How is croup diagnosed?

Croup is typically diagnosed based on a child's symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor will ask about your child's medical history and current symptoms, such as cough, stridor, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.

During the physical examination, your doctor will listen to your child's breathing and check for signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing, retractions (indrawing of the skin between the ribs), and nasal flaring. Your doctor may also use a stethoscope to listen to your child's lungs for any abnormal sounds, such as wheezing or rales.

In some cases, your doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of croup or to rule out other conditions. These tests may include:

- X-rays: X-rays of the neck and chest can help to show the narrowing of the airway caused by croup.

- Laryngoscopy: This procedure involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (a laryngoscope) to look at the vocal cords and airway.

- Pulse oximetry: This test measures the oxygen saturation of your child's blood.

By combining the findings from the physical examination and any additional tests, your doctor can diagnose croup and recommend the appropriate treatment.