Summary: Croup is one of the most frequent causes of acute upper airway obstruction in the pediatric population (typically occurring in children six months to three years old). It is mostly of viral origin and is characterized by acute onset, inspiratory stridor, barking cough, and hoarseness. It is usually a mild, self-limited disease, but, in some rare cases, croup may lead to upper airway obstruction and respiratory failure. In Poland all children presenting with croup should be treated with nebulized budesonide or oral dexamethasone to reduce the severity of symptoms and rate of revisits or admissions to the hospital. There is no evidence so far to show that humidified air or heliox are of benefit when treating children with croup.
This review focuses on the clinical evaluation and treatment of children with croup by offering a thorough examination of recent advances in treatment and recommendations on the necessity of appropriate disposition and follow-up.