Westley Croup Score — free guideline decision tool
Grade croup severity in children with the Westley score.
Open guideline tool →Guideline-based
Implements the decision logic from published clinical guidelines.
Runs in your browser
No installation. Enter the patient's values and get a guideline recommendation instantly.
Data stays local
Nothing is uploaded. Results are for licensed clinicians only.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Level of consciousness | Normal (0) |
|---|---|
| Cyanosis | None (0) |
| Stridor | None (0) |
| Air entry | Normal (0) |
| Retractions | None (0) |
→Westley0/17
- Severity：Mild
- Management：Usually a single dose of dexamethasone.
| Level of consciousness | Disoriented (5) |
|---|---|
| Cyanosis | At rest (5) |
| Stridor | At rest (2) |
| Air entry | Markedly decreased (2) |
| Retractions | Severe (3) |
→Westley17/17
- Severity：Severe (≥ 8) — impending respiratory failure
- Management：Nebulised adrenaline, steroids, close airway monitoring.
Common questions
What is Westley Croup Score?
Grade croup severity in children with the Westley score.
How is Westley Croup Score calculated? What is the core formula?
Level of consciousness, cyanosis, stridor, air entry and retractions, summed 0–17. ≤ 2 mild, 3–7 moderate, ≥ 8 severe.
When is Westley Croup Score used?
Standardise croup assessment and guide treatment intensity.
What are the key clinical points for Westley Croup Score?
Most children have mild croup (dexamethasone). Nebulised adrenaline for moderate–severe disease. Observe for rebound after adrenaline.
What are the limits and cautions when using Westley Croup Score?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
How is Westley Croup Score calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: Level of consciousness Normal (0), Cyanosis None (0), Stridor None (0), Air entry Normal (0), Retractions None (0) → Result: Westley 0 /17（Severity: Mild, Management: Usually a single dose of dexamethasone.） Inputs: Level of consciousness Disoriented (5), Cyanosis At rest (5), Stridor At rest (2), Air entry Markedly decreased (2), Retractions Severe (3) → Result: Westley 17 /17（Severity: Severe (≥ 8) — impending respiratory failure, Management: Nebulised adrenaline, steroids, close airway monitoring.）
Run Westley Croup Score now
Grade croup severity in children with the Westley score.
Open guideline tool →For licensed clinicians. Not a substitute for clinical judgement.
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