Treatment of croup: a critical review

Article Abstract:

Croup, which is caused by a viral infection, is characterized by coughing, hoarseness, and fever. It is a common ailment affecting children from six months to six years. Breathing difficulties are caused by airway obstruction caused by swelling in the breathing tubes. Although most children can be managed at home, some require hospitalization. The medical management of croup in children is debatable. The efficacy of various treatments, gathered from all available studies, is discussed. An extensive review of all the literature concluded that spasmodic croup and laryngotracheitis (swelling in the trachea and larynx) are two extremes of the same condition, and not separate conditions, as was previously thought. There is limited research on the use of humidified air and oxygen therapy during severe episodes of croup. Although there is no evidence that humidified air or oxygen in croup tents is advantageous, moist air is known to loosen secretions, making them easier to cough up. Other treatments include the use of epinephrine, a drug used to open narrowed airway passages, and corticosteroids to reduce swelling; both are effective in reducing the duration and severity of viral croup episodes. In conclusion, treatment of hospitalized children with viral croup, which includes mist tents with or without oxygen, epinephrine (administered by nebulizer) and corticosteroids, should be well monitored. Humidifiers can be used to treat children at home. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Virus diseases, Virus diseases in children

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Update on the immunodeficiency diseases

Article Abstract:

Advances in the medical sciences have led to an increased understanding of immune processes. Immunodeficiency disorders, or abnormalities of the immune system, can be defined in terms of basic cellular defects. New approaches to treating immunodeficiency disorders are based on the use of recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology. In recombinant DNA technology, pieces of DNA, the genetic material of the cell, are taken from one organism and inserted into the DNA of another organism. This technique permits the joining of genetic material of unrelated species and can be used to isolate and examine the properties and actions of specific genes. The effects of recombinant DNA technology and the characteristics and treatments of immunodeficiency disorders are reviewed. Currently, gene replacement is accomplished by the transplantation of bone marrow. Now, patients can even receive bone marrow from persons who are not siblings; the outcome of bone marrow transplantation from nonsibling donors is similar to that from genetically matched siblings. In addition, support groups have been established to help families of patients with immunodeficiency disorders. Thus, advances have been made in both technological and social aspects of immunodeficiency diseases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Social aspects, Research, Gene therapy, Immunologic deficiency syndromes, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation, Immunological deficiency syndromes in children

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Croup

Article Abstract:

Croup is the common name for laryngotracheitis, which reduces airflow, causing breathing difficulty and affects children aged six months to six years. However, it can be prevented by regular hand washing, and it is also suggested that avoiding contact with people with respiratory infections can help prevent airborne transmission.

United Kingdom, Prevention, Children

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