At the hospital, the child will be evaluated and given oxygen if necessary. Although there are no specific medications for croup, steroid injections and adrenaline-like inhaled preparations are used to help children with severe croup. These medications act to decrease the swelling of the upper airway. In some cases spasmodic croup may begin suddenly without any preceding cold symptoms. Unlike viral croup, spasmodic croup usually recurs, can occur in older children and is thought to be related to allergies.
Viral croup is more common in children less than five years of age.
Croup is very rarely seen in adults. The information provided in this site is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always consult a physician. 2001 Excite Canada Inc. All rights reserved.