WHEN THE BARK ECHOES: A CASE REPORT ON CROUP WITH RADIOGRAPHIC STEEPLE SIGN

Croup, a common respiratory condition in pediatric populations, is characterized by a distinctive barking cough, stridor, and varying degrees of respiratory distress. This case report discusses a 1-year-old girl presenting with moderate croup symptoms to the emergency department. The patient exhibited classic signs, including a hoarse voice and difficulty breathing, prompting an urgent evaluation in the emergency department. Initial management involved corticosteroids and nebulized epinephrine, with subsequent monitoring and symptom improvement noted within hours. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, the classical radiological finding of “steeple sign”, and appropriate treatment in managing croup. The discussion includes a review of current guidelines and management strategies, emphasizing the role of epinephrine and corticosteroids as the cornerstone of treatment for moderate to severe croup.