Prognosis

Although most children with the condition suffer a mild and self-limited illness of short duration, the stress and disruption experienced by the child and family are well documented.[100]

Mild

Self-limited without treatment but shorter time to resolution with dexamethasone treatment.

Moderate

Reasonable outlook. While symptoms of obstruction may be frightening, symptoms resolve without significant complications.

Severe

Before corticosteroids became standard treatment, children with severe croup were 5 times more likely to receive endotracheal intubation,[57] and remained intubated for 30% longer.[52] Introduction of routine corticosteroid treatment has dramatically decreased numbers of children intubated, reduced number of days spent in ICU, and shortened length of hospital stay.[55] Since combination treatment with dexamethasone and nebulised epinephrine (adrenaline) became standard care, prognosis for severe croup has been excellent.

Impending respiratory failure

Very rare, with intubation required in only 1% to 3% of all cases.[48][49][50][51]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer