Croup involves inflammation and edema in which anatomical region?

• A. Laryngeal inlet
• B. Trachea
• C. Subglottic area
• D. Bronchioles

Answer: (C)

Croup primarily narrows the airway in the subglottic region, the part just below the vocal cords. In children this area is the narrowest portion of the airway, so inflammation and edema here markedly reduce airflow, producing the characteristic inspiratory stridor and barking cough. Edema higher up at the laryngeal inlet would present differently, and involvement of the trachea or bronchioles isn’t as typical or as limiting in airflow as subglottic swelling. Thus, edema in the subglottic area best fits the common presentation of croup.