Croup, with its familiar barking cough, is a common childhood problem. Its most common form involves viral infection of the larynx and at times, trachea and bronchial tree, and so may include bronchospasm or wheezing.Viral croup is usually a short term benign problem and occurs most commonly in children from 1-3 years of age. A more serious problem, bacterial tracheitis, is an actual bacterial infection of the upper airway and can lead to significant upper airway obstruction and requires prompt therapy. Spasmodic croup, unlike viral croup, is often recurrent and may continue past the age of 3.

Children with recurrent croup, especially during the later years, are more likely to have asthma. They are more likely to be allergic to inhalants such as dust mite, mold and other inhalant allergens. We know that male children with asthma are particularly susceptible to recurrent episodes of croup.

In summary, recurrent or spasmodic croup shares many characteristics with asthma and may require more detailed work up including an allergy evaluation to guide therapy.