Barking cough is generally referred to as croup or residual dry cough. Croup causes inflammation in the upper parts of the larynx and trachea. This leads to cough or hoarseness in the voice. It is often caused by parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Barking cough in children is very common and it generally attacks them between the age of six months to three years. But it can affect the adults as well. In most of the cases, mild cough can be cured at home, but if not treated on time it can lead to barking cough, that can even be life-threatening. Some kids are more susceptible to cough when infected by viral upper respiratory infection. A croup can result in sudden coughing at night accompanied with noisy and harsh breathing and stridor. Barking cough in adults is very rare and in acute cases, it is accompanied by stridor and problem in breathing.
As we know that cough is a very mild illness, but it can lead to some serious conditions that may require urgent treatment. Some extreme conditions might be dehydration, breathing difficulty and short breathing problem. A severe bacterial infection in upper airway can also occur and the infected epiglottis will cause swelling known as epiglottitis and may require immediate treatment. It might also cause ear infections and pneumonia that is rare. It mostly attacks children rather than adults. Here are some symptoms, causes and treatments for barking cough.
Causes of Barking Cough
Cough is usually caused due to viral infection. Parainfluenza virus makes the body susceptible to other viruses like respiratory adenovirus, measles, influenza or syncytial virus that causes croup. Barking cough can also be caused in kids due to breathing in the infected droplet. He can also get infected by touching the toys and objects exposed to viruses. This illness can enter the body through the use of contaminated objects as well. Bacteria, inhaled irritants and allergies can also cause barking cough, but to a lesser degree.
Symptoms of Barking Cough
Before the onset of barking cough along with croup, the child may suffer from mild dry cough and sore throat. Usually, barking cough becomes active and worsen during the night. The frequent coughing might create problems while breathing. If you find that the patient is facing trouble in swallowing, skin turning blue or is drooling, then immediately seek medical care. Call a doctor if you find the breath of the patient extremely noisy and irritable.
Home Care for Barking Cough
Mild cough can be cured at home by using natural cough remedies. You can keep the air moist by setting mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room. The intake of liquid diet should be increased to avoid dehydration. Keep the patient in the airy room or take him out in cool weather so that he or she doesn't face any problem in breathing. If the infection persists even after taking all these precautionary measures, then immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Medical Treatments for Barking Cough
When the cough becomes severe, immediate medication is required. The treatment can be done with aerosolized racemic epinephrine that can be injected, inhaled or taken orally. Corticosteroids is the oral form of aerosolized racemic epinephrine and helps in reducing the swelling in the upper parts of the larynx and trachea. In some cases like breathing problem, the patient might also require oxygen.
When barking cough is caused due to Tourette's Syndrome (a neurological disorder), rabies, epiglottitis and croup, it might result in dry barking cough. A simple way to stay away from it is to frequently wash your hands, avoid contact with sick people. Timely vaccines and scheduled immunizations can provide a protective shield to the larynx and trachea from getting the infection. Above all, taking a healthy diet will keep you away from all the problems. So, eat healthy and stay healthy.
As we know that cough is a very mild illness, but it can lead to some serious conditions that may require urgent treatment. Some extreme conditions might be dehydration, breathing difficulty and short breathing problem. A severe bacterial infection in upper airway can also occur and the infected epiglottis will cause swelling known as epiglottitis and may require immediate treatment. It might also cause ear infections and pneumonia that is rare. It mostly attacks children rather than adults. Here are some symptoms, causes and treatments for barking cough.
Causes of Barking Cough
Cough is usually caused due to viral infection. Parainfluenza virus makes the body susceptible to other viruses like respiratory adenovirus, measles, influenza or syncytial virus that causes croup. Barking cough can also be caused in kids due to breathing in the infected droplet. He can also get infected by touching the toys and objects exposed to viruses. This illness can enter the body through the use of contaminated objects as well. Bacteria, inhaled irritants and allergies can also cause barking cough, but to a lesser degree.
Symptoms of Barking Cough
Before the onset of barking cough along with croup, the child may suffer from mild dry cough and sore throat. Usually, barking cough becomes active and worsen during the night. The frequent coughing might create problems while breathing. If you find that the patient is facing trouble in swallowing, skin turning blue or is drooling, then immediately seek medical care. Call a doctor if you find the breath of the patient extremely noisy and irritable.
Home Care for Barking Cough
Mild cough can be cured at home by using natural cough remedies. You can keep the air moist by setting mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room. The intake of liquid diet should be increased to avoid dehydration. Keep the patient in the airy room or take him out in cool weather so that he or she doesn't face any problem in breathing. If the infection persists even after taking all these precautionary measures, then immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Medical Treatments for Barking Cough
When the cough becomes severe, immediate medication is required. The treatment can be done with aerosolized racemic epinephrine that can be injected, inhaled or taken orally. Corticosteroids is the oral form of aerosolized racemic epinephrine and helps in reducing the swelling in the upper parts of the larynx and trachea. In some cases like breathing problem, the patient might also require oxygen.
When barking cough is caused due to Tourette's Syndrome (a neurological disorder), rabies, epiglottitis and croup, it might result in dry barking cough. A simple way to stay away from it is to frequently wash your hands, avoid contact with sick people. Timely vaccines and scheduled immunizations can provide a protective shield to the larynx and trachea from getting the infection. Above all, taking a healthy diet will keep you away from all the problems. So, eat healthy and stay healthy.
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