croup

• What is croup?


  Acute infective respiratory disease in children
• What age group does croup typically affect?

  Children aged 6 months to 2 years
• What is the primary cause of croup?

  Parainfluenza virus
• What type of infection is croup classified as?

  Upper respiratory tract infection
• What symptom is caused by oedema in the larynx during croup?

  Narrowing of the airways
• How long does croup typically take to improve?

  Less than 48 hours
• What is the recommended treatment for croup?

  Steroids, particularly dexamethasone
• What is the typical dosage of oral dexamethasone for croup?

  150 mcg/kg
• What is the protocol for repeating the dose of dexamethasone?

  Repeat after 12 hours if needed
• What are the common causes of croup?

  • Parainfluenza
  • Influenza
  • Adenovirus
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• What historical cause of croup has become rare due to vaccination?

  Diphtheria
• What severe condition can croup caused by diphtheria lead to?

  Epiglottitis
• What is a key symptom of croup related to breathing?

  Increased work of breathing
• What does a "barking" cough sound like?

  Like the bark of a seal
• What is stridor?


  A high-pitched whistling sound during breathing
• What type of fever is typically present in croup?

  Low-grade fever
• What are the initial management strategies for croup at home?

  • Encourage fluids
  • Allow rest
  • Sit the child up
  • Use calming techniques
  • Practice hand washing
  • Keep the child home from school
• What is the first-line medication for severe croup management?

  Oral dexamethasone
• What are the stepwise options in severe croup management?

  1. Oral dexamethasone
  2. Oxygen
  3. Nebulised budesonide
  4. Nebulised adrenaline
  5. Intubation and ventilation
• What is the most effective comfort measure during a croup episode?

  Sitting the child up to improve breathing
• What is the purpose of nebulised adrenaline in severe croup?

  To relieve airway swelling
• What is the role of intubation in severe croup cases?

  To secure the airway if necessary
• What position should a child be in to improve breathing during croup episodes?


  Sit the child up
• Why is sitting the child up beneficial during croup episodes?

  It improves breathing and reduces anxiety
• What is the initial dose of oral dexamethasone for treating croup?

  150 mcg/kg
• How often can the initial dose of oral dexamethasone be repeated if necessary?

  After 12 hours
• How much dexamethasone should be given to a 10-kg child with croup?

  1500 mcg
• How much dexamethasone should be given to a 12-kg child with croup?

  1800 mcg
• What is the drug class of dexamethasone?

  Corticosteroid
• What is the mechanism of action of dexamethasone in croup?

  Reduces inflammation in the larynx
• How does dexamethasone reduce airway inflammation in croup?

  By binding to glucocorticoid receptors
• What alternative steroid can be used if dexamethasone is unavailable?

  Prednisolone
• When is prednisolone preferred over dexamethasone for managing croup?


  When dexamethasone is not available
• What is the first step in the stepwise treatment for severe croup?

  Oxygen at 15 L/min via non-rebreather mask
• What should be administered after oxygen supplementation in severe croup treatment?

  Nebulised adrenaline