Angelite Nurses: Acute Spasmodic Laryngitis (Croup)

Acute Spasmodic Laryngitis (Croup)

General information

Respiratory distress characterized by paroxysmal attacks of laryngeal obstruction
Etiology unclear but familial predisposition, allergy, viruses, psychologic factors, and anxious temperament have been implicated
Common in children ages 1-3 years
Attacks occur mostly at night; onset sudden and usually preceded by a mild upper respiratory infection
Respiratory symptoms last several hours; may occur in a milder form on a few subsequent nights

Assessment findings

Inspiratory stridor, hoarseness, barking cough, anxiety, retractions
Afebrile, skin cool

Nursing interventions

Instruct parents to take the child into the bathroom, close the door, turn on the hot water, and sit on floor of the steamy bathroom with child.
If the laryngeal spasm does not subside the child should be taken to the emergency department.
After the spasm subsides, provide cool mist with a vaporizer.
Provide clear fluids.
Try to keep child calm and quiet.
Assure parents this is self-limiting.

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