Sore throat, barking, dry cough, weakness and fever - familiar symptoms? It is these signs that most often accompany laryngotracheitis. Both children and adults are susceptible to this disease. It should be noted that in the absence of timely treatment, as well as against the background of a sharply weakened immune system, the disease can lead to extremely dangerous complications. So what is laryngotracheitis? What symptoms are accompanied? When do you need to urgently call a doctor? How to treat laryngotracheitis in a child? The answers to these questions are of interest to many people.
What is laryngotracheitis? General information about the disease
Neither children nor adults are immune from such a problem. What is laryngotracheitis? This is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the larynx and trachea. The disease is accompanied by cough, sore throat and impaired voice function. Allocate both chronic and acute laryngotracheitis. ICD assigned a code to the acute form of inflammationJ04.2, and chronic - J37.1.
Causes of inflammation
Before considering the treatment of acute laryngotracheitis, it is worth understanding the causes of the development of the disease. Inflammation is the result of the penetration and active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
The most common are viral forms of the disease that develop against the background of parainfluenza, SARS, adenovirus infection, rubella, chickenpox, measles, scarlet fever. Laryngotracheitis can also be bacterial - in which case the most common culprits are staphylococci, beta-hemolytic streptococci, pneumococci.
Much less often inflammation of the larynx and trachea is the result of the activity of chlamydia, mycobacterium tuberculosis, pale treponema, mycoplasma. In most cases, the pathogen enters the tissues of the larynx from the external environment by airborne droplets (for example, during close contact with a sick person).
Possible risk factors
You already know what laryngotracheitis is and in connection with which inflammation develops. On the other hand, sometimes people remain he althy even after long, close contact with carriers of the infection, because in this situation, risk factors that can weaken the immune system are also important. Their list is quite impressive:
- sharp hypothermia of the body (temporarily "turns off" the immune defense);
- weakening, exhaustion of the body caused by chronic diseases, in particular hepatitis, chronic gastritis, pyelonephritis,cirrhosis of the liver, rheumatism, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
- congestive processes in the respiratory tract, which are observed in emphysema, bronchial asthma, pneumosclerosis;
- constant mouth breathing due to obstruction of the nasal passages, such as deviated septum, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.;
- constant inhalation of too hot/dry/cold/humid air;
- breathing polluted air (workers of factories and some other enterprises are at risk);
- smoking.
It is worth noting that in the process of diagnosis it is very important to determine what exactly caused the development of the inflammatory process, because the choice of treatment for laryngotracheitis (acute or chronic) depends on this.
Classification system
There are many ways to classify a disease depending on certain parameters. For example, if we consider the cause of the development of the disease, then we can distinguish bacterial, viral and mixed laryngotracheitis. Depending on the course of the disease, acute and chronic inflammation are distinguished.
They also pay attention to morphological changes in tissues, highlighting three island forms of laryngotracheitis.
- The catarrhal form is accompanied by thickening and severe swelling of the mucous membranes, dilation of the vessels located in the submucosal region, and the appearance of small hemorrhages.
- Hypertrophic chronic laryngotracheitis is accompanied by hyperplasia (growth) of the mucous epithelium, inas a result, the structure of both submucosal tissues, muscles, and vocal cords changes.
- The atrophic form of inflammation is also chronic. In this case, atrophy of the mucous membranes, mucous glands and intralaryngeal muscles occurs. The disease is accompanied by thinning of the vocal cords.
Symptoms of acute laryngotracheitis
How does laryngotracheitis proceed? Reviews and statistical studies suggest that the disease begins with fever, weakness and other symptoms of intoxication of the body. However, the most striking symptom of the disease is a cough. It is usually dry, barking and manifests itself in the form of seizures. Patients note that the most severe cough is in the morning, as well as at night. An attack can be provoked by inhalation of too dry, dusty or cold air. Crying, laughing, physical activity, and even just taking a deep breath sometimes leads to the same result.
At the initial stages, the cough is accompanied by the release of a small amount of viscous, thick sputum, but as the disease progresses, the discharge becomes more liquid, plentiful, and acquire a mucopurulent character.
In addition, the voice of a sick person becomes hoarse, hoarse. Patients complain of burning, dryness and discomfort in the larynx, as well as pain behind the sternum, which usually occur during or after a coughing fit.
Acute laryngotracheitis is often accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes in the neck. Palpation of the nodes causesdiscomfort, even soreness.
Features of the clinical picture in the chronic form of the disease
The symptoms of chronic inflammation are less pronounced, but nevertheless it is impossible not to notice them. Cough with this form of the disease is permanent, however, does not bother the patient too much. Attacks occur only during periods of exacerbation.
The most striking sign is dysphonia - a violation of the voice. Some patients complain of hoarseness of voice, which appears only in the evenings or in the mornings, and does not make itself known during the day. Other patients note that the voice disappears or changes after a long vocal load (singers, speakers, teachers often face a similar problem). Dysphonia may worsen against the backdrop of climate change. A feeling of discomfort in the throat is also present.
Possible Complications
Laryngotracheitis is a dangerous disease that, if left untreated, leads to a host of dangerous complications.
- The infectious process from the tissues of the trachea sometimes extends to the lower parts of the respiratory system, which can lead to the development of tracheobronchitis, pneumonia and other pathologies.
- Laryngotracheitis is especially dangerous for newborns. The fact is that sputum accumulates in the lumen of the larynx. At the same time, a spasm of the laryngeal muscles occurs, which leads to the development of the so-called false croup. And this, in turn, can result in asphyxia, which is deadly for a small patient.
- Chronic form of inflammationcan lead to the formation of a benign tumor of the larynx. Moreover, there is always a risk of malignant degeneration of tissues and the development of cancer.
After laryngotracheitis (especially if it was associated with complications), patients are advised to take additional tests and regularly undergo preventive medical examinations.
Diagnostic measures
If any of the above symptoms appear, be sure to consult a doctor, especially when it comes to sick children. Only a specialist can correctly diagnose and decide how to treat laryngotracheitis in a child (or adult). Diagnosis usually includes the following procedures:
- primary examination and percussion;
- examination of the larynx, ligaments and trachea with a laryngoscope;
- lung auscultation;
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- bacteriological culture (to determine the nature of the pathogen);
- chest x-ray and computed tomography (if complications are suspected).
Drug treatment of laryngotracheitis
How and how is laryngotracheitis treated? The drugs are selected depending on the symptoms of the disease, because the main goal of therapy is to relieve inflammation and reduce the existing clinical manifestations.
- Antihistamines help relieve swelling of the larynx, make breathing easier. Effective are Fenistil, Zirtek, Zodak, Parlazin.
- Cough medicine,expectorants help relieve bouts of dry cough, stimulate sputum production.
- Remedies that help relieve discomfort in the throat are also included in the treatment regimen. Effective are drugs such as Faringosept, Strepsils, Lugol's solution. These drugs have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, relieve sore throat.
- Antipyretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (particularly Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol) help relieve fever and pain.
- As for antibiotics, with laryngotracheitis, you can take such drugs only if the bacterial nature of the inflammation has been proven. Antibacterial drugs are selected individually, but, as a rule, cephalosporins, penicillins, macrolides are effective. Again, antibiotics should not be taken without specific instructions from the attending physician.
- If inflammation is associated with the activity of viruses, then antiviral drugs, in particular, Remantadine, Interferon, are included in the treatment regimen.
Physiotherapy activities
If we are talking about prolonged laryngotracheitis or a chronic form of the disease, then doctors often prescribe inhalations to patients, because moist, warm air is a very important factor in recovery. Inhalations can be carried out both in the hospital and at home using a nebulizer. Effective in this case are mineral water, soda solution, herbal teas of their mint, chamomile. As for drugs for inhalation, most often specialistsrecommend using Sinupret and Lazolvan.
In more severe cases, patients are sent to other procedures, in particular, UHF, inductothermy, drug electrophoresis. A therapeutic massage will also be useful.
Surgical treatment
Surgery is generally required only in extreme cases, such as hypertrophic or atrophic chronic inflammation. The doctor may decide to remove the tumor or cyst if there is a possibility of their malignant transformation. Sometimes surgery is required to restore the normal functioning of the vocal cords, excision of excess tissue in the larynx.
Laryngotracheitis: clinical guidelines
Most often, inflammation (if there are no serious complications) is treated at home. The drugs, of course, help to alleviate the patient's condition, but certain conditions must also be created for a quick recovery.
What you need to know about the treatment of laryngotracheitis? Komarovsky, a world-famous pediatrician, advises to ensure appropriate environmental conditions. In particular, the air in the room should not be too cold, but not hot either - the optimum temperature is from 17 to 19 degrees Celsius. It is worth getting a humidifier for the air - this will help relieve spasm from the larynx and prevent the occurrence of nocturnal coughing.
What else can be done with laryngotracheitis? The doctor's recommendations include drinking plenty of water. Rosehip broth, warm milk with a pinch of soda, herbal teas, fruit drinks, compotes are suitable. If abody temperature is not elevated, but in the evenings it is useful to do warm foot baths - after the procedure, you need to put on warm socks and go to bed.
Traditional medicine
Is it possible to treat laryngotracheitis in children at home? Yes, traditional medicine offers a lot of recipes, but you should understand that any self-medication is a huge risk. Under no circumstances should you perform any procedure or take unknown medicines without first consulting a doctor.
- Gargling will be helpful. As a solution for the procedure, decoctions of any herbs with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that have an expectorant effect can be used. Effective, it is considered a decoction of chamomile, as well as warm water with honey. Gargle regularly, at least 3-4 times a day.
- Other methods of warming up will also be effective, for example, mustard plasters (should be placed on the chest or back), foot baths with mustard powder.
- Boil two cups of milk. Place a medium-sized onion in a hot liquid (first you need to peel it and grate it on a fine grater or chop it in a blender). The mixture should be infused for an hour, after which it can be filtered. The medicine is taken in a glass twice a day: in the morning, after sleep, and in the evening.
- Wash a whole apple (with peel), cut into pieces, pour a liter of water. Prepare a decoction by boiling water with apple pieces, then leave the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes. After the product has cooled slightly, it needsadd two tablespoons of honey and stir. The medicine is taken twice a day for half a glass. By the way, it not only helps to get rid of the symptoms of laryngitis, but also has a pleasant taste and smell - the child is unlikely to protest against such therapy.
Remember that folk medicines can only be used as an aid. In no case should you give up medicines in favor of home-made preparations. Laryngotracheitis is a dangerous disease. So, is it worth risking your he alth, and maybe your life?
Prevention measures
You already know what laryngotracheitis is and why inflammation develops. Unfortunately, there are no specific prophylactic agents, because a variety of microorganisms can act as pathogens. Of course, you should try not to communicate with sick people, but, you see, sometimes this is impossible.
The only thing that can prevent the development of inflammation even when the body is infected is a strong immune system. That is why it is important to eat right, provide the body with much-needed vitamins and minerals, walk more often in the fresh air, temper, play sports, and lead an active lifestyle. When the first symptoms appear, you need to seek qualified help.
