Croup

Question 1

What is croup

Answer 1

acute laryngotracheobronchitis
viral inflammation
parainfluenzae

Question 2

Clinical presentation

Answer 2

Starts with coryzal symptoms, then proceeds to stridor, wheeze, a barking cough, hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing

Question 3

Management

Answer 3

Mostly conservative - most children can be sent home but if severe, admit, give oxygen, fluids if necessary and consider steroids (oral dexamethasone)

Question 4

Investigations

Answer 4

Mostly none - diagnosed on clinical picture (note, don’t examine if suspect epiglottitis)
RR and pulse oximetry
Perhaps temperature
If not typical, investigate to rule out other causes