Medical Treatment

• Overall, the initial goal is to determine the severity of illness. This will guide the medical treatment. Although, in the past, humidified oxygen or cool mist were routinely recommended, studies have not proven these treatments to be effective.



• Steroid therapy has been shown to be of benefit in children with moderate to severe croup. It may be given orally, by injection, or by IV. Inhaled steroids appear to have limited value. Because most croup is caused by viral infections, antibiotics have not been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of croup.



• Nebulized epinephrine or racemic epinephrine may be administered to children with moderate or severe symptoms.



• If your child responds to treatment, the doctor may elect to observe the child for an additional few hours to make sure the symptoms do not return after the medications have worn off. If your child remains symptomatic after therapy, then the child will require admission to the hospital.