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?
Laryngotracheobronchitis, 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?
Croup 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).
Signs
Retractions
High pitch lung sounds
Hoarseness
Heavy breathing
Symptoms
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.
Croup 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&utm_campaign=Kno
wledge-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
