As the Covid-19 epidemic accelerates once more, a new concern appears. Indeed, according to our colleagues from The Dispatch, the Omicron variant would cause a complication in young children: croup, also called laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis. In this article, we will tell you all regarding it. Are you ready ?
What is croup?
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of croup. Indeed, this disease appeared at the end of the 18th century, and frightened all the parents of the time. For example, at that time, Louis Bonaparte lost one of his children to this disorder. If it is no longer epidemic today, the respiratory disease reappeared recently. Between March 2020 and January 2022, 75 children both positive for Covid-19 and suffering from this infection.
They were mainly boys under 2 years of age, 81% of whom were infected with the Omicron variant. Moreover, 88% of them had to be admitted to an emergency department. Caused by inflammation of the airways of viral origin such as a Covid in this case, croup is typically characterized by a sudden cough. But also by inspiration stridor as well as respiratory distress. It must be said that Omicron has a preference for the upper respiratory tract.
What is the treatment for this disease?
Regarding the treatment of this disease, the young patient will be prescribed corticosteroids. Thus, according to our colleagues from La Dépêche, 97% of them received dexamethasone. For 5 days, the child must take this medication to help reduce inflammation. If the latter has a lot of trouble breathing, the doctor can then to give a little adrenaline (unless he has tachycardia) in order to contract the vessels. While the symptoms of croup can be impressive, the infection is easily cured.
In the most severe cases, this infection can lead to breathing difficulties. Treatments exist and the vital prognosis is not engaged. Moreover, of the 75 children, only 4 patients required intensive care. And no child died:“If the child is taken care of quickly enough, and this will be the case as long as his symptoms are recognizable, unless the parents are of a malevolence obvious, treatment will be rapid and well tolerated. He will heal quickly, and will have no complications or sequelae. explain the authors of the study.
Is croup contagious?
Like all viruses, croup is contagious. It is spread via sneezing or coughing, especially in the first days of infection. This is why it is absolutely necessary to consult quickly. Thus, at the first signs identifiable, the child must be taken to his pediatrician or to the pediatric emergency room. You can also go to an ENT for this disease. On the other hand, you should not go to a pulmonologist. The latter will not be able to see what is happening since it is high asphyxiation. Well, now you know everything.
