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Croup Causes & Risks

Causes

Causes of croup include:

  • Viral infections, including:
    • Parainfluenza
    • Paramyxovirus
    • Influenza virus type A
    • Respiratory syncytial virus
    • Adenovirus
    • Rhinovirus
    • Enterovirus
    • Coxsackievirus
    • Enteric cytopathogenic human orphan virus
    • Reovirus
    • Measles virus

Tests for specific viruses are rarely performed, so the actual cause of croup is usually not known.

Conditions that resemble croup can also be caused by:

  • Bacterial infections
  • Allergies
  • Softening of cartilage in the larynx (windpipe)

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

  • Age: 3 years old or younger
  • Attending day care
  • History of croup
  • Family history of croup
  • Frequent upper respiratory infections
  • Colder months: October through March

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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