Croup

Question 1

What is a common viral cause of croup?

Answer 1

Parainfluenza virus

Other possible viral causes include influenza and rhinovirus.

Question 2

How is croup primarily transmitted?

Answer 2

Droplet and direct contact

This can occur through close interactions with infected individuals.

Question 3

Name two infrequent causes of croup.

Answer 3

• Inhaling a foreign body (e.g., peanut)
• Acid reflux
• Inhalation of irritants
• Allergic reaction (e.g., pollen, dust mites)

Other causes may include epiglottitis.

Question 4

What are the initial cold-like symptoms of croup?

Answer 4

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat

These symptoms often precede the more severe manifestations of croup.

Question 5

What causes stridor in croup?

Answer 5

Blockage in the throat/larynx

Stridor is a high-pitched sound that occurs during inspiration.

Question 6

List three red flag symptoms for croup that require referral.

Answer 6

• Worsening cough or stridor
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Abnormal drowsiness
• Blue tinge or pale skin
• Inability to eat or drink
• Tachypnoea
• Very high temperature

These symptoms indicate a potentially severe case of croup.

Question 7

What is the recommended treatment for mid croup?

Answer 7

• Paracetamol
• Adequate fluid intake
• Sitting the child upright
• Comforting the child
• Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone/prednisolone)

Treatment should be prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Question 8

What is the treatment approach for severe croup?

Answer 8

Requires hospital admission

Further treatment options can be found in the BNF (British National Formulary).

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Croup symptoms may include a barking cough and a _______ voice.

Answer 9

hoarse

A hoarse voice is a common indication of laryngeal involvement.

Question 10

True or False: Difficulty breathing is a symptom of croup.

Answer 10

True

Difficulty breathing is a critical symptom that can escalate in severity.