A 3-year-old child presents with recurrent croup (more than 3 episodes per year). What is the most important investigation to identify an underlying predisposing condition?
- A Chest X-ray
- B Barium swallow study
- C Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy ✓
- D CT scan of the neck
Correct answer: C. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
Explanation
Recurrent croup in a child warrants evaluation for underlying airway pathology. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy is the first-line investigation to identify subglottic stenosis, subglottic hemangioma, vocal cord paralysis, or other anatomic abnormalities. These lesions may be missed on plain radiography. Endoscopy under anesthesia is reserved if flexible scope is inconclusive or if intervention is needed.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.