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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 20 No. 4 1997

The management of croup

This is a very common condition in children aged 1-2 years. It is usually caused by a virus. Swelling in the voice box and windpipe causes a barking cough and noisy breathing. It is usually worse at night.

Most children get better in a few days, but some develop difficulty breathing. These severe cases should be seen by a doctor. If the child is distressed and breathing noisily, even when sitting still, then admission to hospital will probably be needed.

Recent research has found that children with severe croup improve quickly if they are given drugs related to cortisone, such as budesonide or dexamethasone. The steroids can be inhaled, swallowed or injected. This treatment has already reduced the number of children with croup admitted to intensive care units. As one dose is often enough, adverse effects are unlikely.