The croup is an infection of the airways. It can affect the lungs, vocal cords, and throat. It causes inflammation in the airway, which leads to a thick coating of mucus. The mucus can be breathed deep into the lungs where it can make breathing difficult. Croup is common in children, but adults can also suffer from it.
The illness can last for several days but is usually not serious. In some cases, the croup may clear up on its own. In most cases, however, medication is required. A barking or hacking cough is one of the most common symptoms of croup. The sooner it is treated, the faster a patient can recover. Knowing the early signs of croup can help you seek medical attention for yourself or your child. In rare cases, the group may be a sign of another, more serious illness. Here are some of the early signs of croup.
1. Fever
Croup is caused by a virus or infection, and a fever is often present. Many people experience a fever before any other symptoms. It can be hard to tell if the fever is the result of croup or another condition. Fevers can be mild or severe, and if they get too high, they can be dangerous. Children are more likely to suffer from high fever with croup than adults. Fever medicine can be used to help reduce fever.
Cool baths can also help lower body temperature. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have a fever, as dehydration is common. If a fever lasts for than a couple of days or becomes too high, you should seek medical attention. A fever may come and go, and sometimes the medication is only enough to reduce the temperature and not cause the fever to break. Once the underlying cause is treated, the fever should subside pretty quickly.