Post Douglas

Respond on two different days who selected a different scenario than you, in one or more of the following ways:

Share insights on how the factor you selected impacts the disorder your colleague identified.

Ask a probing question regarding the disorder that your colleague identified.

Suggest an alternative disorder for the scenario your colleague selected.

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Respiratory Alterations

Windell (2018) acknowledges the clinical name for croup is laryngotracheobronchitis, which reveals that it is an inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi caused by a viral infection that mostly affects children between the ages of six months and three years. The incomplete immunization history could explain the croup in an older child. The low-grade temperature also guides in the diagnosis of viral croup. According to Henningfeld (2019), viral croup is often accompanied by a low-grade fever and is responsible for 70 to 75 percent of croup cases.

Pathophysiology of Croup 

The pathophysiology of croup stems from the infection; the infection causes the immune system to respond. The virus that causes croup inflames the windpipe and voice box, and this swelling means they become narrowed (Windell, 2018). This narrowing causes the barking cough that is associated with croup. The mucous membranes of the larynx are tightly adherent to the underlying cartilage, whereas those of the subglottic space are looser and thus allow accumulation of mucosal and sub-mucosal edema (Huether & McCance, 2017). The edema, the mucous, and swelling make croup a life-threatening disease, children’s airways are smaller than adults and time is valuable.

Factors of Genetics and Gender

For gender, croup is more prevalent in males than females by a 5:1 ratio. Huether and McCance (2017) report that approximately 15% of children who experience croup have a family history of the disease. 

Conclusion

Respiratory alterations or disease processes can turn into life-threatening moments quickly, it is important that the practitioner be able to differentiate and diagnose the disease to begin the treatment process. A thorough physical examination coupled with an active interview with both patient and parents can guide the practitioner towards the correct diagnosis. 

 

                                                                                 References

Henningfeld, D. A. P. D. (2019). Croup. Magill’s Medical Guide (Online Edition). Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=86194029&site=eds-live&scope=site

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Windell, J. (2018). Coping with Croup. Community Practitioner, 91(8), 22–24. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=132575714&site=eds-live&scope=site 

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