ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of a 15-month-old female who is presented to the Emergency Department with a 1 day history of coryza, a 'barking' cough and 'funny breathing noises'. The patient has a clinical diagnosis of croup or laryngotracheitis. This is a respiratory illness of the upper airway characterised by inspiratory stridor, barking cough and hoarseness. These symptoms occur as a result of oedema of the larynx and trachea, which has been triggered by a recent viral infection, usually Parainfluenza virus. More severe croup can be associated with respiratory distress, cyanosis and upper airway obstruction. Management of croup includes adequate fluid hydration and oral steroids (dexamethasone), which help to reduce airway oedema. In severe croup, enlist senior help from paediatricians and anaesthetists as the child may require intubation and transfer to the Paediatric ICU (PICU). The patient might require urgent intubation and seek early support from paediatric anaesthetists and the local PICU retrieval team.
