Laryngotracheobronchitis
Concept and Etiology: How does the disease affect the
respiratory system in particular? How does it deviate from the
definition of health discussed in Module One?
oLaryngotracheobronchitis, also known as, croup effects the
respiratory by causing inflammation in bronchial tubes, as we all
the larynx and trachea. As a result, the inflammation causes a
distinct cough that sounds like a seal bark (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Commonly, croups targets children under the age of 5. Croup is
caused by the common cold virus called parainfluenza. It can
also be caused by adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, or
measles. Rarely, croup can be caused by allergies or a bacterial
infection (Selner & Gill, 2016). Croup deviates for the definition
of health in module one by increasing inflammation within your
body which disrupts all aspects of health. Health because your
body is out of homeostasis; mental because pain or discomfort
causes mental stress and fatigue, as a couple examples.
Classification: How is the disease classified?
oCroup is classified in four categories: Mild, Moderate,
Severe, and Impending respiratory failure.
Mild level 0-2 is classified by an occasional barking
cough, occasional or no airway obstruction, no
retractions, and normal appearance.
Moderate level 3-5 is classified by barking cough,
stridor at rest, some retraction, agitation can be
calmed, and still responsive.
Severe level 6-11 is classified by frequent barking
cough, prominent airway obstruction, chest wall
retractions, significant distress, lethargy or agitation,
rapid heartbeat with severe obstructive symptoms.
Impending respiratory failure level 12-17 is classified
by bark cough that is no longer prominent,
obstruction at rest that may be hard to hear on
occasion, retractions, lethargy or lower level of
consciousness, and dark skin due to decreased
oxygen level. (Nichols, 2018)
Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms and Signs): What are the
symptoms and signs of the disease or disorder? Be sure you
understand the difference between symptoms (subjective) and
signs (objective).
oSigns
Retractions
High pitch lung sounds
Hoarseness
Heavy breathing
oSymptoms
Fever
Barky cough
Dark or blue skin
Sneezing
Runny nose
Diagnostic Tests: What are some additional diagnostic tests
that can be done to illuminate the diagnosis? For example,
when you injure your ankle, they take an X-ray to determine if
it is broken or sprained.
oCroup is often diagnosed at the doctor’s office. They will
listen and watch breathing. On occasion they can
diagnosis over the phone simply by listening to the cough
because symptoms are often worse at night. If symptoms
persist, they may order x-rays or a throat exam to rule out
other respiratory symptoms. (Selner & Gill, 2016)
References
Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 2). Croup. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/croup/symptoms-
causes/syc-20350348?
utm_source=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Croup&u
tm_campaign=Knowledge-panel
Nichols, H. (2018, January 18). What is croup and how is it
treated? Retrieved 11 10, 2021, from Medical News today:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155932
Selner, M., & Gill, K. (2016, January 6). Croup. Retrieved November
10, 2021, from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/croup
