This is an Excellent video by Dr. Jim Sears on how to identify Croup , even I'm as a pediatrician was really impressed by the amount of high yield information he mentions, just a quick highlights to what he is mentioning ...
1- Croup is a narrowing of the upper airways caused by Para influenza virus infection , it would simply start by manifestations similar to common cold ( low grade fever , runny nose) then narrowing of the airways occur, so imagine when air passes through a narrowed pipe it would look like a barking sound , and would result in a mild Inspiratory stridor.
2- Once you hear this sound the best initial step to do is to expose the child to humidified/moist air to help relax the air ways
3- Nebulized epinephrine or steroids are preserved only for severe cases
4- Never use Antihistaminics in croup because they would dry your airways which in fact would worsen the sound
5- Condition usually worsens at night
6- Best preventive method washing your hands and general hygiene before dealing or handling the child
7- I guess the only interesting piece of information to add, is that croup occurs in children between 3 months and 5 years of age , it doesn't involve older age groups because the size of the airway tracts (glottis and sub-glottis) enlarge with growth, making its narrowing upon inflammation very unlikely.
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