Respiratory diseases can occur in children and adults. One of the most unpleasant diseases is laryngotracheitis in a child. Often this disease occurs in children under the age of 7 years. At this time, the immune system is most susceptible to the penetration of viruses and bacteria into the body.
Laryngotracheitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease, accompanied by severe damage to the larynx and trachea. It can occur on its own or occur due to the presence of another disease in the child. The danger of such a pathology at this age is that there is a risk of developing bronchitis, pneumonia or false croup.
Features of the disease
Laryngotracheitis in children is an acute bacterial inflammation of the trachea and larynx. It is he who provides oxygen access to the lungs, but if swelling occurs, quite dangerous symptoms can occur. For example, stenosing laryngotracheitis may occur in children, during which there is a threat of suffocation. Stenosischaracterized by a significant narrowing of the lumen between the trachea and the larynx.
If the throat becomes completely blocked, air will no longer be able to enter the lungs, which can lead to suffocation and death. Knowing what exactly characterizes the disease, it is possible to prescribe a course of therapy in a timely manner in order to prevent the occurrence of complications. When pathogens enter the respiratory tract, viruses begin to depress the immune system. With a decrease in immunity, bacteria begin to attack the respiratory mucosa. As a result, the infection leads to the course of purulent inflammation, cough with purulent sputum.
The mucosa of the trachea and larynx begins to redden and swell. These signs cannot be determined without special endoscopic equipment.
Main types of disease
When laryngotracheitis occurs in a child, swelling of the mucous membrane may occur. As a result, sputum accumulates, which leads to irritation of the receptors and breathing complications. Exactly the same processes take place in the area of the vocal cords. The main signs of the disease can manifest themselves in one of the forms of its course, namely:
- catarrhal;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic.
In the catarrhal form, the vessels of the mucosa are filled with blood and slight hemorrhages can be observed. There is also swelling, thickening of the larynx and the presence of a bluish tint. The hypertrophic form is characterized by the fact that compacted nodules appear on the vocal cords, they become edematous, and laryngeal edema is also observed. Atatrophic laryngotracheitis, the mucous membranes become dry, the vocal cords become thinner, and the muscles gradually atrophy.
Causes of occurrence
Causes of laryngotracheitis in children can be very different. First of all, it is worth noting that inflammation can be provoked by:
- viral infections;
- allergy;
- respiratory inflammation;
- bacterial infections.
In addition, there are certain risk factors that include:
- frequent exposure of the child to adverse conditions;
- difficulty in nasal breathing;
- taking certain medications;
- chronic lung disease;
- systemic diseases;
- low body resistance.
Separately, it is worth noting the causes of the formation of allergic laryngotracheitis in a child. Allergens can be food, dust, drugs, plant pollen. The cause of inflammation with stenosis can be a burn or injury to the larynx.
Key Features
A child's laryngotracheitis does not occur suddenly. Often it is formed as a result of inflammation in the nose and throat. The initial symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children appear as:
- nasal congestion;
- runny nose;
- sore throat;
- cough;
- tickling;
- temperature increase.
Promotion of an infectious lesion deep into the respiratory tractprovokes the occurrence of dry cough, hoarseness, change in voice. In acute laryngotracheitis, children experience pain in the center of the sternum during a coughing fit. Attacks are very often observed at night, and there may also be sputum production, which after a while becomes purulent. In addition, there is an increase in temperature. The acute course of the disease can be complicated by stenosis of the larynx.
Inflammation of the trachea in a baby under five years of age develops quite rapidly over 1-3 days, but this always occurs after the onset of signs of a viral infection. Among the main symptoms indicating the presence of a false croup, one can distinguish, for example:
- appearance of shortness of breath;
- palpitations;
- blue nasolabial triangle.
If there are signs of inflammation in a child under 3 years old, it is urgent to seek the advice of a pediatrician, as it is necessary to start treatment of the disease as soon as possible. Delay is very dangerous for the life of the child, since the complete overlap of the glottis can lead to suffocation. If laryngotracheitis is diagnosed in a baby under one year old, then it must be transported to a hospital, as it must be under the supervision of a doctor.
Children over five years of age and adolescents have a painful cough, mostly at night, hoarseness, headache, severe weakness. At the same time, sputum is coughed up very difficult, and after a while it becomes purulent.
Diagnostics
To understand exactly how and how to treat laryngotracheitis in a child, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. The examination complex must include:
- general analysis of urine and blood;
- examination of the larynx;
- tracheoscopy or laryngoscopy;
- research for viruses.
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment should begin immediately under the supervision of a qualified professional.
Features of treatment
For better and more successful treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, Komarovsky recommends following these rules:
- the child should speak as little as possible so as not to strain the throat;
- it is forbidden to eat spicy or s alty food;
- you need to consume enough warm liquid;
- the air in the room should be humidified.
It is important to regularly clean and ventilate the room where the sick child is. The best solution would be to stay the baby in the hospital. All the required conditions have been created there, and doctors can provide the required assistance at any time. Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children must be comprehensive and include:
- drugs;
- creating a sparing regime;
- good nutrition;
- ensure drinking plenty of water;
- methods of folk therapy;
- physiotherapy.
Drug therapy must be prescribed only by a specialist after an examination and diagnosis. Nutrition must becontain many vitamins. Heavy meals should be excluded from the diet.
Special attention is paid to the treatment of children under the age of 4 years, as there is a very high risk of complications. It is important to remember that during the course of severe inflammation, steam inhalations with laryngotracheitis in children are strictly contraindicated, since they significantly increase the swelling of the mucosa, the signs of the disease are significantly aggravated. Cough becomes more frequent and painful, coughing is noted, especially at night. In addition, there is difficulty breathing and restlessness.
Inhalations in the acute period are carried out with the help of drugs only through the use of special children's inhalers. The doctor strictly individually selects the dosage, duration and frequency of the procedure.
Drug therapy
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children involves the use of drugs such as:
- antibiotics;
- antivirals;
- drugs to eliminate edema;
- anti-inflammatory.
Immunomodulatory therapy should include antiviral agents that increase the body's immunity by releasing interferon. Such drugs can be used from the age of 3, these include Grippferon, Arbidol, Anaferon.
Antibacterial agents contain particles of bacteria, which often cause inflammation in the respiratory system. These are topical preparationsfor example, "Imudon". All immunomodulators should be used frequently, up to 6 times a day for a week, until the state of he alth returns to normal.
Sprays containing antibiotics have a good result. The traditional means for treatment is the Bioparox aerosol. Children under 3 years of age are shown 1-2 sprays 4 times a day. The first time you need to use them very carefully, as you can provoke spasm of the respiratory system.
With severe inflammation and fever with laryngotracheitis in children, antibiotics can be used. The doctor may prescribe penicillins (Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Flemoxin), cephalosporins (Zinacef, Suprax, Fortum), macrolides (Azithromycin). Antibiotics are not used for more than 7 days. They should be taken at regular intervals between meals.
In addition, symptomatic therapy is indicated. To combat dry cough, drugs such as Tusuprex, Tussin, Sinekod are prescribed. To improve sputum discharge, Bromhexine, ACC, Mukoltin will be required. To eliminate swelling, itching and irritation, the use of antihistamines is indicated, namely Zirtek, Erius, Ksizal.
It is very important to know with allergic laryngotracheitis in children how many days symptoms are observed and how to deal with the disease. Stenosis in this case is quite pronounced. For therapy, a glucocorticosteroid drug, namely Pulmocort, can be prescribed. It helps to effectively eliminate puffinessrespiratory organs. Initially, the drug is prescribed for the relief of asthma attacks and for chronic obstruction of the lungs. It is applied by inhalation method.
Its use is contraindicated in bacterial, viral and fungal infections of the respiratory system. This medication is only used for allergic laryngotracheitis.
Folk techniques
Folk remedies for therapy have a symptomatic effect on the respiratory system. A good method is inhalation, for which a nebulizer or the traditional method of steam inhalation can be used. For inhalation, you can use eucalyptus, sage, sea s alt solution.
In addition, you can use decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants, as well as compresses. Often, as part of ready-made healing fees, plants such as:
- St. John's wort;
- oregano;
- nettle;
- linden;
- chamomile.
An effective antitussive is a syrup prepared on the basis of honey, lemon and food glycerin. To do this, cut a lemon a little, boil for 15 minutes until soft, let cool and squeeze out the juice. Take out all the bones, add honey in a ratio of 1: 1 and 1 tbsp. l. glycerin. Mix everything thoroughly until a homogeneous consistency is formed and take several times a day.
An infusion of figs and milk is good for coughing, which should be taken several times a day.
Physiotherapy techniques
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in childrenKomarovsky recommends using physiotherapy techniques. This will speed up the healing process and alleviate the existing symptoms. For this, the use of techniques such as:
- warm compresses on the trachea and pharynx;
- inhalations over steam;
- mustard plasters;
- electrophoresis;
- microwave therapy;
- massage;
- hot foot baths;
- UHF therapy.
It is worth remembering that warming procedures can only be used at normal temperatures. For the safety of inhalation, as well as the effectiveness of this method of treatment, it is advisable to use a nebulizer. Gargling with decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs is also shown. This procedure helps reduce inflammation as well as pain.
Compliance with the daily routine
When laryngotracheitis occurs, it is very important to ensure that the child has access to clean and fresh air at any time of the year. It is also a very good preventive measure against colds and their complications. A sick child should sleep and rest a lot, especially if there is a fever. If possible, talk as little as possible so as not to further damage the inflamed ligaments.
The child needs to ensure the intake of plenty of fluids, as water helps to completely cleanse the body, participates in metabolic processes, and also prevents dehydration. In the acute period, laryngotracheitis can be very contagious, which is whycontact should be limited with other children and adults.
Complications of the disease
Laryngotracheitis is a very dangerous and serious disease that, with proper treatment, goes away in about 2-3 weeks. Complications such as:
- bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- stenosis.
When the first signs of respiratory failure occur, you should immediately call a doctor. It is worth remembering that self-treatment can lead to irreversible consequences.
Prophylaxis
Absolutely any disease is easier to prevent than to treat it for a long time. It is very important to carry out a set of activities in the autumn and winter to increase the immunity of the child. For a more detailed course of prevention, you need to contact your doctor.
It is advisable to teach the child to breathe properly. This will prevent the development of complications. In addition, breathing exercises will prevent the infection from entering the body, as well as protect against hypothermia. To prevent the development of respiratory diseases, always dress the child in accordance with weather conditions in order to prevent overheating or hypothermia.
For the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to protect the contact of a child with a smoking person, since tobacco smoke adversely affects his lungs. The kid should spend a lot of time outdoors, do moderate physical activity, consume a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. Preferably at least oneonce a year to go to rest to the sea.
Laryngotracheitis is an inflammation that affects the respiratory system. In childhood, it often occurs due to the penetration of bacteria. It is very important to carry out timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment in order to prevent complications.
