Croup

Croup or laryngo-tracheitis commonly occurs between one to four years of age and is alarming for parents.  The onset is sudden, stridor developes and there is a barking cough which sounds like a performing seal.

Viral causes are commonest although the bacteria, Haemophillus Influenza, may be the cause.

Symptoms usually improve within twelve hours and resolve in three days.

Prompt medical assessment is recommended.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a viral illness of the lower respiratory tract, which comes on suddenly with moist cough, noisy breathing and fever.  It occurs in winter epidemics and is confined to children less than two years of age.  Most cases are caused by Respiratory Syncitial virus (RSV).

Text-books previously said that recovery from Bronchiolitis would occur after a few days.  But a recent study of 285 cases showed an average duration of twelve days;  whilst 39% of children still had a cough after two weeks,  18% after three weeks  and 9% after four weeks.  Indeed, post-viral cough may persist for six to eight weeks following infection.

Complications are rare.

Prompt medical assessment is recommended.

Pneumonia

Bronchopneumonia is an infection involving the whole of both lungs and a wide variety of organisms may be responsible.

This type of pneumonia may also follow bronchitis, measles or whooping cough and is most frequently seen in young infants.

Onset may be gradual or sudden with the child developing fever, cough and rapid breathing. Prompt medical assessment is recommended.

Lobar pneumonia affects one local area of lung and most commonly affects children between the ages of four to ten years, characteristically in the previously healthy school child.

The most common cause is the bacteria Pneumococcus.

The child develops a sudden illness with high fever; there may be pain in chest and the child looks flushed and unwell.

Prompt medical assessment is recommended.