I agree with Dr. Gilles Marion (Pediatrics, 37:854, 1966) who recommends the use of an antihistaminic in the emergency treatment of croup. I use Chlortrimeton by injection, plus the use of epinephrine and aminophylline in addition to the use of a broad spectrum antibiotic.
In my experience too (Ann. Allerg., 24:79, 1966), practically none of my croup patients are hospitalized. In over 30 years of pediatric practice I have only had two tracheotomies performed during this period of time.