The most common cause of croup is?

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Multiple Choice

The most common cause of croup is?

Parainfluenza virus, especially type 1, is the most common cause of croup. Croup presents with a barking cough and inspiratory stridor due to subglottic edema after a viral infection in young children. Among viruses, parainfluenza viruses account for the majority of classic croup cases, while influenza A, RSV, and adenovirus can cause upper airway symptoms but are less commonly the primary culprits. Parainfluenza type 1 often shows a fall/winter pattern, which helps explain why it’s the typical culprit in these presentations.

Parainfluenza virus, especially type 1, is the most common cause of croup. Croup presents with a barking cough and inspiratory stridor due to subglottic edema after a viral infection in young children. Among viruses, parainfluenza viruses account for the majority of classic croup cases, while influenza A, RSV, and adenovirus can cause upper airway symptoms but are less commonly the primary culprits. Parainfluenza type 1 often shows a fall/winter pattern, which helps explain why it’s the typical culprit in these presentations.

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