What is the recommended treatment for moderate croup presenting with stridor?

For managing moderate croup that presents with stridor, supportive treatment alongside dexamethasone is recommended. Croup, typically viral in origin, often results in inflammation of the upper airway, leading to symptoms such as stridor, hoarseness, and barking cough. In cases classified as moderate, where there is stridor at rest, dexamethasone serves to reduce inflammation in the airway, which alleviates the symptoms and helps prevent progression to more severe respiratory distress.

Supportive treatments may include ensuring adequate hydration, using a humidifier, and reassuring the patient and caregivers. The use of dexamethasone is pivotal because it addresses the underlying inflammation, making it an essential part of the treatment regimen for moderate croup cases.

Other options like antibiotics are not suitable unless there is a secondary bacterial infection, which is uncommon in typical croup cases. Hospitalization alone may be necessary in more severe cases or if there is failure to respond to outpatient management, but it is not the first step for moderate croup. Meanwhile, oxygen therapy may be indicated if there are signs of hypoxia, but it does not address the inflammatory process of croup, which is best managed with dexamethasone and supportive care.