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Panel Presentations

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Recurrent Croup: Diagnostic Challenges and Management Strategies for the Otolaryngologist

Saturday, October 11, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Location: 231-232
Disclosure(s):
Jeremy D. Prager, MD, MBA:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Michael J. Rutter, BHB, MBChB, FRACS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: As a common respiratory infection, croup accounts for a significant number of office visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. Although only a small percentage of croup patients present with severe or recurrent disease, its high overall incidence contributes to a substantial burden of illness and resource utilization. The role of diagnostic tools such as laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy, more comprehensive aerodigestive endoscopy, and adjunctive testing such as cross-sectional static and/or dynamic imaging, pH/impedance testing, or biopsy/pathologic testing remains unclear. Various medical and surgical approaches have been proposed to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent croup, however the ideal patient population for each treatment remains poorly defined.

Through case-based presentations, this panel will explore the role of airway and esophageal inflammation in the presentation of recurrent croup, along with confounding and comorbid diagnoses, and examine the evaluation and treatment options available, aiming to establish a practical approach to managing the patient with recurrent croup for both comprehensive and pediatric otolaryngologists.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Identify and evaluate the different diagnostic tests and endoscopic evaluations that may be beneficial for patients presenting with recurrent croup.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Examine the available treatments, assessing the risks and benefits of each, as well as the current evidence supporting the various medical and surgical therapies, and the key factors influencing treatment decisions.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Compare diagnostic testing and treatment paradigms for recurrent croup to develop a practical, evidence-based clinical approach to managing patients with recurrent croup.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: There remains no clear consensus on the diagnostic or management approach for patients with recurrent croup.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • Charlie M. Myer, IV, MD

    Associate Professor
    Cincinnati Children's Hosp Med Ctr
    Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Panelist(s)

  • JP

    Jeremy D. Prager, MD, MBA

    Pediatric Otolaryngologist
    Children's Hospital Colorado
    Centennial, CO, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Michael J. Rutter, BHB, MBChB, FRACS

    Professor
    Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
    Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Christopher T. Wootten, MD, MMHC

    Professor, Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery
    Vanderbilt Medical Center
    Nashville, TN, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.