What is the recommended treatment for mild cases of croup?

The recommended treatment for mild cases of croup focuses on symptom management and improving the patient’s comfort. Keeping the child in a cool environment, often combined with oxygen and an aerosol mist, can help alleviate mild symptoms by reducing airway swelling and providing relief through humidified air. The cool air can also help soothe the inflamed airways, making breathing easier.

This approach is aimed at managing the symptoms of croup while allowing the body to heal itself. For mild cases specifically, interventions like antibiotics are unnecessary since croup is typically viral in origin. Intubation would be reserved for severe cases where airway obstruction is imminent, and immediate ICU transfer is not warranted for mild presentations. Additionally, while warm mist may seem soothing, it is typically not recommended, as cool mist is more effective for decreasing airway swelling in the context of croup. Therefore, the strategy of a cool environment with oxygen and aerosol mist is considered the best practice for treating mild croup.