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• Laryngotracheitis, also known as ‘viral croup’, is the most common and typical form of croup, and refers to viral infection of the glottis and subglottic regions. • The child with laryngotracheitis presents a harsh cough, described as ‘barking’ or ‘brassy’, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness, low grade fever and respiratory distress that may develop slowly or quickly. • Severity can be assessed by the Westley croup score (WCS). • Anteroposterior radiographs of the neck are rarely indicated and should be considered in a child in whom the diagnosis is unclear or who does not respond as expected to treatment. • Laryngotracheitis is often mild and self-limiting and resolves without any active intervention. • Oral corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for children with mild-to-moderate croup whereas inhaled corticosteroids and nebulized epinephrine are indicated for children with severe respiratory distress.