Croup Diagnosis and Management

Etiology

• Parainfluenza viruses (types 1-3) are the most common causative agents of croup, with types 1 and 2 most commonly causing croup syndrome in children 1
• Other viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, adenovirus, and human metapneumovirus, can also cause croup 1

Critical Differential Diagnoses to Exclude

• Pertussis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of croup, characterized by a cough lasting ≥2 weeks with paroxysms, post-tussive vomiting, and inspiratory whooping sound 2