The Journal of family practice
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Viral croup is the most common form of upper airway obstruction in children 6 months to 6 years of age. It typically presents in the late fall or early winter, is often preceded by an upper respiratory infection, and is characterized by a low-grade fever, barking cough, and inspiratory stridor. Diagnosis is made on clinical grounds with no specific confirmatory test. ⋯ Therefore, administration of racemic epinephrine is often helpful until the steroids begin to take effect. The correct dosage of dexamethasone is important, as lower steroid dosages have proven to be ineffective in treating croup. Dexamethasone IM, or an equivalent dose of oral prednisone, may be considered in children with moderately severe croup who do not require hospitalization.