Croup
Pronunciation: KROOP
An acute upper respiratory illness in young children, typically caused by parainfluenza virus, characterised by a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and hoarseness due to subglottic inflammation.
Full Definition
Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is the most common cause of acute upper airway obstruction in children between six months and three years of age. Parainfluenza viruses are responsible for the majority of cases. The hallmark 'seal-like' barking cough results from oedema of the subglottic trachea. Severity is commonly assessed using the Westley Croup Score, which grades stridor, retractions, air entry, cyanosis, and level of consciousness. Editors should note that 'croup' is acceptable as a standalone clinical term and does not require the parenthetical 'laryngotracheobronchitis' except in formal or technical manuscripts where precision is required.
Usage
Usage note: In formal clinical documents, consider parenthetically adding 'laryngotracheobronchitis' on first use. Do not confuse with epiglottitis, which is a medical emergency with a distinct presentation.
In Context
- "The emergency department note described the classic presentation of croup: a two-year-old with a barking cough, low-grade fever, and inspiratory stridor at rest." — Emergency department note
- "Editors should flag 'croup' when it appears in adult respiratory manuscripts, as the condition is nearly exclusively pediatric." — Editorial style guideline