Key Points
Viral croup is an age-specific viral syndrome characterized by laryngeal and subglottic edema that primarily affects infants and children between 6 months and 3 years of age.
The 3 hallmark signs of croup are hoarseness, cough, and stridor.
Parainfluenza types 1, 2, and 3 are the most common viruses causing croup.
Croup is diagnosed clinically, and laboratory/imaging studies are not necessary.
Treatment is supportive. One of dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg either intramuscularly or orally has been found to be very effective.
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