Croup causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Croup Microchapters |
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Overview
Croup is most often caused by parainfluenza virus, primarily types 1 and 3, but other viral and possiblybacterial infections can also cause it.
Causes
The respiratory distress is caused by the inflammatory response to the infection, rather than by the infection itself. It usually occurs in young children as their airways are smaller and differently shaped than adults', making them more susceptible. There is some element of genetic predisposition as children in some families are more susceptible than others.
An entity known as spasmodic croup also occurs, distinct from the infectious variety, due to laryngeal spasms.