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Management of Croup

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Abstract

Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, is a common childhood illness most often caused by viral infections. It is usually a benign, self-limiting disease, but can result in life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Until recently, it was not uncommon for children with severe croup to be admitted to intensive care for intubation. Management used to be limited to supportive measures, including mist therapy. The use of corticosteroids in patients with croup was controversial for many years but has, in the last decade, transformed the management of this disorder. Although corticosteroids do not alter the history of the viral infection, an adequate dose of oral or parenteral dexamethasone or nebulized budesonide has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of croup.

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Acknowledgements

Dr Wendy Stannard is supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

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  1. Department of Child Health, Institute of Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK

    Wendy Stannard &  Chris O’Callaghan

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  1. Wendy Stannard
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  2. Chris O’Callaghan
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Correspondence to Chris O’Callaghan.

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Stannard, W., O’Callaghan, C. Management of Croup. Pediatr-Drugs 4, 231–240 (2002). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128072-200204040-00003

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