Why you should read this article:

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To recognise the signs, symptoms and potential common and atypical causes of stridor in children

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To understand how to identify and assess children with viral croup, the most common cause of stridor in this group

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To enhance your knowledge of the evidence for the assessment criteria and treatment of children who present with viral croup

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.