Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Question 1

What is croup?

Answer 1

A viral infection of the bronchi, trachea and larynx

Generally Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 1

Question 2

How does croup present?

Answer 2

• Barking Cough (“sea Lion”)
• Stridor (Harsh high pitched inspiratory sound)
• Hoarseness
• Dyspnoea
  Lasts ~2 days but can be up to 2 weeks

Question 3

How do we treat Croup?

Answer 3

Normally Self-Limiting
But if severe use oral CCS [prednisalone or Dexamethasone]
May need O2 or Adrenaline if cant breathe

Question 4

How do we differentiate between croup & epiglottitis?

Answer 4

Croup:
Common - Gradual Onset - Look fairly well - Can still swallow - Barking Cough - Dyspnoea worst nocturnally

Epiglottitis:
Rare - Rapid Onset - Look very visibly ill - Dysphagia - less cough but drools - Dyspnoea better when leanin forward