Natural ways to handle croup Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is an inflammation of the windpipe (trachea) and voice box (larynx) typically caused by a contagious viral infection that causes cough, a loud squeaking noise and difficulty with breathing in (inspiration). Symptoms include fever, a runny nose, and a typical bark-like cough. Q: Sue, what causes croup? A: Croup is caused by viruses and primarily affects children 6 months to 3 years of age. Most of the children seem to recover at home. Some, however, require hospitalisation because they urgently need fluids, oxygen, and drugs. Viral infection leads to swelling of the lining of the airways, particularly the area just below the voice box (larynx). Parainfluenza viruses are the most common cause, but croup can be caused by other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV—see Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection and Human Metapneumovirus Infection) or an influenza virus. Croup caused by an influenza virus may be particularly severe and may occur in a broader age range of children. Most children have only a single episode of croup, but a few have repeated episodes (called spasmodic croup) caused by viral infections that gradually decrease in frequency and severity. https://www.naturefresh.co.za/Article/306
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