Croup Flashcards
What is Croup?
Acute infective respiratory disease
Who does croup typically affect?
Young children- 6 months to 3 years
What does croup cause?
Oedema in the larynx
What is the main cause of croup?
Parainfluenza virus
How long does croup take to resolve?
Less than 48 hours
How does croup present?
• Increased work of breathing
• “Barking” cough, occurring in clusters of coughing episodes
• Hoarse voice
• Stridor
• Low grade fever
How are most children with croup diagnosed?
Clinically
What investigation might you do if a child presents with croup?
Chest x-ray
What might you see on a chest x-ray of someone with croup?
Subglottic narrowing- the ‘steeple sign’
Swelling of the epiglottis - the ‘thumb sign’
What should the parent do during an attack of croup?
Sit the child up and comfort them
What is the management for all croup regardless of severity?
Oral dexamethasone- one off dose that can be repeated at 12 hours if needed
What is the stepwise options in severe croup to get control of symptoms?
• Oral dexamethasone
• Oxygen
• Nebulised budesonide
• Nebulised adrenalin
• Intubation and ventilation
What is the emergency management of croup if severe?
• High flow oxygen
• Nebulised adrenaline
What would indicate admission in a child presenting with croup?
Audible stridor at rest
