What is standard treatment for croup?

Dexamethasone — Dexamethasone is the most frequently used medication for the treatment of all types of croup; it is a glucocorticoid that provides long-lasting and effective treatment. It works by decreasing swelling of the larynx, usually within six hours of the first dose.

What is the first line treatment for croup?

Published guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of croup advise using steroids as the mainstay treatment for all children who present to emergency department (ED) with croup symptoms. Dexamethasone, given orally as a single dose at 0.6 mg/kg, is highly efficacious in treating croup symptoms.

What is the treatment steps for a child with croup?

What to Do

1. Run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 20 minutes.
2. Take your child outside during cooler months for a few minutes. This may help breathing.
3. Use a cool-mist humidifier. Having your child breathe in the moist air will sometimes ease symptoms.

What is the diagnosis for croup?

Diagnosis of croup is based on clinical findings of barking cough, stridor, and hoarseness. Diagnostic testing is typically not necessary. Humidified air inhalation does not improve symptoms in patients with moderate croup. Corticosteroids should be administered to patients with croup of any severity.

Do you need antibiotics for croup?

Antibiotics: Since the causative organism in croup is always viral, antibiotics are generally not warranted. Children may present with bacterial superinfections such as pharyngitis or pneumonia, which do require antibiotic treatment. Since cases of superinfection are rare, antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated.

Does a nebulizer help croup?

Abstract. Croup is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. Most children can be effectively treated in the office or emergency department with nebulized saline solution and oral or intramuscular dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) in a dose of 0.6 mg/kg.

What is better for croup steam or cold air?

Have your child breathe in the moist air for 10–15 minutes. If your child’s breathing does not get better with steam, take him or her outside. Cold, moist air can decrease the swelling and help the coughing and stridor.

Should you steam a child with croup?

Give your child regular cold drinks, which will be soothing for their throat. Some people may advise the use of steam; however this is not something we recommended. There is no evidence that this is effective and there may be a risk of scalding your child.

What are the complications of croup?

Complications of croup

• Fast or difficult breathing.
• Stridor.
• Decreased activity and lethargy.
• Poor feeding with signs of dehydration.
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing.
• Blue or grey skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails.

What is croup with stridor?

About croup Croup is a childhood condition that affects the windpipe (trachea), the airways to the lungs (the bronchi) and the voice box (larynx). Children with croup have a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound, known as stridor, when they breathe in.

Is croup bacterial or viral?

Croup is usually caused by a viral infection, most often a parainfluenza virus. Your child may contract a virus by breathing infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Virus particles in these droplets may also survive on toys and other surfaces.