American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the case of a 2-year-old child experiencing croup without severe distress, the recommended treatment is a single dose of oral corticosteroids. Croup, which is characterized by a barking cough, stridor, and often follows a viral upper respiratory infection, is primarily caused by viral pathogens such as the parainfluenza virus.

Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation in the upper airways, thus helping to alleviate the symptoms of croup and minimizing the risk of complications. Oral corticosteroids like dexamethasone can significantly decrease the duration of symptoms and the associated distress, leading to faster recovery without the need for hospitalization.

Antibiotics are not indicated in the treatment of croup since the condition is typically viral in nature and not caused by bacterial infection. Therefore, their use would not alter the disease course.

Inhaled bronchodilators may be considered in certain situations, particularly if there is wheezing or bronchospasm, but they are not routinely used for uncomplicated croup in children who are not exhibiting severe respiratory distress.

Oral antihistamines are primarily used to treat allergic reactions and are not effective for croup, which is driven by inflammation rather than histamine release.

Thus, the use of