BMJ Best Practice Podcast Croup
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Jan 9, 2024 Learn about the causes, symptoms, and management of croup in young children. Discover the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications like pneumonia. Explore the challenges in diagnosing bacterial tracheitis and the use of corticosteroids as the main intervention. Understand the different presentation patterns of croup and how treatment is the same for both types.
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Croup's Cause and Symptoms
- Croup is an upper airway obstruction triggered by viral infections like parainfluenza and COVID-19's omicron variant.
- It presents with a sudden barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and hoarse voice, often at night.
Croup Diagnosis Guidance
- Diagnose croup primarily by history and physical exam; additional tests like X-rays or blood work are rarely needed.
- Reserve pulse oximetry for severe cases with suspected respiratory failure.
Calmness and Corticosteroids for Croup
- Avoid agitating children with croup; keep them calm and comforted, ideally in a parent's lap.
- Always treat clear-cut croup with corticosteroids to reduce severity, hospitalization, and return visits.