospital treatment, often involving inhaled medications and steroids.
