A 2-year-old child was brought to the emergency depament at 3 AM. The child presented with fever and cough. On examination, respiratory rate was 36/ min, temperature was 39degC and saturation on pulse oximetry was 96%. The child had barking cough and stridor only on crying. Otherwise, the child was hydrated, able to drink and consolable. The nest step in management would be:
Racemic epinephrine nebulization
Single dose of dexamethasone
Complete blood count and culture
Nasal washings for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza
Answer- B (Single dose of dexamethasone)Coicosteroids decrease the edema in the laryngeal mucosa through their anti-inflammatory action.Oral steroids are beneficial, even in mild croup, as measured by reduced hospitalization, shoer duration of hospitalization, and reduced need for subsequent intimations such as epinephrine administration.