Majority appear mildly to moderately ill. Minimal to severe respiratory distress with varying amounts of tachypnea, dyspnea, stridor, flaring and retractions. WBC mildly elevated with predominance of PMN's. The history is extremely important. It may be the only source suggestive of another process such as a foreign body.
Management Make the patient comfortable.
Avoid unnecessary procedures that will increase anxiety and worsen respiratory status. Account for ongoing losses such as tachypnea and fever. Water droplets moisten mucosa and decrease viscosity of secretions. Administer with O2 in hypoxic patient. Racemic Epinephrine Vasoconstrictive effects decrease mucosal edema.