Common Illnesses Going Around

Stay informed about common illnesses affecting children in our community. At Pinecone Pediatrics, we provide up-to-date information on seasonal illnesses like the flu, colds, RSV, and more. Learn about symptoms, prevention tips, and when to seek medical care. If your child is showing signs of illness, our pediatricians are here to help with expert guidance and treatment options to ensure a speedy recovery. Contact us to schedule an appointment or get advice on managing your child’s symptoms.

Croup

We are currently seeing cases of croup, a viral respiratory illness that most often is caused by the parainfluenza virus. The cough and breathing that are associated with croup make it distinctly different from other viral colds or respiratory illnesses. This is because the parainfluenza virus infects and irritates the voice box, the vocal cords, and the windpipe. The cough is worse at night, and it has a distinct bark that sounds much like a seal's bark. Associated with the barky cough, your child may have difficulty when inhaling air, making a labored and whistling sound when breathing in -- called stridor. Humidified air and fluids often are the most helpful treatments.Please call the office to have your child evaluated by the doctor if he/she has symptoms of croup.

See also: Cough | Croup | It doesn't sound like croup, see Cough | Tight purring sound when breathing out, see Wheezing (Other Than Asthma)