11th May 2024

A 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a barking cough, hoarse voice, and noisy breathing that started suddenly last night.

A 3-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with a barking cough, hoarse voice, and noisy breathing that started suddenly last night. His mother reports he has had a mild fever and runny nose for the past two days. On examination, he has mild stridor at rest but is not agitated. His oxygen saturation is 95% on room air. The attending paediatrician diagnoses him with moderate croup.

Which is the most appropriate initial management for this child?