Croup Flashcards
What is croup?
Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, is an upper respiratory tract infection in children aged 6 months to 3 years, characterised by a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and respiratory distress.
What is the peak age for croup?
Croup most commonly affects children aged 6 to 36 months.
During which season is croup most prevalent?
Croup is most common during the winter months.
What is the most common causative organism of croup?
Parainfluenza viruses are the most common causative organisms.
Name two other viruses that can cause croup.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus.
What are the typical symptoms of croup?
Upper respiratory tract symptoms, fever, hoarse voice, barking cough, and inspiratory stridor.
What is the characteristic cough associated with croup?
A barking cough, often described as ‘seal-like’.
What is inspiratory stridor?
A high-pitched, wheezing sound heard during inhalation, indicating airway narrowing.
How is the severity of croup assessed?
Severity is assessed based on the presence and degree of stridor, work of breathing, and level of consciousness.
What are the signs of mild croup?
No stridor at rest, barking cough, and mild work of breathing.
What are the signs of moderate croup?
Stridor at rest, mild work of breathing, and no agitation.
What are the signs of severe croup?
Significant stridor at rest, severe respiratory distress, and signs of agitation, pallor, or fatigue.
What are the signs of impending respiratory failure in croup?
Reduced consciousness, fatigue, marked retractions, absent respiratory sounds, tachycardia, and cyanosis or pallor.
What is the first-line treatment for croup?
Oral or intramuscular dexamethasone to reduce airway inflammation.
When is nebulised adrenaline indicated in croup?
Nebulised adrenaline is indicated in moderate to severe cases to reduce airway swelling.
What supportive care measures are recommended for croup?
Humidified oxygen, maintaining hydration, and monitoring respiratory status.
Are antibiotics indicated in the treatment of croup?
No, antibiotics are not indicated as croup is typically caused by viruses.
What are the potential complications of croup?
Respiratory distress, hypoxia, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
What is the typical duration of croup symptoms?
Symptoms usually last 3 to 7 days, with the most severe symptoms occurring on the second or third night.
How can croup be prevented?
Preventive measures include good hand hygiene, avoiding exposure to respiratory infections, and ensuring up-to-date vaccinations.
What is the role of the ‘steeple sign’ in diagnosing croup?
The ‘steeple sign’ is a radiographic finding on a lateral neck X-ray, indicating subglottic narrowing characteristic of croup.
When should a child with croup be referred to hospital?
Referral is necessary if the child has severe respiratory distress, persistent hypoxia, or if symptoms worsen despite initial treatment.
What is the role of humidified air in the management of croup?
Humidified air can help soothe the airway and reduce symptoms, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How does agitation affect a child with croup?
Agitation can worsen airway obstruction and increase respiratory distress.
