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Croup Prevention

Croup: Prevention


Top Prevention

1. Vaccinations and immunizations

Viral croup is mostly caused by parainfluenza virus, types 1 and 2. Other viruses include influenza A and B, measles and others. Another type of spasmodic croup is also caused by the same group of virus. Croup can also be caused by the most common bacteria found such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae etc. Therefore, vaccinations of Haemophilus influenzae, diphtheria and measles do protect people from some of the most dangerous forms of croup. In addition to this, there are new types of viruses called human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and human parainfluenza type 3 (PIV-3) which can affect children and adults alike and cause respiratory diseases. Some biopharmaceuticals are conducting research on these new viruses for creating vaccines against them.ย 

2. Steroids

Corticosteroid like dexamethasone has been shown to improve almost all types of croup. Significant relief is obtained as early as six hours after administration. It is effectively given orally or parenterally or by inhalation. Usually, a single dose is sufficient, and is generally considered to be quite safe. It is not necessary to give multiple doses as there is no evidence of benefits derived from it. Orally taken steroid is absorbed well and achieves a peak serum concentration just like the intramuscular administration of steroid. No adverse side effects have occurred during or after treatment with steroids.ย 

3. Epinephrine

All types of croup from moderate to severe may be improved with nebulization of epinephrine. It is effective used in relaxing the bronchial muscle as well as used for allergy symptoms with good effect. This produces a reduction in severity of croup within half an hour, but it lasts for only about a few hours. If the patient has severe respiratory distress then budesonide along with epinephrine can be considered simultaneously for nebulization. If the condition remains improved for two to four hours after treatment and no other complications arise, the patient is discharged from the hospital. Patients should take the precautionary measure of using this drug as per doctor’s prescription and not otherwise.

4. Controlling infection

Sterilization plays an important role in controlling infection. This process helps in killing disease causing microbes. Disinfection is another process chemicals in liquid form used for killing disease causing microbes. It is less effective than sterilization. Microbes tend to survive on any hard surface, therefore, thorough and frequent washing of hands is the best way to prevent common infections such as flu, cold and croup. Scrub the hands vigorously and use alcohol-based sanitizers if soap and water is not available. When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with a tissue to avoid contaminating your hands.

5. Self care

Personal health maintenance is most important for any individual or family for improving or restoring health or preventing disease. Practicing good hygiene, eating correctly, avoiding health hazards like smoking or drinking, which not only cause harm to oneself but also to other family members too. Medical experts recommend self care for minor ailments so that it is nipped in the bud and does not lead into major illness. Self medication should be undertaken with caution and with the help of doctors only. Self care supports not only an individual but also family and overall community in living healthy which also includes lifestyle changes, physical activity, eating a healthy diet, which in turn helps in preventing a disease to occur.ย 

6. Home treatment

The patient can breathe more comfortably when a cool and warm mist vaporizer is placed near the patient. Vocal cord swelling reduces due to humid air and thus lessens symptoms. Hot air vaporizers should be kept out of reach of children and infants as they can cause accidental burns. Taking the sick person out in the cool night air can also help that person to breathe if cough or stridor worsens at night. The patient should sit straight so that it helps in breathing comfortably. Drinking plenty of fluids is also encouraged to avoid dehydration. Popsicles are also a popular means of providing fluid to an affected child. Activity should be restricted to a quiet play.ย 

7. Avoid sick contact and crowds

Infection spreads quickly in crowds, like schools, day care centers, office buildings, auditoriums and public transportation. By avoiding such places during the season for flu and croup, you can reduce the chances of infection. As croup is contagious, others in the house should be kept away from the sick patient. Quarantining yourself from crowd and by avoiding unnecessary physical contact with other people helps in stopping the infection from taking epidemic proportion. The patient may return to school or day care or office after when their temperature is normal and they feel better. The cough can linger for two more weeks, but it is not a reason for keeping them home.

8. Oxygen

Oxygen should be considered only if the patient has a very severe case of croup and significant respiratory distress with hypoxia. The best way of administering oxygen is the “blow-by” method, where oxygen is administered through a plastic hose with the end opening held near the patient’s nose and mouth. Administration of oxygen should be stopped immediately if the patient gets agitated by it. Treatments with oxygen are flexible in that they can be used either in hospitals or at home as it also comes in a portable form which can be easily used and carried along to any place.ย 

9. Mixture of helium and oxygen

A mixture of helium and oxygen called heliox is used in severe cases of croup, especially in patients suffering from severe respiratory distress, where administration of helium is considered by doctors. Helium is a lower density gas which helps in decreasing the turbulent airflow in an already narrowed airway. Currently, this is used in hypoxemia, breathlessness, upper airway obstruction, vocal cord dysfunction etc. This may also be beneficial in some patients with severe cases of croup. Though, there is insufficient evidence to encourage its general use, patients should always take the advice of the medical fraternity for its usage.

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