Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children who present with stridor.

Abstract

The presence of stridor in children signifies a partial obstruction in the upper airways, the cause of which may range from mild to life-threatening depending on aetiology. The most common causes of stridor in this population are laryngotracheobronchitis (viral croup) and foreign body aspiration. This article gives an overview of the signs, symptoms and potential causes of stridor and the signs and symptoms of, and diagnostic criteria for, viral croup. The author also discusses evidence-based assessment criteria and treatments and criteria for admission or discharge. A case study is used for illustration.