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CHILD’S CROUP COULD BE A SIGN OF COVID
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By Francis Amador, M.D.
he American Acad- What Are The Primary Findings From emy of Pediatrics This Study? published a recent Researchers monitored 75 young patients study finding probable with croup caused by the COVID-19 infection causation between COVID- between March 2020 and January 2022. As 19, specifically infections from the omicron variant, and severe croup 80% of cases occurred during the omicron in young children. Francis Amador, M.D., variant spike, findings indicate this particular medical director of the pediatric Emergency variant is more likely to cause severe croup Department at Salah Foundation Children’s than previous variants. Hospital, recently answered some commonly Will This Lead To Hospitalizations asked questions for parents and caregivers. For Children? What is Croup? Typically young children experience mild Croup is a common illness in babies or young symptoms and won’t need to be hospitalized. children. Characteristics include irritations and Evidence suggests the omicron variant is swelling in the upper airways, resulting in more likely to infect the upper airway than troubled breathing, or a bark-like cough with other coronavirus variants, resulting in a spike a raspy or hoarse voice. in croup. What Causes Croup? How Can You Treat Young Patients? There are many viruses that can cause A treatment plan includes dexamethasone, croup, but this study indicates a potential link which is a standard medication for croup even to COVID-19 infections, so consider getting before the pandemic. Only 12% of children your child and family members tested if they from the study were hospitalized and received are exhibiting croup symptoms. epinephrine via a nebulizer, just under half of
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these patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. What should I do if my child has mild or severe croup? Mild croup can be treated at home with mist from a humidifier or steam from a hot shower. You should call 911 or seek professional medical care if your child: • Has frequent noisy inhalations and barking cough at rest. • Struggles to breathe. • Experiences increased fatigue or sleepiness. • Is drooling or unable to swallow. • Lips or fingertips turn blue. • Has a temperature higher than 100.4°F for more than three days. • Exhibits symptoms of mild croup lasting longer than seven days.
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To find the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital Emergency Department location nearest to you, visit BrowardHealth.org/Locations.
