Upper Airway Obstruction (Croup)

Question 1

Define Croup

Answer 1

Croup is a viral infection of the upper airway (Larynx and Trachea) that causes swelling of the airway and difficulty breathing.

• Common after respiratory tract infections
• Often occurs and is worse at night
• Common in children aged 6 months to 6 years

Question 2

Croup Symptoms

Answer 2

• Stridor
• Sore, hoarse voice
• fever
• harsh barking cough (sounds like a seal)
• restlessness/irritable
• SOB
• distressed
• previous URTI
• slow onset

Question 3

Croup Severity

Answer 3

Question 4

Croup Management

Answer 4

• Oxygen if tolerated
• If Severe 5mg in 5ml Adrenaline Neb
• Request MICA
• Dexamethasone 600mcg/kg oral (Max 12mg)
• Can repeat 5mg adrenaline nebs 5/60 if needed
• notify hospital

Question 5

Why Adrenaline in Croup

Answer 5

Beta 2 = bronchodilator effects
Alpha = localised vasoconstriction results in decreased upper airway swelling

Fast onset/short duration