Croup or laryngotracheobronchitis is a health condition that inflames the trachea and larynx. It mostly occurs in young children due to a variety of infectious diseases. Hoarseness, airway obstruction, and a barking cough are the typical signs. The condition tends to progress over the course of several days, but hospitalization might be necessary in more serious cases. The following sections will show you some common diagnostic techniques and treatment options for croup.
Croup Diagnosis
Physical Exam
A physical exam is usually enough to diagnose croup. The doctor will need to observe your breathing, hear the sound of the cough, examine the throat, and listen to the chest with a stethoscope. The main goal is to look for any typical symptoms, such as a barking cough, difficulty breathing, fever, or high-pitched sounds. In some cases, a visit to the doctor’s office is not necessary because the typical noises produced by people with croup make it easier for healthcare providers to find out its presence.[1]
