Role of steroids in treatment of croup.

Abstract

Unless there are clear contraindications, corticosteroids are the treatment of choice in mild, moderate and severe croup. Oral dexamethasone in a dose of 0.15 mg/kg to 0.6 mg/kg is recommended. Whenever a nebulizer is available budesonide in a dose of 2 mg should also be given, atleast to the more severe cases. Although nebulized budesonide (2 mg) has been shown to be as quick in action as nebulized Ladrenaline (4 mg) most workers would recommend additional adrenalin for immediate relief whenever required.