The Journal of family practice
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A single dose of corticosteroids is the first-line treatment for croup, resulting in fewer return visits and hospital admissions, shorter lengths of stay in the emergency department (ED) or hospital, and less need for supplemental medication (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). A 0.15 mg/kg dose of oral dexamethasone is as effective as larger doses (SOR: B, small RCTs). ⋯ Studies to date have been inadequate (SOR: C, limited-quality disease-oriented evidence). Humidified air provides no demonstrable benefit in the acute setting (SOR: A, meta-analysis).
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An ED doctor suspected a cat scratch was to blame and prescribed antibiotics. A week later, though, the patient developed dyspnea.