Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis) : Etiology
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis) : Etiology
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis) : Etiology
ETIOLOGY
• Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, is the most common infection
of the middle respiratory tract.
• The most common causes of croup are:
parainfluenza viruses (types 1, 2, and 3)
and RSV.
• Laryngotracheal airway inflammation disproportionately affects
children because a small decrease in diameter secondary to
mucosal edema and inflammation exponentially increases airway
resistance and significantly increases the work of breathing.
• During inspiration, the walls of the subglottic space are drawn
together, aggravating the obstruction and producing the stridor
characteristic of croup.
EPIDEMIOLOGY