title: Treatment of croup. Sending home an improved child and relieved parents.
abstract: Croup is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. Most children can be effectively treated in the office or emergency department with nebulized saline solution and oral or intramuscular dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) in a dose of 0.6 mg/kg. Occasionally, nebulized racemic epinephrine must be given; a dose of 0.5 mL of 2.25% solution diluted in 2.5 mL of saline solution is safe for all ages. Children requiring two epinephrine treatments should be hospitalized. Home care consists of adequate hydration and humidification and fever control. Antihistamines, decongestants, and antibiotics have no proven effect on uncomplicated viral croup.
authors.affiliation: University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA. dave.folland@m.utah.edu
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Folland
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003440:Croup / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D003907:Dexamethasone