Comparing Different Ways of Delivering Humidity to Children With Croup

Efficacy of Optimal Versus 'Traditional' Delivery of Humidity in Children With Croup

Croup affects 5% of children under 6 years of age, resulting in visits to hospital Emergency Departments, and in 1% of children, hospitalization. Traditionally, the first therapy offered is humidification which can liquify airway secretions and decrease airway swelling. This study will compare the effectivenesss of 40% and 100% humidity through a specially designed machine called a nebulizer, with the usual humidity set-up (blown into the patient's face from a hose).

Inclusion Criteria:

• children aged 3 months - 10 years
• croup score greater than or equal to 2 after a 30 minute waiting period

Exclusion Criteria:

• Symptoms of croup requiring immediate intervention with nebulized epinephrine or intubation
• symptoms or signs of alternative causes of stridor
• inability of caregivers to understand or speak English and/or sign for informed consent
• history of chronic pulmonary disease except for asthma, or co-existent systemic disease
• previous history of intubation
• duration of present illness >1 week
• systemic or inhaled glucocorticoids in previous 48 hours
• epinephrine in previous 4 hours