Croup: diagnosis and treatment

Key pointsThe term “croup” refers to a clinical syndrome characterised by barking cough, inspiratory stridor and hoarseness of voice.The standard work-up for clinical diagnosis includes the assessment of skin colour, hydration, breath sounds and air movement.The most important aspect in the treatment of patients with croup is airway maintenance.The standard management of croup includes corticosteroids andL-adrenalin.L-adrenalin is used because it is safe, cheap and available across the world.Educational aimsTo provide information on how to diagnose, treat and hospitalise patients with croup.To enable clinicians to determine the appropriate treatment for every situation, according to score.To explain the rationale of treatment.Summary“croup” (laryngotracheobronchitis) is a common illness during the first 6 years of childhood, which is characterised by barking cough, inspiratory stridor and hoarseness of voice. Patients with atypical features in whom the diagnosis is questionable or unclear should have a work-up to exclude other less common entities.The most important aspect of the treatment is airway maintenance, and standard management includes corticosteroids andL-adrenalin.Inhaled L-adrenalin has a transient beneficial effect on airway obstruction in children; even if it is not a definitive treatment, it may allow time for the basic pathology to resolve.