Question

A relatively common illness in young children, primarily those younger than 3 years of age, whose presentation includes variable fever, inspiratory stridor (difficulty in moving enough air through the larynx), hoarseness, and a harsh, barking, nonproductive cough, is:

A) Trench mouth
B) Croup
C) Influenza
D) Oral candidiasis

Answer 1

The illness described is croup, which is characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty in breathing. It is caused by a viral infection and can be treated with comfort measures and sometimes corticosteroids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The illness described in the question is croup, which is a relatively common illness in young children, primarily those younger than 3 years of age. Croup is characterized by a variable fever, inspiratory stridor (difficulty in moving enough air through the larynx), hoarseness, and a harsh, barking, nonproductive cough.

Croup is caused by a viral infection of the upper airway, most commonly by the parainfluenza virus. The inflammation and swelling of the larynx and trachea result in the symptoms of croup. The characteristic barking cough is due to the narrowing of the airway.

Treatment for croup includes providing comfort measures such as keeping the child hydrated and providing humidified air. In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce airway inflammation.