Diagnosis and management of croup and epiglottitis.

Viral croup and epiglottitis are two major inflammatory causes of airway obstruction in children. Two conditions, spasmodic croup and membranous laryngotracheobronchitis, are also frequent causes of obstruction on an inflammatory basis. Rapid diagnosis and effective management are required to ensure an uncomplicated outcome. The pharmacologic treatment, role and timing of endoscopy, and airway management principles are discussed.