CROUP//VIRAL//BACTERIAL скачать в хорошем качестве

CROUP//VIRAL//BACTERIAL

Croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is a common respiratory illness in children, typically aged 6 months to 3 years. It affects the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, leading to symptoms like a barking cough, stridor, and hoarseness. While croup is mostly caused by viruses, including the parainfluenza virus, RSV, and adenovirus, it can also result from a bacterial infection, which is more serious. So, what’s the difference between viral and bacterial croup? Viral croup is the most common type. It starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by the classic barking cough and stridor, which is a harsh, high-pitched sound during breathing. This stridor is usually more noticeable when a child is crying or agitated, but as it progresses, it may be present at rest. Bacterial croup, on the other hand, is less common but more severe. It can occur as a secondary infection following viral croup or develop independently. This type often presents with a high fever, severe stridor, and a toxic appearance, meaning the child looks very ill. It’s often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Haemophilus influenzae, and requires immediate medical attention. Diagnosis of croup relies heavily on clinical signs and symptoms, but one helpful tool is the Wesley Croup Score. This scoring system helps determine the severity of croup by assessing five key areas: 1. Stridor – Is it present only when the child is agitated, or even at rest? 2. Retractions – Are there chest wall movements, and how severe are they? 3. Air entry – Is the airflow normal, decreased, or significantly reduced? 4. Cyanosis – Does the child turn blue during agitation or even at rest? 5. Level of consciousness – Is the child alert, or are they lethargic or agitated? The score ranges from 0 to over 8 points. A score of 2 or less indicates mild croup, where symptoms are present but manageable. Scores of 3 to 5 indicate moderate croup, where stridor and retractions are present even at rest. A score of 6 or more means severe croup, and anything above 8 points suggests impending respiratory failure, a true emergency. How do we manage croup? The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms: For mild cases, a single dose of dexamethasone is often enough to reduce inflammation. The child can usually recover at home with supportive care, such as keeping them calm and hydrated. For moderate to severe croup, where the Wesley score is higher, nebulized epinephrine can be a lifesaver. It quickly reduces airway swelling, but the child needs to be observed for a few hours afterward, as symptoms can return once the medication wears off. Dexamethasone is also given to provide longer-lasting relief. When the croup is severe, with signs of respiratory distress, or if bacterial croup is suspected, hospital admission is often necessary. These cases may need IV antibiotics to treat bacterial infections and intubation if breathing becomes too difficult. So why is recognizing these symptoms so important? While viral croup is usually self-limiting and can be managed with simple interventions, bacterial croup can progress rapidly and needs urgent treatment. Using the Wesley Score helps healthcare providers determine the right level of care and intervention, ensuring the child gets the treatment they need. Most kids recover from croup within a week, but it’s crucial for parents to know the warning signs that require medical attention, like increased difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, or becoming unusually tired or lethargic. With the right care, croup can be managed effectively, even in severe cases. #ear #nose #throathealth