Chicago, IL – Children who suffer from several occurrences of croup should be evaluated for reflux disorders, says new research presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Chicago, IL.
Croup is characterized by a loud cough that may sound like the barking of a seal. It may be accompanied by fast or difficult breathing, and sometimes a grunting noise or wheezing while breathing. The symptoms of croup can be very upsetting to parents and caregivers, as they may be mistaken for choking or other serious airway issues.
It has been commonly believed that croup is caused by a virus, however, upper airway complications have also been suggested. Researchers did an airway evaluation on 80 children who had recurrent croup to see if there had been any narrowing in the upper airways which could indicate reflux. Of the patients who had narrowing in the airway (33 percent), 19 of those (73 percent) also manifested laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Researchers noted many episodes of croup could be averted if it was determined that reflux was a component of the patient's diagnosis and proper preventive treatment could be prescribed.
Title: Etiology of Pediatric Recurrent Croup
Presenters: Harlan R Muntz, MD; Ryan VanWoerkom, MD
Date: September 21, 2008, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm (all times CDT)
Information for the Media:
The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO newsroom will be located in Room 265, Lakeside Level 2, McCormick Place Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 20, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 21 - 23, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 24, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event.
About the AAO-HNS
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."
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