Children who have continuing recurrence of croup could be suffering from stomach acid reflux problems, University of Utah researchers report.
Croup is typically recognized by a loud cough that often sounds like the barking of a seal. The condition can cause fast or difficult breathing, and sometimes wheezing. Croup has been thought to be caused by a virus, but upper airway problems have also been suggested as a possible trigger.
“We did find a number of children that had congenital narrowing of the upper airway,” said study lead researcher Dr. Harlan R Muntz, a professor of pediatric otolaryngology. “In addition, a number of children have findings that appear to indicate that they have gastroesophageal reflux disease.”
