Croup-induced Postobstructive Pulmonary Edema

Abstract

Postobstructive pulmonary edema is life-threatening, and results from a sudden episode of upper airway obstruction. Croup is generally thought to be a benign condition, but occasionally it can develop into postobstructive pulmonary edema. We present a case of a 5-year-old boy with recurrent croup, who was diagnosed with postobstructive pulmonary edema. Our experience alerts pediatricians to this easily misdiagnosed disease.

Keywords

• croup
• obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
• pulmonary edema
• respiratory distress