Are antibiotics effective in treating croup?

Antibiotics are not effective in treating croup because croup is usually caused by viral infections, most commonly parainfluenza viruses. Since antibiotics target bacteria and have no effect on viruses, their administration does not provide any benefit for the treatment of croup. Croup is characterized by a barky cough, stridor, and often occurs after a cold; therefore, management focuses on symptomatic relief rather than the use of antibiotics. In cases of croup, treatment may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and supportive care, but antibiotics are not part of the therapeutic approach.