Who typically requires corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of various medical conditions due to their anti-inflammatory properties. In the context of the question, patients with croup typically require corticosteroids for effective management of their condition.

Croup, an upper airway infection, is characterized by swelling of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, leading to symptoms such as a barking cough and difficulty breathing. Corticosteroids, like dexamethasone, help reduce the inflammation in the airways and improve breathing, making them a crucial part of the treatment protocol for this condition.

While patients with chronic allergies and asthma may also benefit from corticosteroids, croup is a specific situation where immediate treatment is critical to alleviate acute symptoms and prevent respiratory distress. In the case of post-surgery recovery, corticosteroids may not be routinely necessary unless there is a specific inflammatory condition that warrants their use. Thus, the focus on croup highlights the immediate need for corticosteroids in this acute and potentially severe respiratory condition.