Croup

Croup, disease of the respiratory tract characterized by a harsh, barking cough and difficulty in breathing. Recurrent croup may be due to allergy; usually each episode clears spontaneously. Croup with sudden onset may be due to infection of the epiglottis by bacteria. This condition, called epiglottitis, occurs most often in children of age two to five years and must be treated by a physician. Croup may also be caused by virus infection of the lower part of the trachea. This illness is often preceded by signs of respiratory infection and more often occurs between the ages of six months and three years. Usually viral croup will respond to inhalation of warm, moist air. A crouplike cough may also signal the presence of a foreign body in the airway.