Parainfluenza Virus (Croup)
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Summary
The parainfluenza virus is a paramyxovirus that causes croup. Croup generally presents with a barking seal-like cough. Severe upper airway obstruction in croup can also cause pulsus paradoxus. Finally, patients with croup have a characteristic steeple sign on their x-ray scans, which is indicative of a narrowing in the upper respiratory tract.
Key Points
- Parainfluenza virus
- Transmission
- Respiratory droplets or fomite exposure
- Presentation
- Croup (acute laryngotracheobronchitis)
- barking “seal-like” cough and inspiratory stridor
- Severe croup can lead to pulsus paradoxus secondary to upper airway obstruction
- Narrowing of upper trachea and subglottis leads to characteristic steeple sign on X-ray
- Croup (acute laryngotracheobronchitis)
- Treatment
- Supportive care; no antivirals indicated
- Transmission