The following clinical signs (in varying combination) are found in croup:
- Stridor
- Barking cough
- Hoarseness
- Respiratory distress +/- Fever +/- Coryza
- Respiratory rate
- Heart rate
- O2 saturations
- Respiratory distress
- Exhaustion
This guideline has been designed to assist in the diagnosis and management of children with croup. It includes a management algorithm and a list of potential differential diagnoses.
Children presenting with the signs of croup.
Healthcare professionals involved in acute paediatric medicine.
November 2023: This guidance is currently under review as it has gone beyond the standard review date. It reflects best practice at the time of authorship / last review and remains safe for use. If there are any concerns regarding the content then please consult with senior clinical staff to confirm.
Croup is an acute respiratory illness causing inflammation and narrowing of the subglottic region of the larynx. It is most often caused by a viral infection.
Where appropriate (if severity allows) a minimally invasive HANDS OFF APPROACH allows best initial assessment– as children can look very different if allowed to settle for a few minutes
Key points:
The following clinical signs (in varying combination) are found in croup:
Croup | Tracheitis | Epiglottitis | |
Cause | Viral | Staphyloccocus aureus | Haemophilus influenzae B |
Age | 6m - 3yr | Any age | 2 - 6 yr |
Onset | Gradual | Gradual | Sudden |
Pyrexia | Mild | >38oC | >38oC |
Abnormal sounds | Barking cough, stridor | Barking cough, stridor | Muffled, gutteral cough |
Swallowing | Normal | Difficult | Very difficult with drooling |
Posture | Recumbent | Sitting | Tripod position |
Facies | Normal | Anxious | Anxious, distressed, toxaemic |