Introduction

Croup is a common viral respiratory illness that affects infants and young children. It is a frequent cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in pediatrics. The clinical pharmacist plays a vital role in optimizing therapy for croup. Key aspects include prompt recognition of respiratory distress, judicious use of corticosteroids, appropriate supportive care, and monitoring for complications. Recent advancements include increased adoption of dexamethasone as first-line glucocorticoid therapy. This subtopic will cover the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of croup with a focus on pharmacotherapy.