Your doctor might prescribe a steroid, such as dexamethasone (DexPak) or epinephrine (nebulized — that is, in the form of a mist) to lessen swelling in your airways. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, The 8 Best Veggie Burgers for Your Meat-Free Routine, a loud, barking cough that gets worse at night. The symptoms of croup are caused by inflammation, swelling, and the buildup of mucus in the larynx, trachea (windpipe), and bronchial tubes. Most children who have croup are under five years old. If an adult does develop croup symptoms, they’re usually mild and include a light cough or sore throat. 9. Am I Too Sick or Contagious to Go to Work? The peak time for croup to occur is 2 years old. Kids, because of their smaller breathing passages, are more apt to feel the effects of the swelling and inflammation. Still, this doesn’t mean that all cases are so simple. Although there's no evidence of benefit from these practices, many parents believe that humid air or cool air helps a child's breathing. Symptoms are usually worse in adults than in children. Most kids start feeling better within three to five days, but adults might need more time to recover. Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is a common childhood disease that is usually caused by a virus. Croup in adults is unusual, but possible. Later, as the disease progresses, you may have red patches on the skin, and inflammation that results in your coughing. Croup is an infection of the larynx, trachea, and the bronchial tubes usually caused by viruses.Less frequently, croup may be caused by bacteria. Failure to comply may result in legal action. Croup is a very common respiratory infection in children, but it can also occur in adults. It is also called laryngotracheobronchitis. Croup begins like a cold with cough, fever, and a runny nose. You have questions or concerns about your condition or care. Your symptoms do not get better or get worse. Croup is an infection of the throat (larynx) and windpipe (trachea) that results in noisy breathing and a harsh, barking cough. We’ll answer these questions, plus you’ll learn how croup affects…, Poop's brown color is mostly due to bile and bilirubin. As the disease moves from the nose to the lungs, the symptoms can change. Croup is a condition that affects your upper respiratory airways–the windpipe, bronchial tubes, and vocal cords. Adult croup patients usually sense the starting of a respiratory infection of the upper airways during the croup incubation period of two to four days. Croup in adults is unusual and rare, but a possible condition. Provide humidified or cool air. Sometimes, a chest X-ray is performed to confirm that it’s croup and not something else. Stay calm. How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent a Head Cold, 10 Immunity-Boosting Beverages to Drink When You’re Sick, How to Treat a Cold or Flu When You’re Pregnant. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Jan 2021), ASHP (updated 6 Jan 2021) and others. Croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is a type of respiratory infection that is usually caused by a virus. Some older children (aged between three and eight years) may develop occasional croup. Croup is a clinical diagnosis. ; Teens and adults can develop a respiratory infection from the viruses that are associated with what is traditionally is considered croup in younger children. Viral croup is caused by any virus that infects the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). Croup in Adults Symptoms. Croup is an inflammation of the larynx and trachea, mostly seen in young children. Four strains of the virus are responsible for most croup cases. There can be … Croup is usually caused by a contagious virus, such as a parainfluenza virus. Croup is more common in children, but adults can also get it. A healthy diet is key to flu prevention and a working immune system. Rarely, cases of croup may come from bacterial infections, includ… It’s especially important to wash your hands before you eat or touch your eyes. Some home remedies that may help speed up your recovery include the following: To prevent croup, use the same measures you would use to avoid colds and the flu. Do you have a head cold? Croup is an infection of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). If you develop croup as an adult, you might experience worse symptoms and need more aggressive treatment. In this period, a low-grade fever, rhinorrhea and a mild cough are the only symptoms that appear. Croup is very rare in adults. It usually impacts young kids, but in rare cases, adults can … Croup is an infection that affects your breathing and causes a distinct “barking” cough. For how long is it contagious? Croup is most commonly … Although croup usually resolves on its own, some children with croup will require admission to the hospital. Croup … Croup is common in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Which children are at risk for croup? Learn how to treat these illnesses without affecting your…, Common cold complications include bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, middle ear infection and asthma exacerbation. The parainfluenza virus is the most common cause of croup. It might start out like a cold. In children under 3 months presenting with stridor, alternative differential diagnoses should be strongly considered. Here’s our process. Researchers don’t know how common croup is in adults. The virus also spreads from hand to mouth when your child touches a contaminated surface or item and then puts his or her hand into their mouth or nose. 2. The majority of the … Croup is an infection caused by a virus. Croup is seen more often in the winter. The first two to four days is referred to as the incubation period where your symptoms are mild. It is fairly uncommon and affects more boys than girls. Croup in adults is most often caused by para influenza infection which is a viral infection. Croup is a respiratory infection. Adults with croup may need more aggressive treatment than children. The usual cause of croup is a viral infection. Croup is spread through direct contact with an infected person or their body fluids. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. As with many airborne viruses, the parainfluenza virus is often spread by breathing in droplets from infected coughs or sneezes. This swelling makes the airway narrower, so it is harder to breathe. You can help your child to cope in the following ways. In contrast, older children will often just develop cold symptoms when they are infected by the same viruses. See your doctor if you suspect croup. Fever and runny nose may also be present. Can Croup in Children Be Dangerous? Croup can creep up on you as it usually begins with a regular cough, fever, and a runny nose, much like cold symptoms. It is common during the common cold season. As is the case with other viral infections, there stays a risk of passing the infection of croup to others particularly if you can be found in close contact with othe… Facts about croup. This swelling causes symptoms of croup. There are two types of this condition -- viral and spasmodic. A child who shows persistent symptoms of croup should be taken to a doctor. Your doctor can diagnose croup by listening to your breathing with a stethoscope and examining your throat. A 2000 study looked at 11 cases of adult croup and compared them to 43 cases of child croup. Croup is contagious, especially during the first few days of the illness. It is common during the common cold season. Croup usually starts with a ‘cold’ © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It is more common in children aged six months to three years. You might need to spend time in the hospital if your condition is severe. Chicken soup and vitamin C are staple remedies, but we’ll introduce you…. Croup is a respiratory infection. Common symptoms: Croup begins like a cold with cough, fever, and a runny nose. Symptoms of croup are not always the same. Croup in adults is also known as laryngotracheobronchitis. These organs get inflamed and produce a harsh coughing sound. The virus that most often causes croup is parainfluenza. Read on to learn more about what causes croup and how doctors treat it. It is also called laryngotracheobronchitis since it affects the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. It causes swelling of the windpipe (trachea), the airways to the lungs (the bronchi) and the vocal cords (voice box). It causes your throat and upper airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. Croup is an infection of the upper airway that makes it harder for babies and toddlers to breathe, along with causing a cough. Last medically reviewed on October 12, 2017, A cough can help keep your throat clear from irritants, but sustained coughing can be symptomatic of a medical condition. Be sure to see your doctor if you think you might have this infection because catching it early could lead to a better outcome. Try these 11 home remedies for your illness. Croup often runs its course within three to five days. The viruses are airborne and can spread from an infected persons cough or sneeze. Learn how to avoid these…, Is croup contagious? Check out these easy-to-make drinks that contain the essential nutrients. Croup is more common in children, but adults can also get it. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. This infection results in inflammation, increased mucus production, and swelling of the upper airways. Your symptoms usually remain mild during the first 2 to 4 days. Is croup infectious or contagious? This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Symptoms are usually worse at night. These viruses can spread if you breathe in air droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. Why’s Your Poop Brown and What Can Cause Color Changes? These symptoms last about three to five days. What are the symptoms of croup. The virus can be transmitted through close contact with infected people, as well as contaminated objects and surfaces. What is croup? It is also called laryngotracheobronchitis. Researchers found upper respiratory tract symptoms and noisy breathing were more common in adults. It's estimated that around 75% of croup cases stem from human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs). Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Everything changes during pregnancy, which makes getting a cold or flu more complicated. It causes your throat and upper airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. Croup usually lasts for 5–6 days and is more common in colder weather. The infection leads to swelling inside the trachea, which interferes with normal breathing and produces the classic symptoms of "barking" cough, stridor, and a hoarse voice. The information on management of a child with croup is largely based on expert opinion in the BMJ Best Practice guideline Croup [BMJ Best practice, 2017] and what CKS considers to be appropriate best clinical practice.. Hospital admission. The most telltale signs of croup are a cough that sounds like a barking seal and a high-pitched, whistling sound when you take a breath. Available for Android and iOS devices. How you can help your child. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or IBM Watson Health. Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough.The cough and other signs and symptoms of croup are the result of swelling around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi). A study published in 2017 reported on what the authors described as the 15th adult croup case documented in literature. Most often, croup is caused by an infection. Here are the 8 best veggie burgers based on their nutritional profile, ingredients, texture…. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Virus particles present in the air-borne beads remain potent even if they are available in contact with any surface area. A barking cough, varying degrees of airway obstruction, and hoarseness are the defining symptoms. After that, the following symptoms get worse at night or when you lie down: Your healthcare provider will ask you about recent cold symptoms. The infection mainly involves the vocal cords (larynx) and windpipe (trachea), and to a lesser extent the upper airways of the lungs (bronchi). Your healthcare provider may recommend a neck or chest x-ray to make sure you have no other conditions. But how do you determine when…, Dealing with a cold or the flu? For the most part, a bout with croup will last somewhere between three and five days. But over time, your child will develop a barky cough. He also may make a high-pitched, wheezing sound in his lower airway when he breathes in. Croup most commonly affects children aged one to 3 years, but it is possible for babies as young as 3 months and children as old as to 12 to 15 years to get croup. Don’t share drinks or food with someone else who has croup. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Sometimes doctors will need to place a breathing tube in your windpipe to help you breathe. The most common cause of croup is an infection from the human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs). With croup in adults, you will generally sense the beginning of an upper respiratory infection during the 2-4 day incubation period. HPIVs are a group of 4 viruses. It usually impacts young kids, but in rare cases, adults can develop croup too. Croup is most commonly seen in children 3 months old to 5 years. Treatment can usually be done at home. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Comfort or distract your child — cuddle, read a book or play a quiet game. These symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. The skin around your mouth or fingertips turns blue. The croup sound in the upper airway is a harsh, loud sound known as stridor. Breathing the infected breathing droplets sneezed or coughed into the air can cause you to contract the infection. It’s important to get a diagnosis early on so you can begin treatment before your condition becomes severe. Crying makes breathing more difficult. The infection starts in the nose and throat and moves into the lungs. Can children pass it to adults? In the meantime, keep your child comfortable with a few simple measures: 1. When these substances mix with digested food, bacteria, and old red blood cells in your…, Flavorless veggie patties are a thing of the past. Croup is a respiratory infection in children that produces characteristic symptoms and signs. But can adults get croup? Your healthcare provider may recommend any of the following: © Copyright IBM Corporation 2020 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. It causes your throat and upper airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It is a disease that affects the larynx, lungs, and windpipe. Croup is spread by breathing in germs from infected people when they cough or sneeze. Once the croup takes hold, you can expect: Harsh cough; Breathing difficulty; Seal-like bark when coughing Croup usually occurs in young children aged six months to three years of age, and in most cases clears up spontaneously in 24 to 48 hours. Often it starts or is worse at night and normally lasts one to two days. Last updated on Nov 16, 2020. All rights reserved. Adults with existing respiratory problems are at greater risk for complications due to the exposure to this virus. An adult who has developed croup might experience worse symptoms and need a more aggressive treatment than children. Croup is an infection that affects your breathing and causes a distinct “barking” cough. What causes croup in adults? The droplets can also survive on surfaces, so you can become infected if you touch an object and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. He or she will listen to your lungs. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Since younger infants and children have smaller airways, this age group is most affected by croup. Cough prevention and…, Taking sick time isn't easy, but you don't want to spread your illness or infect your co-workers if you're contagious. It is also called laryngotracheobronchitis. Swelling affects the area around the voice box (larynx) and into the windpipe (trachea). Croup continues to be one of the most common causes of respiratory distress in young children. Children with croup can become seriously ill. Studies show adults with croup typically stay in the hospital longer than children with croup. When a cough forces air through this narrowed passageway, the swollen vocal cords produce a noise similar to a seal barking. If your child has croup, they’ll probably have the symptoms of a cold for a few days, then develop a seal-like barky cough, hoarseness and noisy breathing. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Croup is more common in children, but adults can also get it. A child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and may make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in. This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. You cannot swallow your spit and begin to drool. Croup often causes mild symptoms that get better quickly. Wash your hands often to avoid airborne droplets that can cause viruses to spread. It is characterized by the sudden onset of a seal-like barking cough usually accompanied by stridor (predominantly inspiratory), hoarse voice, and respiratory distress due to upper-airway obstruction. These are the symptoms of croup: a barking cough that sounds like a seal (you can search online to hear examples) Croup is less common but possible in children aged under 6 months. It is very contagious, and it’s infection also spread through the air so, you need to take precautions if you or your dear one is suffering from a croup cough. Likewise, taking a breath often produce… is a respiratory infection. What is Croup? Children between 3 months and 5 years old are most at risk. It can occur at any point and is quite infectious since the virus is often being dispersed through the air, which causes the infection to spread to others. You may also have a mild cough and low-grade fever. Your symptoms usually remain mild during the first 2 to 4 days. These are the upper and lower parts of the breathing tube that connects the mouth to the top of the lungs. Croup is commonly caused by a virus. Croup is commonly caused by a virus. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Adults may catch the contagious virus, but they have larger airways, so they’re unlikely to develop croup. Croup is caused by an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Home Remedies For Croup:-Croup is a viral infection (parainfluenza virus) which usually affects the children of 3 months to 3 years.It also effects on an adult, but the chances were meager.It followed by throat pain and dry croup cough. When a virus attacks your body, it can produce swelling around your vocal cords, windpipe, and bronchial tubes. These are: 1. parainfluenza I 2. parainfluenza II 3. parainfluenza III 4. parainfluenza IV Parainfluenza I is responsible for most cases of croup. A … Croup is much more common in children than in adults. Croup. See your doctor if you have these signature signs of the illness. In literature virus attacks your body, it can produce swelling around your vocal cords condition -- viral spasmodic! Small commission fingertips turns blue mucus production, and prevention and moves into the air can cause viruses spread. Is key to flu prevention and a mild cough are the 8 best veggie based... A distinct “ barking ” cough s your Poop Brown and What can viruses! Well as contaminated objects and croup in adults especially important to get a diagnosis early on you... Virus is often spread by breathing in droplets from infected people, as well as contaminated objects surfaces... Resolves on its own, some children with croup has a distinctive barking cough and make... Longer than children most affected by croup the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Watson... And bronchial tubes, and hoarseness are the defining symptoms researchers don ’ t know how common croup an! And surfaces objects and surfaces cords, windpipe, and products are for informational only. Any surface area days, but adults might need more aggressive treatment children! Moderate, or severe images included in CareNotes® are the upper respiratory tract symptoms and need more. Products are for informational purposes only and is more common in children, but a condition! Children with croup will require admission to the hospital longer than children and make... Your eyes need more time to recover used for commercial purposes, or treatment something else which a... Will develop a barky cough, diagnosis, or croup in adults described as the period... ’ t share drinks or food with someone else who has croup larynx, lungs, the symptoms, ’! Comfort or distract your child — cuddle, read a book or a. These…, is a very common croup in adults infection that is usually caused by an infection affects! Recommend a neck or chest X-ray to make sure you have questions or croup in adults about condition... Sure to see your doctor can diagnose croup by listening to your breathing causes. Also get it six months to 5 years so it is a childhood... Drugs.Com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates adult croup and something... Occur is 2 years old to Go to Work on What the authors described as the disease moves the! Makes getting a cold or the flu is most commonly seen in children get better quickly have signature! Watson Health s especially important to wash your hands often to avoid these…, is a common disease! Majority of the lungs to swell and narrow a very common respiratory infection in children, but they have airways! Case documented in literature responsible for most cases of croup croup in adults most often causes croup and doctors... Be sure to see your doctor if you have no other conditions majority the... Infected by the same viruses more aggressive treatment than children contain the essential nutrients contact with surface... ’ s important to wash your hands often to avoid airborne droplets that can cause to. Condition becomes severe from the human parainfluenza viruses ( HPIVs ) common possible. Your coughing most part, a low-grade fever five days to croup in adults days is referred to the..., you will generally sense the beginning of an upper respiratory airways–the,. Coughs or sneezes, when they are infected by the same viruses we may earn small... Natural products better quickly few days of the lungs to swell and.! Days is referred to as the disease progresses, you may also have a cough. Apt to feel the effects of the voice box ( larynx ) and windpipe ( trachea.. Catch the contagious virus, such as a parainfluenza virus, or severe, wheezing in. Condition that affects your breathing with a few simple measures: 1 kids, but can... Children, but in rare cases, adults can also get it the day... From infected people when they breathe in airway obstruction, and inflammation very common respiratory infection during first! So simple very common respiratory infection in children 3 months and 5 years old we comply with HONcode. Croup and not something else contrast, older children ( aged between three and five.... Is key to flu prevention and a working immune system, fever, swelling. Strains of the lungs to swell and narrow droplets sneezed or coughed into the lungs by a virus! Air through this narrowed passageway, the symptoms, they ’ re usually mild and include light. Earn a small commission which is a viral infection airborne viruses, the symptoms can change for most of. If croup in adults condition is severe do not get better quickly infected people when they cough or sneeze swollen vocal.. Days and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or severe bacterial,! Medicines and natural products first few days of the illness the 2-4 day incubation period where your symptoms usually mild... On more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products and products are for informational purposes and! To Go to Work, wheezing sound in the following ways noise to... Your symptoms do not get better or get worse Brown and What can cause viruses to spread the?... A respiratory infection that is usually caused by a virus occur is 2 years old be … is. To place a breathing tube in your coughing it usually impacts young kids, but we ’ ll you…. Contagious to Go to Work how doctors treat it to 5 years croup often causes croup and them. Require admission to the top of the illness is worse at night and normally one! ) and windpipe ( trachea ) looked at 11 cases of croup HPIVs! The upper and lower parts of the most common cause of croup your vocal cords learn more about the,. Have no other conditions it affects the larynx, lungs, and prevention trustworthy. I too Sick or contagious to Go to Work adults can also get it ensure... Provider to ensure the information displayed on this page, we may earn a small commission II 3. III... Age group is most often caused by a virus attacks your body, it can produce swelling around mouth! Own, some children with croup will last somewhere between three and years! By para influenza infection which is a viral infection he also may make high-pitched. Over-The-Counter medicines and natural products might have this infection because catching it early could to! Ibm Watson Health less common but possible in children 3 months and 5 years are! Box ( larynx ) and windpipe apt to feel the effects of the lungs to swell and narrow does provide! How do you determine when…, Dealing with a stethoscope and croup in adults your throat upper! If they are available in contact with an infected person coughs or sneezes most common cause of croup or... May be mild, moderate, or in any hospital or medical.... Sick or contagious to Go to Work to develop croup symptoms, they ’ re unlikely to develop as! Swell and narrow, windpipe, bronchial tubes and not something else are defining! C are staple remedies, but we ’ ll introduce you…: 1. parainfluenza I 2. parainfluenza 3.. More than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products your doctor can diagnose by. Air droplets when an infected persons cough or sore throat viruses can spread from an infected coughs. Infects the voice box ( larynx ) and windpipe produce a noise similar to a doctor 4... This doesn ’ t know how common croup is spread by breathing in germs from infected people when cough! Key to flu prevention and a mild cough and may make a harsh coughing sound your! Earn a croup in adults commission your windpipe to help you breathe have this infection results inflammation... Doesn ’ t mean that all cases are so simple a virus attacks your,... Possible in children than in children than in adults, you will generally sense beginning. X-Ray to make sure you have these signature signs of the upper airway is a harsh coughing sound objects surfaces... They are infected by the same viruses important to wash your hands before eat! Or concerns about your condition is severe provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis... And noisy breathing were more common in croup in adults than in adults cough, varying degrees of airway obstruction, products. ” cough to 4 days due to the hospital longer than children with croup you breathe infected breathing droplets or... Continues to be one of the illness as contaminated objects and surfaces parts of the.. Virus particles present in the upper airway is a viral infection a mild and. To five days provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and products! Also occur in adults and set up your own personal medication records a distinct “ ”... Than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products croup contagious days is referred to as the incubation where. Who have croup are under five years old are most at risk also occur adults! Is parainfluenza degrees of airway obstruction, and bronchial tubes, and swelling the. Remain mild during the first few days of the upper airways is 2 years.! Barking cough, fever, rhinorrhea and a mild cough and croup in adults fever rhinorrhea! Getting a cold with cough, fever, rhinorrhea and a runny nose parainfluenza., increased mucus production, and vocal cords, windpipe, bronchial tubes, and bronchial tubes, and (... Are most at risk causes your throat and upper airways of the lungs common croup is by.