Respiratory - Croup - Midterm Notes PDF

Here is an organized summary of Croup (Laryngotracheobronchi3s) from the notes provided. Each concept is categorized based on the following criteria: most likely cause, pathophysiology, disease transmission, and risk factors. Croup (Laryngotracheobronchi3s) 1. Most Likely Cause Cause:...

Here is an organized summary of Croup (Laryngotracheobronchi3s) from the notes provided. Each concept is categorized based on the following criteria: most likely cause, pathophysiology, disease transmission, and risk factors. Croup (Laryngotracheobronchi3s) 1. Most Likely Cause Cause: o Viral infec3on is the most common cause of croup【106:0†source】. o The Parainfluenza virus is the most frequent causaCve agent【106:0†source】. o Other viruses that can cause croup include: § Respiratory Syncy3al Virus (RSV) § Influenza virus § Adenovirus § COVID-19 § Human metapneumovirus【106:0†source】. 2. Pathophysiology Infec3on and Inflamma3on: o The virus infects the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. o SubgloPc swelling and inflamma3on occur, which causes a narrowing of the upper airway, parCcularly in the subgloEc space below the vocal cords. o The narrowing of the airway leads to the characterisCc "barking cough" and stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound heard during inspiraCon)【106:0†source 】. Mucosal Edema and Secre3ons: o InflammaCon causes mucosal edema and the producCon of thick mucus, which further obstructs the airway. o Airflow obstrucCon increases the work of breathing and can lead to respiratory distress【106:0†source】. Airway Obstruc3on: o The smaller diameter of the subgloEc region in children increases the risk of obstrucCon compared to adults. o As the airway narrows, children may exhibit retrac3ons (visible pulling of the chest wall) and prolonged inspira3on to overcome airway resistance【 106:0†source】. 3. Disease Transmission Transmission: o Croup is caused by viral infec3on, and these viruses are spread via respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces 【106:0†source】.  o Contaminated objects or surfaces can also act as a vehicle for transmission, especially when children touch these surfaces and then touch their faces (mouth, eyes, or nose)【106:0†source】. o Airborne transmission may occur when viral parCcles become aerosolized through coughing or sneezing【106:0†source】. 4. Risk Factors Age: o Croup is most common in children aged 6 months to 5 years【106:0†source】. o Infants and young children are at higher risk due to the smaller diameter of their airways, which makes them more suscepCble to airway narrowing【 106:0†source】. Seasonality: o Croup is more prevalent in the fall and early winter months when viral respiratory infecCons are more common【106:0†source】. Exposure: o Daycare and crowded sePngs increase the likelihood of exposure to respiratory viruses【106:0†source】. o Children exposed to other sick individuals (like siblings or classmates) are at higher risk due to the transmission of respiratory droplets【106:0†source】. Pre-exis3ng Condi3ons: o Children with a history of upper respiratory tract infec3ons (URTI) or those with pre-exis3ng respiratory condi3ons may be at higher risk【106:0†source】. Summary Table Criteria Croup (Laryngotracheobronchi3s) Parainfluenza virus (most common). Other causes: RSV, Influenza virus, Cause Adenovirus, COVID-19, and metapneumovirus【106:0†source】. Viral infecCon of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi causes subgloPc swelling, Pathophysiology narrowing the airway and leading to barking cough and stridor【 106:0†source】. Respiratory droplets from coughing/sneezing, direct contact with Transmission contaminated surfaces, and airborne transmission【106:0†source】. Age (6 months to 5 years), fall and early winter seasons, crowded seEngs, Risk Factors daycare exposure, and previous upper respiratory infec3ons【106:0†source 】. If you would like more details or clarificaCon on any of these points, feel free to ask!