Updates in Diagnosis and Management of Croup

Abstract

Croup is a common respiratory disease that affects 3% of children aged six months to three years. It represents 7% of annual hospital admissions for fever and/or acute respiratory disease in children under the age of five. Boys are more susceptible than girls to the condition, with an overall male/female predominance of 1.4/1. Viruses are detected in up to 80% of patients with croup with identifiable pathogens. The onset of symptoms is usually sudden and usually occurs at night: stridor, hoarse voice and respiratory distress are often seen due to upper airway obstruction. Croup is a clinical diagnosis, children with an uncertain diagnosis, anterior and lateral soft-tissue neck radiographs may be useful to support an alternative diagnosis. Management includes: general care, humidified air, heliox, corticosteroids, and epinephrine, Objective: This study aimed to discuss croup in terms of its etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, assessment, and finally management.