Management – Overview

Mild cases of croup are managed with supportive care including oxygen, hydration, and antipyretics.

Moderate to severe croup requires more aggressive management with nebulized epinephrine and glucocorticoids. Nebulized epinephrine provides rapid but temporary improvement in stridor and work of breathing by reducing airway edema. Glucocorticoids, specifically dexamethasone, are used to decrease airway inflammation and prevent symptom recurrence. They have a prolonged onset of action over hours.

Children with respiratory distress despite these interventions may require hospital admission.