Croup

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Viral infection
Transmission through droplet or direct contact
Other causes - inhaling a foreign body - peanut/pen cap, acid reflux, irritation, pollen or dust mites

Question 2

Symptoms

Answer 2

• cold like symptoms - fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat - first onset of symptoms in children
• inspiration causes stridor caused by bloackage in throat or larynx
• Difficulty breathing
• Barking cough and hoarse voice

Question 3

Red Flag

Answer 3

WASABI ITV
Worsening cough or stridor , Agitation, severe difficulty breathing, Abnormal drowsiness, blue tinge or pale skin , irritability to eat , Tachy pnoea and very high temperature

Question 4

Treatment of croup

Answer 4

Paracetamol and adequate fluid intake, sitting child upright to enable them time to breathe - steroid may need to be prescribed

Severe croup - hospital admin