Croup natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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Overview

Viral croup is a self-limited disease, symptoms lasting up to 7 days. It can very rarely result in death from complete airway obstruction.

Complications

• Atelectasis (collapse of part of the lung)
• Bacterial tracheitis
• Dehydration
• Epiglottitis
• Respiratory arrest
• Respiratory distress

Prognosis

Symptoms may last up to 7 days, but typically peak around the second day of illness. Rarely, croup can be complicated by (or confused with) an acute bacterial tracheitis, which is more dangerous. Other uncommon complications include bacterial tracheitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.