Croup

Abstract

Croup or laryngotracheo bronchitis is an important cause of upper airway obstruction (UAWO) in children aged between 6 months3 years. It is characterized by sudden onset of barking cough, inspiratory stridor and respiratory distress. It often occurs secondary to a viral infection. The disease is usually mild. However rarely it can present as severe upper airway obstruction (UAWO) necessitating emergent airway management. Glucocorticoids are proven to be the drug of choice for croup. Nebulised adrenaline is administered for moderate and severe croup along with glucocorticoids. Humidified mist has been found to be ineffective in croup.