Pseudocroup (laryngotrachitis)

Pseudocroup is an inflammatory disease of the larynx and trachea that is triggered by viruses. It causes swelling of the mucous membranes in the windpipe and increased mucus production in the area of the larynx. This leads to a narrowing of the airways. The infection mainly occurs in the winter months and usually affects children aged between six months and five years. Younger or older children are also rarely affected. After the age of six, the trachea and larynx are so dilated that pseudocroup usually no longer occurs.

Pseudocroup often begins with symptoms of a normal cold:

• Common cold
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever

In addition, the typical symptoms occur suddenly in the early hours of the night:

• barking cough
• Hoarseness
• Rough sound when inhaling (stridor)
• Respiratory distress (the child breathes quickly and shallowly)

The symptoms are exacerbated by the child's anxiety and restlessness.

• Keep calm and try to reassure your child (distraction with a book or toy can help).
• Hold your child in your arms or sit them upright.
• Take your child to an open window or balcony/terrace (dress appropriately) so that they can breathe in cold, fresh air.
• Alternatively, run hot water in the bath to create water vapour. Stand with your child in the room with the water vapour so that your child can breathe it in.
• If your child has a fever or a sore throat, give him/her a pain-relieving and antipyretic medicine (e.g. Algifor®, Ponstan®, paracetamol).
• Give your child something cool to drink when he or she has calmed down a little.

• If the above measures do not lead to an improvement.
• If your child suffers from severe respiratory distress.
• If your child refuses to drink fluids or has severe difficulty swallowing.
• If your child is generally unwell.
• If you feel unsure whether you should go to the doctor or not.
• If your child has a high temperature (>39.0 °C), there is a risk of epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis).

If your child has had pseudocroup more often or if the measures mentioned in the flyer do not bring about an improvement, your child's pseudocroup will be treated with medication. There are various treatment options:

• A medication containing cortisone to reduce the swelling of the inflamed larynx and trachea.
• In severe cases, additional moist inhalation with adrenaline.
• Depending on the course of the treatment, your child may then be able to go home or may have to stay in hospital for monitoring and further treatment.

Pseudocroup often occurs two to three nights in a row. Some children are susceptible to croup and fall ill several times. As a preventative measure, you can make sure that:

• the children's room is well ventilated and not overheated;
• If necessary, hang up wet cloths in the room to humidify the air;
• you strictly ensure a smoke-free environment for your child.