Croup is the most common	Other complications: epiglottitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia
Etiology	spherical, enveloped, single-stranded RNA paramyx
Epidemiology	Respiratory droplet spread Winter virus No antigenic shift - epidemics yes but
Clinical presentation	You know what the croupy cough sounds like. Co
Pathogenesis
Investigations Usually clinical, but also: - Nasopharyngeal swabs - NAAT or PCR) testing - Direct immunofluorescence for rapid detection - Viral culture (rarely used due to slow turnaround time) Ddx: Epiglottitis, Anaphylaxis, Quinsy, Foreign body in ENT, laryngotracheobronchitis NT]],
Management:	Unwell patient: Oxygen if spO2 <92% PO Dexamethasone 0.15mg/kg (see Westley score) - neb budesonide alternative Adrenaline neb Consider how long to observe for Stable patient: Advise illness lasts 2

croup - an approach

get help now if:

"(although mainly used for research, not clinically)" ........... welp
This uses

stridor is still present at rest, or there is increased work of breathing
the child is very young (<3 months)
an adrenaline nebuliser had to be given
there is a past history of severe croup
there is a history of upper airway problems (i.e. laryngomalacia or subglottic stenosis)
concerns about the child returning (i.e. long-distance, social concerns)