croup

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croup (kroop) n. acute inflammation and obstruction of of the respiratory tract, involving the larynx and main air passages, in young children (usually aged between six months and three years). The usual cause is a virus infection but bacterial secondary infection can occur. The symptoms are those of laryngitis, accompanied by harsh difficult breathing (see stridor), a characteristic barking cough, a rising pulse rate, restlessness, and cyanosis.

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