But, if the child presents with atypical features of croup, such as recurrent episodes or a persistent episode despite adequate treatment, other causes must be sought. These include laryngeal or tracheal anomalies like congenital subglottic stenosis, webs, or cysts. If the child is younger than 12 months of age, these underlying causes must also be considered because, although croup can present as early as 3 months of age, it is more likely to occur in children over twelve months. Be suspicious of signs or symptoms that do not appear to be the routine case of croup. Careful education and instruction of the parents is critical to the adequate monitoring of the child who is to be discharged home.
Most children have full recoveries with minimal intervention.
Questions about the croup syndromes 1. Besides viruses, name two other causes of spasmotic croup. Name a rare, but potentially deadly, cause of acute infectious laryngitis. References for the croup syndromes. All rights reserved.