Croup

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of croup involves assessing the symptoms, performing a physical examination, and doing necessary tests.

• Physical examination: The signs and symptoms the child exhibits can typically tell the healthcare provider if they have croup. Barking cough and stridor are the most typical symptoms. To confirm, the healthcare provider will closely observe the child’s breathing, listen to their chest using a stethoscope, and check their throat.
• Other tests: A healthcare provider might request X-rays and laboratory tests if the child has a serious condition, although this is uncommon.

Treatment

Treatment for croup is based on how severe the child’s status is and whether it could get worse quickly. The treatment could also be affected by the child’s history of respiratory issues or if he or she was born prematurely.

Most cases of mild croup can be treated at home. However, it is important to monitor if the symptoms worsen, or whether the child needs hospital care.

• Comfort measures: It is important to monitor that the child gets enough fluids to be hydrated. They also need to be calmed and comforted since crying and distress can exacerbate airway edema, which makes breathing difficult.

Home care involves employing a cool mist humidifier to alleviate discomfort in the airways, which may be dry and irritated. Alternatively, one can spend time with the child in a bathroom filled with steam produced by hot water running in the shower.

Additional home remedies for croup include:

• • Allowing your child to breathe in cool air at night by opening a door or window.
  • Managing your child’s fever with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Soothing your child’s cough with warm, clear liquids to help alleviate mucus buildup on their vocal cords.
  • Eliminating smoking within your home, as smoke can exacerbate your child’s cough.
  • Keeping your child’s head elevated using an extra pillow (avoid using pillows for infants younger than 12 months old).
• Medicines: These may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.
  • Corticosteroid: Glucocorticoids, which are a form of steroids, are employed to reduce inflammation in the child’s larynx. The glucocorticoids most prescribed include dexamethasone and prednisolone. This medication starts alleviating the swelling within about six hours after the initial dose. Within a few hours, symptoms will typically start to get better. Typically, your child will require only one oral dose of the medication. If your child experiences vomiting or is unable to retain the medicine, their healthcare provider may administer dexamethasone intravenously (IV) or via an intramuscular (IM) injection.
  • Epinephrine: Epinephrine is often administered as an inhaled mist or nebulizer. This normally begins to work within 10 minutes and lessens the swelling in the child’s airways. For severe symptoms, the child can get the treatment every 15 to 20 minutes. This medication lasts for no more than two hours. Before being sent home, the child will probably need to spend a few hours being monitored in the emergency room to see whether a second dose is necessary.
• Hospital admission: This may be necessary to closely watch the child’s condition and if additional treatments are necessary. This is often recommended for severe cases of croup.