# Anaphylaxis Mimicking Severe Croup in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series

## TL;DR

Two children with acute stridor initially thought to have croup were later diagnosed with anaphylaxis from seafood and treated with adrenaline.

## Contribution

Highlights anaphylaxis as a rare but critical mimic of croup in pediatric patients.

## Key findings

- Two pediatric cases of anaphylaxis misdiagnosed as croup were successfully treated with intramuscular adrenaline.
- Seafood ingestion was identified as the allergic trigger in both cases.
- The cases emphasize the importance of thorough history-taking in diagnosing acute stridor in children.

## Abstract

Acute stridor is frequently equated with croup in pediatric contexts; however, other conditions, such as anaphylaxis, may present with remarkably similar clinical and radiographic characteristics. This article presents two pediatric cases of acute stridor initially managed as croup but ultimately diagnosed and treated as anaphylaxis induced by seafood ingestion. Both patients experienced recovery following the administration of intramuscular adrenaline. These cases underscore the necessity for increased vigilance and comprehensive history-taking when evaluating pediatric acute stridor. Identifying allergic triggers and administering timely treatment can be lifesaving.