Chẩn đoán phân biệt
The following conditions should be ruled out in the diagnosis of croup:
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is characterized by malaise, sore throat, anorexia, and low-grade fever. Within 2-3 days, a pharyngeal exam may show a typical gray-white membrane adherent to the tissue that bleeds when attempted to be removed. The course is insidious, but sudden respiratory obstruction may occur.
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, dysphagia, drooling, and an anxious appearance. Patients prefer to sit forward in a sniffing position. Barking cough is rarely observed.
Tracheitis
The patient appears febrile and toxic and gives a poor response to Epinephrine.
Other Causes of Stridor
Other causes of stridor include foreign bodies, retropharyngeal abscesses, hereditary angioedema, allergic reactions or acute angioneurotic edema, and upper airway injuries (eg burns, trauma).