croup

The croup - A common disorder in infants and young children, in which narrowing and inflammation of the airways causes hoarseness, stridor (a grunting noise during breathing), and a barking cough.

Croup may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection affecting the larynx, epiglottis, or trachea. Most cases are due to a viral infection and are generally mild. Other causes include diphtheria, allergy, spasm due to insufficient calcium levels in the blood, and inhalation of a foreign body.

Humidifying the air can help to ease breathing. In some cases, corticosteroid drugs administered through a nebulizer, and oxygen, may be prescribed. If the infection is bacterial, it is treated with antibiotic drugs.