Background
Croup is a common childhood disease characterised by
sudden onset of a distinctive barking cough that is usually
accompanied by stridor, hoarse voice, and respiratory
distress resulting from upper airway obstruction. The
introduction of steroids in the treatment of croup has
seen a significant reduction in hospital admissions and
improved outcomes for children.
Objective
This article discusses the key aspects of diagnosing croup
and the evidence supporting the different treatment
strategies.
Discussion
The assessment of airway, breathing and circulation,
focusing on airway, is paramount in treating croup.
However, it is important to take care not to cause the
child undue distress. In mild to moderate croup, give
prednisolone 1.0 mg/kg and review in 1 hour. In severe
or life threatening croup, give 4 mL of adrenaline 1:1000
(undiluted) via nebuliser and send immediately to hospital
via ambulance.
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