Croup physical examination

Common physical examination findings of croup are primarily chest and lung abnormalities. This includes inspiratory stridor, expiratory wheezing, suprasternal and intercostal indrawing, sternal wall retractions, and desynchronized chest and abdominal wall expansion. Additionally, croup patients often appear ill, similarly to common cold patients, and lethargic. Low-grade fever can be present, as well as cyanosis in severe cases.

• Croup patients are usually ill-appearing, similarly to common cold patients.^[1]
• Croup patients can appear lethargic.^[2]

• Inspiratory stridor is characteristic of croup patients.^[3]
• Expiratory wheezing may be present in more severe croup cases.^[3]
• Suprasternal and intercostal indrawing may be present in croup cases.^[2]
• Sternal wall retractions may be visibly marked in severe croup cases.^[2]
• Desynchronized chest and abdominal wall expansion may be present is severe croup cases.^[2]

• Low-grade fever may be present in croup patients.^[1]

• Cyanosis may be present in more severe cases of croup.^[3]