Barking cough—that is how a croup infection is identified in children and in adults. Croup is a respiratory infection that is caused by a virus and is commonly associated with young children. It is mostly a childhood illness but can affect adults too.
While rare, adult croup does occur and presents differently than in children. Here’s everything you need to know about croup in adults, including symptoms, severity, and treatment options.
Also Read: 7 Common Childhood Respiratory Diseases
How Common Is Croup Among Adults?
According to StatPearls Publishing, croup is commonly reported in children under the age of five. In the US, croup causes 7% of hospitalisations in children under five, affecting about 3% annually, mainly between six months and three years. Parainfluenza virus accounts for over 75% of cases, with boys being more affected. Around 85% of cases are mild, while less than 1% are severe.
Croup in adults is rare. As of 2017, only 15 cases were reported in medical literature, as noted in a study published in Wiley Publishing.
Is Adult Croup More Dangerous Than Childhood Croup?
Croup in children and adults may differ.
In children, croup typically presents with a barking cough, stridor (a harsh, wheezing sound during breathing), and respiratory distress due to a smaller airway, Dr Tapaswi Krishna, Lung Transplant, Interventional Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, tells the OnlyMyHealth team. In adults, symptoms tend to be milder, resembling laryngitis with hoarseness and a persistent cough rather than severe breathing difficulties, he adds.
When it comes to severity in croup cases, Dr Krishna suggests that it is more concerning in children because their airways are smaller, making them more susceptible to breathing difficulties. On the other hand, adults experience less severe symptoms.
However, a 2000 case report published in the journal Respiration described the first confirmed case of adult croup caused by parainfluenza virus type 3, along with a review of 10 other adult cases. Only one case showed evidence of viral infection linked to influenza B. Intensive care was needed in 91% of cases, but no fatalities were reported. The report suggested that adult croup tends to be more severe than paediatric croup, based on a comparison with a 1984 study on 43 hospitalised children.
Dr Krishna shares that in adults, croup-like symptoms could be a sign of other underlying conditions, such as:
- Laryngotracheitis
- Bacterial infections
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Airway tumours
Symptoms Of Croup In Adults
Adults with croup may experience:
- Hoarseness
- A dry or barking cough
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- In some cases, a high-pitched breathing sound
While severe airway obstruction is uncommon in adults, persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
Treatment Of Croup In Adults Vs. Children
The treatment for croup varies based on the severity of symptoms and age of the patient:
Children: Treatment may include humidified air, hydration, corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation, and, in severe cases, nebulised epinephrine.
Adults: Rest, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier can help ease symptoms. In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed if symptoms are more pronounced.
Conclusion
While croup is mostly a childhood illness, it can affect adults in rare cases. The symptoms tend to be milder in adults, resembling laryngitis rather than the severe respiratory distress seen in children. However, persistent or severe symptoms should not be overlooked, as they may signal a more serious underlying condition. If you experience breathing difficulties, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.