Humidification in viral croup: a controlled trial.
Sixteen children (mean age 1.9 years) admitted to hospital with viral croup were assigned randomly to either a high humidity atmosphere or room air. No other treatment was given. During the initial 12 h both groups of patients showed a similar rate of recovery as measured by pulse rate, respiration rate, transcutaneous oxygen (TcO2), transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcCO2) and a clinical rating. No therapeutic benefit was demonstrated from the provision of a high humidity atmosphere. The widespread use of humidification in the management of croup requires reappraisal.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003440:Croup / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007223:Infant; D007827:Laryngitis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000628:therapy*