Which age group is primarily affected by croup?

Croup is primarily a condition that affects preschool-aged children, typically between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. This age group is most susceptible due to the size of their airways, which are smaller and more prone to obstruction. Croup is often triggered by viral infections, particularly the parainfluenza virus, leading to inflammation and swelling in the upper airways.

In younger infants, the airway passages are still developing, which can impact the severity and presentation of croup symptoms. Conversely, older children and adolescents generally have larger airways that are less susceptible to the same degree of obstruction, making them less commonly affected by this condition.

Recognizing that preschool-aged children are the primary demographic for croup is essential for nursing care, as it helps in prompt identification, reassurance to caregivers, and appropriate treatment, which may include corticosteroids or nebulized epinephrine in more severe cases.