Treatment of false croup in children: emergency care, treatment regimen, additional methods. False croup Treatment of false croup in children using non-traditional methods

False croup, acute laryngeal stenosis, laryngitis or laryngotracheitis are acute inflammatory disease, sometimes spreading to the trachea. Most often, the disease occurs between the ages of 7 months and 7 years, the peak incidence is from one to three years.

False croup in children is almost always a seasonal disease, so most attacks occur in late autumn and early winter.

An attack of false croup is completely curable; treatment includes a group of medications, including sedatives, antihistamines, antibiotics, antivirals and glucocorticoids.

The main cause of the disease is a viral infection. Laryngitis can be caused by influenza and adenoviruses, herpes, or measles. Much less common is the bacterial type of disease caused by streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci or Haemophilus influenzae. An attack on this basis is more difficult.

Usually the causes of false croup are other diseases that cause the complication. TO dangerous diseases relate:

• adenoiditis;
• chicken pox;
• flu;
• ARVI;
• rhinitis;
• scarlet fever;
• tonsillitis;

Often the development of the disease is facilitated by fetal hypoxia, diathesis, rickets, vitamin deficiency, reduced immunity at the mother's.

Differences from true croup and ordinary laryngitis

True croup is caused only and is more common in adults. The causes of stenosing laryngitis are different - these are various acute respiratory infections. The inflammatory process covers a larger area than with a true disease: vocal cords, larynx, trachea, and in especially severe cases, bronchi.

• Interesting read:

Unlike simple laryngitis, false croup in children is accompanied by stenosis - swelling of the larynx. Reflex muscle spasms aggravate swelling, the amount of thick sputum increases, and respiratory failure develops. An attack of the disease blocks the passage of air into the body, which can lead to oxygen starvation, disruption of the heart and nervous system.

Classification of the disease

The disease can be viral or bacterial, complicated or uncomplicated. Also, stenosing is divided into four degrees:

1. Compensated stenosis. Manifested by difficulty breathing, shortness of breath during physical activity.
2. Subcompensated stenosis. Breathing is difficult even in a calm state.
3. Decompensated stenosis. The symptoms are severe, the child’s breathing is extremely difficult.
4. Terminal stenosis. An attack that completely blocks breathing. Without emergency medical care, the child may die.

Symptoms

False croup in children manifests itself in acute acute respiratory infections approximately on the 2-3rd day. The following symptoms are observed:

• barking severe cough;
• hoarseness;
• breathing with wheezing;
• dyspnea;
• restlessness and agitation;
• elevated temperature (37-40° C);
• increase lymph nodes in the neck.

Signs of the disease in children become more intense as the condition worsens and the degree of stenosis changes. So, at the initial stage, the symptoms are minor and do not cause severe discomfort. In the second degree, the symptoms worsen, the child has difficulty breathing, wheezing is heard, sleep is disturbed, and slight tachycardia is possible. When moving to the third degree, there is severe shortness of breath, a pronounced dry cough, tachycardia, lethargy, drowsiness, and muffled heart sounds.

At the last stage, the manifestation of the disease is completely different:

• barking cough stops;
• breathing noise disappears;
• breathing is weak, arrhythmic;
• blood pressure is low;
• convulsions and possible.

The child’s consciousness is confused, sometimes he faints. Without immediate emergency help, he may suffocate.

The severity of the disease can vary throughout the day, but the most dangerous time for sick children is night. At night, the attack of stenosis is most pronounced, it progresses and causes a feeling of suffocation, panic, twitching and paleness of the child, severe shortness of breath and coughing.

Complications

If treatment for stenosis of degrees 2 and 3 is not started, bacteria will join the inflammation, which will lead to the formation of a purulent film in the larynx. The infection will then spread deeper respiratory tract and to other organs, where it can cause sinusitis, tracheobronchitis, otitis media, sore throat and more dangerous diseases - pneumonia, purulent meningitis.

To diagnose stenosing laryngitis and prescribe the correct treatment, a pediatrician or otolaryngologist performs full examination child, including:

• identification of typical symptoms based on complaints;
• examining the baby and listening to the respiratory tract;
• microlaryngoscopy;
• throat swab for bacteria and fungi (PCR, ELISA).
• To assess the degree and identify possible complications, a number of additional studies are carried out:
• blood composition analysis;
• radiography of the lungs and paranasal sinuses;
• otoscopy;
• rhinoscopy;
• pharyngoscopy.

To make sure that a small patient’s croup is indeed false, the larynx is examined: if the disease has developed due to diphtheria, a characteristic coating will be noticeable on the walls. Also, the causative agent of diphtheria can be found during a smear examination.

How to treat

False croup (acute laryngeal stenosis, laryngotracheitis) is a special condition that develops mainly against the background of acute respiratory infections. It is called false in order to differentiate it from true croup, which develops with diphtheria and has similar symptoms (difficulty breathing, barking cough, hoarseness). Most often, children 1-5 years old are affected by laryngotracheitis.

The disease can pose a danger to the child’s life, therefore, at the first sign of it, emergency qualified assistance.

Reasons for appearance

In most cases, the development of false croup is facilitated by viral infections:

• flu;
• adenovirus;
• herpes.

Laryngotracheitis of a bacterial nature is less common, but it occurs in children in more complex forms than viral. Bacteria that can cause false croup:

• hemophilus influenzae;
• staphylococci;
• streptococci;
• pneumococci.

The disease can occur as a complication:

• tonsillitis;
• rhinitis;
• adenoiditis;
• after vaccination.

A special risk group includes children with overweight and a tendency to allergic reactions. False croup often develops in children who have had:

• birth injury;
• hypoxia;

The peak incidence of laryngotracheitis in children under 5 years of age is due to anatomical features the structure of their respiratory organs. According to statistics, girls suffer from false croup less often than boys. After 6-8 years, children “outgrow”, false cereals disappear.

Classification and types of disease

By its nature, acute laryngeal stenosis can be viral or bacterial. According to the flow - complicated and uncomplicated.

There are 4 degrees of false croup:

• compensated (1st degree)– characterized by difficulty in inhaling during physical activity or stress;
• subcompensated (2nd degree)– difficulty breathing is observed even in a calm state;
• decompensated (3rd degree)– characterized by heavy paradoxical breathing, severe shortness of breath;
• terminal (4th degree)– a severe attack with hypoxia, which can be fatal.

Symptoms

Mostly, acute laryngeal stenosis occurs against the background of acute respiratory infections. Signs of the disease appear a few days after the onset of acute respiratory infections. This usually happens in the evening. During the daytime, the child may have a fever or runny nose. In the evening your breathing pattern changes. It becomes bubbling, whistling and labored (stridor), making it difficult for the child to breathe and lacking oxygen.

The greater the swelling of the larynx, the louder the noise becomes when inhaling and exhaling. In many cases, a harbinger of stridor is a dry, barking cough. Hoarseness can be considered a symptom of laryngotracheitis if it is accompanied by stridor. In other cases, it is considered a sign of laryngitis, which occurs without significant swelling of the larynx.

In addition, symptoms characteristic of colds are observed:

• general weakness;
• joint pain;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
• increased body temperature;
• lethargy.

With degree 4 stenosis, the symptoms are as follows:

• stopping barking cough;
• disappearance of breathing noise;
• decrease in pressure;
• arrhythmia and weakness of breathing;
• There are convulsions and bradycardia.

The child's consciousness becomes confused and he may faint. Without timely emergency measures, asphyxia is possible.

Acute laryngeal stenosis must be differentiated from bronchial asthma. With false croup, severe difficulty breathing, the noise when exhaling is almost inaudible. Asthma attacks, on the contrary, are accompanied by free inhalation and difficult wheezing exhalation.

Diagnostics

To identify false croup and begin proper treatment in a timely manner, an ENT specialist or pediatrician prescribes a thorough examination of the patient. He examines the child’s larynx and listens to the airways.

Conducted:

• microlaryngoscopy;
• bacterial seeding of material from the throat;
• otoscopy;
• X-ray of the lungs and sinuses;
• rhinoscopy;
• pharyngoscopy;
• blood tests (PCR and ELISA, gas composition).

Treatment methods

It is advisable to carry out treatment in a hospital; attacks of false croup are very dangerous. Be prepared to provide first aid to your child.

Important! At the first symptoms of acute laryngeal stenosis, you must call an ambulance. Swelling of the larynx can be life-threatening for the child.

On our website you can learn about other diseases of the ENT organs in children. Read about sinusitis; written about catarrhal sore throat; Find out the articles about what to do if your child has ear pain. There is a page written about tracheitis; We have an article on treating a runny nose with folk remedies.

First aid during an attack

Before providing qualified medical assistance, parents should take measures to alleviate the baby’s condition:

• Calm the child and put him on the bed. Top part the body should be on a hill. A regular pillow will do.
• Open the window, humidify the air in the room (with a humidifier or using wet towels);
• Free the child from constrictive clothing that constricts the chest.
• Give the child a warm alkaline liquid (2% soda solution or Borjomi) to drink. This will help moisturize the mucous membranes and make phlegm thinner.
• Inhale with mineral water. It's good to use a nebulizer. (Read the article for more information about inhalation with a nebulizer).
• Place vasoconstrictor drops into the nose.
• To relieve swelling, you can give an antihistamine (Erespal, Fenistil).
• In case of temperature and fever, give an antipyretic (Nurofen, Paracetamol).
• If breathing stops, induce vomiting. This will stimulate the respiratory center.

Drug therapy

After the ambulance arrives, the doctor will assess the severity of the child’s condition and determine his treatment regimen. In case of severe attacks, you cannot risk the child’s health and hospitalize him in a hospital.

Therapeutic measures for stage 1 false croup:

• good air supply;
• drinking plenty of warm water frequently;
• mustard plasters on the calf muscles;
• inhalations with sodium bicarbonate solution, vitamin A, hydrocortisone, aminophylline;
• taking antispastic drugs (Papaverine, Atropine);
• taking hyposensitizing and sedative drugs (Pipolfen, Diphenhydramine);
• vitamin therapy.

If there is no effect from such treatment, a novocaine blockade is performed in the nose. It reduces swelling of the mucous membranes and relieves reflex spasm. For fever at stage 1 of laryngotracheitis, antibiotics are prescribed.

False croup grade 2 is treated in the same way as grade 1. Additionally used:

• humidified oxygen;
• administered intravenously hypertonic solutions glucose, calcium gluconate to relieve swelling;
• hormonal therapy (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone);
• cardiac solutions are prescribed intravenously (Korglikon, Strophanthin);
• neuroleptic drugs (Promazine, Aminazine).

For grade 3 stenosis, Prednisolone is administered intravenously. The first dose should be ½ daily. They expand the intake of cardiac medications and give sodium oxybutyrate.

Antibiotics are administered wide range actions:

• Tetraolean;
• Tseporin.

If there is no result from treatment, laryngoscopy is performed. During the procedure, mucus and blood crusts are sucked out using a polyethylene catheter. Then the mucous membrane is lubricated with ephedrine, hydrocortisone, vaseline or peach oil. Sometimes bronchoscopy is indicated. During this procedure, the bronchi are washed, pus and mucus are removed, and antibiotics are administered intratracheobronially.

If all measures are ineffective or the child has severe progressive 4th degree stenosis, intubation or tracheostomy is indicated.

Read here about how to make a gauze diaper for a newborn with your own hands.

Prohibited actions

Laryngotracheitis is especially dangerous for children who are prone to allergies, overly excitable, and with lymphoid growths in the nasopharynx. Therefore, therapy for them must be selected with caution. Adviсe:

• In order not to increase swelling in allergy sufferers, you should not give citrus juice, honey, or raspberry jam.
• To avoid causing spasms of the laryngeal muscles, do not use essential oils or mustard plasters.
• There is no need to rush to give antitussives. A wet cough is a protective function of the body. When you cough, phlegm containing harmful toxins is expelled.

Prevention measures

Since false croup in most cases is a consequence of colds and viral diseases, effective preventive measures that help prevent them:

• harden the child;
• strengthen immunity; (About how to increase a child’s immunity with folk remedies find out the articles);
• provide adequate nutrition;
• use natural phytoncides;
• carry out vitamin therapy during seasonal colds;
• do not overcool the child;
• observe the rules of hygiene;
• Ventilate the child’s room more often and humidify it.

False croup is a common condition in children, which is facilitated by the anatomical structure of their respiratory organs. It can occur with every manifestation of an acute respiratory infection. Therefore, parents should be prepared for an attack and provide all available means to stop it. You definitely need to call an ambulance with symptoms of false croup, since there is a risk of complications, including asphyxia.

Sometimes it happens that a small child, due to an infectious disease of the respiratory tract, experiences involuntary difficulty breathing. The conducted research can frighten parents, because their baby is diagnosed with false croup. This pathological condition is quite dangerous, since in the absence of adequate therapeutic measures it can end fatal. To prevent this from happening, you should understand in more detail the causes that provoke the pathology, its symptoms and the main methods of treatment.

False croup in children: features of the disease

The disease false croup is not considered clinical practice true. Most likely, this condition can be called a syndrome that occurs due to an infectious lesion of the larynx and is characterized by the appearance in children of hoarseness of the voice, barking, dry cough and unexpected attacks of suffocation. The disease is always associated with development in the larynx area, on its mucous membrane, inflammatory process. False croup in children is characterized by the appearance in the throat, in the area vocal cords, swelling associated with the catarrhal phenomena occurring there. In concept of this disease included several species, having an infectious etiology.

Doctors call the following types of this otolaryngeal disease false croup:

• stenosing laryngitis. Acute inflammation of the larynx, which in severe cases can spread to the trachea and bronchi. Usually develops after viral infection a bacterial type of microorganism will join;
• subglottic laryngitis. The pathological process is localized directly in the subvocal space. Depends on features anatomical structure larynx in children;
• subglottic laryngitis. The main area of ​​inflammation in this form of pathology is the subglottic region. This localization is associated with its filling not with elastic tissues, but with loose fiber, which does not give it a tight fit and makes it easier for pathogenic microorganisms to penetrate inside.

False croup in a child can occur once, but most often this pathological phenomenon is characterized by episodic bursts that are associated with the entry of any, even the most harmless, infection into the baby’s body. In clinical practice, there have been cases of repeated development of such an unpleasant and dangerous syndrome even with a common runny nose. This disease is seasonal and most often the disease strikes children in the autumn and winter, but sometimes it is diagnosed in children in the summer.

Types and types of false croup in children

The classification of this rather dangerous substance in children depends on several factors and helps specialists in choosing proper treatment. False croup is of two types - bacterial and viral. This division of pathology is directly related to the nature of the origin of the disease. Also, false-type croup is usually classified according to the presence of complications into complicated and uncomplicated.

But most often in clinical practice in children, what is considered false croup, is divided according to the degree of development of stenosis in the larynx:

1. Compensated. Signs of pathology are minimal, there is only inspiratory shortness of breath, characterized by difficulty in breathing. She appears only after physical activity or if the baby is very restless;
2. Subcompensated. Inspiratory dyspnea can occur in a child even when he is at rest;
3. Decompensated. Shortness of breath becomes pronounced and very severe. A baby with this variety pathological condition Paradoxical breathing is often observed, in which a reverse movement of the chest occurs, that is, it increases as you exhale and decreases as you inhale;
4. Terminal. With this type of laryngeal stenosis, young patients almost always develop severe hypoxia (oxygen starvation), almost always leading to the death of the child.

As can be seen from the above classification of the disease, laryngitis with stenosis in children, called false croup in medical circles, is a very dangerous pathological condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of false croup in childhood

Problems associated with pathological swelling of the larynx worry many parents, which is why it is worth understanding what causes false croup in very young children and whether it is possible to avoid the appearance of this syndrome in the baby. The main reason that provokes in babies the development of this negative syndrome of “interception” of breathing, which accompanies some ENT diseases, is the anatomical structure of their upper respiratory tract. The baby’s larynx and trachea still have an increased softness of structure, so the edematous tissues surrounding them easily press on the weak breathing tubes, thereby blocking the flow of air into the lungs.

This is the main cause of false croup in children, but there are a number of certain anatomical and physiological features that can quickly lead to infection larynx will end with this negative syndrome.

Experts note the following risk factors that are unique to young patients:

• functional immaturity of some reflexogenic zones, in which the parasympathetic becomes temporarily dominant nervous system. It is responsible for slowing down physiological processes such as breathing. With age, by the age of 6 children, their maturity begins, and the threat of developing a pathological condition after any cold recedes;
• small diameter, softness and pliability of the cartilaginous skeleton of the larynx, which contributes to its regular compression by surrounding edematous tissues;
• its narrow lumen and funnel-shaped shape;
• increased excitability of the muscle corset located in close proximity to glottis;
• excessive looseness of the mucous membrane, associated with a minimal amount of elastic fibers, which are penetrated by many blood vessels;
• disproportionate size and high location of the vocal cords.

But not all children are susceptible to the development of a pathological condition of the larynx, although its anatomical and physiological structure is the same for all children. This factor is connected with the fact that in order for false croup to develop, the causes must be accompanied by a number of negative features. They increase the likelihood of swelling in the larynx area, which is dangerous for a small child.

The main risk factors that provoke the occurrence of a pathological syndrome are considered to be the presence of a baby’s tendency to allergic reactions, trauma suffered during birth or paratrophy (excess weight of the baby associated with improper feeding).

False croup: symptoms and manifestations in children

The disease begins against the background of a cold, usually on the 2-3rd day of an acute inflammatory process in the larynx. The initial stage of this pathological syndrome, which occurs with the development of swelling in the upper respiratory tract, is characterized by the appearance of the main symptoms in the evening or at night. When false croup begins in young children, the symptoms are quite mild, but any parent should know them. This will make it possible to promptly notice the development of the disease and contact a specialist for emergency medical help, which can save the baby’s life.

Types of disease

The first alarming signs indicating the onset of a pathological process in the larynx are:

• dry and rough cough of a croaking or barking nature;
• shortness of breath due to the inability to take a normal breath;
• shallow, noisy and very rapid breathing.

This triad of signs is the most characteristic of false croup. It is from this that one can promptly suspect the development of the disease. In addition to specific manifestations, you should pay attention to general symptoms. As leading otolaryngologists note, it consists in the fact that a sick child becomes restless and whiny, often taking a forced body position in which negative symptoms are not so strongly felt. Experts also note that in some cases there may be fever and an increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C. Clinical manifestations in this pathology directly depend on what stage of development the laryngeal stenosis is at in a particular clinical case.

Their characteristics can be seen in the table:

The symptoms of false croup listed in the table in children arise and progress when therapeutic and preventive measures are ignored or serious errors are made in their implementation. If parents are attentive to the health of the baby and notice the appearance of any abnormalities in it, such a development of events, ending in death for the baby, can be completely avoided. All that is needed for this is to promptly treat colds, as well as those that can provoke an attack of false croup in the baby. You should also remember the first alarming symptoms indicating the onset of a pathological condition. This will make it possible to call a doctor in a timely manner and take emergency measures to save the life of a child.

Diagnosis of false croup

Identifying a negative phenomenon affecting the glottis area does not pose any problem for an experienced specialist. In order to detect swelling in a child’s throat, the doctor only needs to conduct an initial visual examination of the throat using a laryngoscope based on the patient’s symptomatic complaints. Laryngeal stenosis has a very characteristic clinical picture, which makes it easier to detect. The only difficulty is that it comes in 2 forms, to get rid of which completely different treatment methods are used. That is why parents often ask the question of how to identify false croup in a child without confusing it with another disease.

Otolaryngologists explain that this requires differential diagnosis. Only with its help can one exclude the more dangerous true form of the disease, the development of which is provoked by diphtheria. All studies must be carried out very quickly, since in these pathological conditions associated with laryngeal edema, minutes count.

Diagnosis of false croup in children is performed using the following methods:

• microscopic and bacteriological examination of a throat smear, including bioculture and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which makes it possible to most accurately identify the pathogenic causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to antibiotics;
• ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Makes it possible to identify the pathogen by detecting specific antibodies in the biomaterial;
• study of the acid-base state and gas composition of the blood, helping to identify the level of redox reactions in the body and the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide content in it. These tests are necessary to assess the degree of hypoxia (oxygen starvation).

From instrumental methods research at differential diagnosis For laryngeal stenosis, farinogo- and laryngoscopy are used. In the event that a specialist suspects the development of complications, little patient Rhinoscopy, otoscopy and radiography are performed. Treatment of false croup in children can be prescribed only after the doctor has received all test results and confirmed the diagnosis.

How and with what to treat false croup in children: medications, drugs, inhalations

The main therapeutic goal in this pathological condition is to relieve laryngeal stenosis, as well as eliminate swelling and inflammation from its mucous surface. If a child is diagnosed with false croup, treatment should be prescribed by a qualified physician and carried out under his direct supervision. In addition to the use of certain therapeutic measures that can completely stop the disease, doctors advise completely eliminating the influence of negative factors that provoke an attack on the body.

Important! What to do if a child has false croup. All therapeutic measures for this disease should be prescribed to children only by a qualified doctor. Any self-medication can lead to tragic consequences, so if you notice the first signs of alarming symptoms in your baby, you must call an ambulance.

First aid for false croup in children consists of the following activities:

• calm down a frightened child. Any negative emotions, screaming and crying will only aggravate the serious condition and cause new spasms;
• provide free access to fresh air. To do this, open the windows in warm weather, and in cold weather a window will suffice;
• Give the baby any warm drink with a liquid temperature in the range of 38-40 °C. It can be this or juice diluted with water. If the baby cannot drink on his own, you should feed him with a spoon;
• give the child an age-appropriate dosage of any antiallergic antihistamine, for example Claritin, or Tavegil;
• make hot baths for your hands and feet, ensuring blood flow from the throat and inhalation with a soda solution (a teaspoon of soda per liter of water).

Such emergency care for false croup in children should be known to all parents, since thanks to it it is possible to prevent the onset of asphyxia before the doctors arrive. After the baby is admitted to the hospital and the doctor confirms the diagnosis, he will be prescribed a course of treatment.

Features of drug therapy

Important! If the doctors who come to the call recommend placing the child in a hospital, under no circumstances should you refuse. In most cases effective treatment This pathology is only possible in a hospital setting.

Therapeutic measures are prescribed to each child individually and depend on the diagnostic results, which help to determine the degree of development of the pathology. There are also general prescriptions for severe laryngeal stenosis. In no case should we forget that the listed medications should not be used independently, without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to serious consequences, and even provoke death in the child:

• glucocorticoids. Doctors almost always prescribe Pulmicort. For false croup in children, it is considered very effective and is administered rectally, by injection or orally;
• antispasmodics. No-shpa helps children best, which comes first in the doctor’s prescriptions;
• antihistamines. In this group medicines preference is given to Diphenhydramine, Suprastin or Fenistil;
• sedatives, sedatives. The most harmless among them is considered to be valerian extract, which is prescribed to children;
• carried out with humidified, medical oxygen.

If the pathology is of a bacterial nature, and against its background develop infectious complications, antibacterial drugs are prescribed without fail, and in case of a viral infection - . False croup is also treated with bronchodilators. It is also necessary to take into account how cough syndrome is relieved in this disease. Here, for an unproductive, dry and barking cough, preference is given to antitussive drugs, and if there is abundant sputum in the larynx, specialists prescribe intravenous administration Calcium gluconate.

When the above course of conservative therapy is unsuccessful, they resort to surgical intervention, which involves tracheostomy (dissection of the trachea) or intubation (insertion of a special tube into the larynx to facilitate air access).

Treatment of false croup in children at home: traditional medicine recipes

Many parents are concerned about the question of whether, with such a pathological condition, it is possible to carry out therapeutic measures at home without going to the hospital for this. For the most part, the answer from otolaryngologists is negative, since an acute attack of false croup in children
stops only in stationary conditions. But if the pathological condition occurs in a child for the first time, and is not accompanied by pronounced symptoms or any complications, such a therapeutic approach is quite acceptable.

Komarovsky, a recognized pediatrician and famous TV presenter, also considers false croup possible. But, as he notes, only after the necessary diagnostic studies have been carried out and the doctor has prescribed an appropriate course of medication. Recipes traditional medicine not only effective, but also safe, as they do not cause addiction or develop serious consequences. Despite this, they cannot be used as monotherapy for childhood laryngeal stenosis.

Treatment of false croup at home using folk remedies is only permissible in combination with traditional medicines. Only such therapy can be effective in stopping the pathological phenomenon.

The following medicinal potions prepared according to folk recipes can provide effective help with false croup in children:

• Peppermint infusion is intended for sprinkling the baby's throat. To prepare it, you need to pour 250 ml of boiling water into a tablespoon of chopped herbs. The product is infused in a glass jar covered with a towel for half an hour, after which it is filtered and used to irrigate the baby’s neck after each meal;
• decoction of herbal collection treats inflammation and swelling of the pharynx from the inside. Mix the composition from 1 part each of crushed licorice root, coltsfoot leaves and plantain. A teaspoon of the prepared composition is placed in a small bowl, poured with a glass of boiling water and kept for 20 minutes in a water bath. Drink this decoction warm, 100 ml three times a day.

The given recipes effectively help in treatment, but they cannot be used if false croup occurs in children under one year of age. We should also not forget that achieving positive results with the help of these means is only possible with initial stages development of a pathological condition.

Consequences of the disease

With timely diagnosis of the disease and an adequate course of therapy, the prognosis will be positive, which cannot be said about completely ignoring the inflammatory process. In this case, the consequences of false croup can be disastrous.

After pathogenic bacterial microflora joins the inflammatory process occurring in the area of ​​the glottis, a purulent film begins to form in the larynx.

Against this background, the following complications of false croup arise:

• obstructive bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• purulent meningitis.

All of them pose a direct threat not only to the health, but also to the life of the baby. In order to prevent such a development of the situation, it is necessary not only to take all measures for the timely detection and treatment of the pathological condition, but also to prevent it.

Prevention of false croup in children and adolescents

When a small child has a tendency to catch colds, he has a tendency to regular relapses of laryngeal stenosis. Mothers of such babies need to have a humidity tester, a humidifier and an inhaler at home. They will help to promptly prevent the development of another attack in the baby. Also, parents of children at risk for developing this pathological syndrome should know what measures should be taken to prevent its occurrence.

Prevention of false croup in children is as follows:

• the child’s adherence to a daily routine that allows sufficient time for sleep;
• mandatory hardening of the baby, which includes walking barefoot, contrast showers and other general strengthening activities;
• proper nutrition. Children should eat foods that contain sufficient quantities of vital microelements, minerals and vitamins;
• preventing the development of viral diseases. To achieve this goal, it is enough not to visit crowded places. This advice becomes especially relevant during mass epidemics.

To strengthen the baby's throat, some parents give him small pieces of ice to suck. But it should not be ordinary, but therapeutic. Getting this kind of ice is not difficult at all. It is enough to freeze decoctions of those herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as calendula, sage or chamomile.

By following all these recommendations, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a pathological condition even in those children who are prone to its development. The above preventive measures it is necessary to closely study until the child is five years old, since in children 4-5 years old such pathology of the larynx occurs in exceptional cases. This is due to the age-related increase in the trachea, and at the same time its lumen.

Informative video

False croup in children. Almost everyone has heard about this disease, but rarely can anyone boast of deep knowledge on this issue. To eliminate a possible “blind spot” from your knowledge about childhood diseases, read this article.

When false croup occurs, an acute inflammatory process forms in the child’s trachea and larynx. Since in the trachea and larynx there is very a large number of loose tissues, then swelling of varying intensity develops quite quickly.

Typically, false croup occurs as a consequence of the following diseases: influenza, whooping cough, scarlet fever, adenovirus infection, measles. It often happens that the disease is provoked by allergy attacks, because... the larynx swells due to a reaction to certain allergens. Very often, children suffer from this disease due to the special anatomical structure of the children's respiratory tract. Its peculiarity is that the trachea and bronchi in a child are much narrower than in adults. They also differ in shape: it is not cylindrical, but funnel-shaped.

The children's larynx also contains vessels, the number of which is much greater than in an adult. Taken together, these factors indicate that children’s bodies have a greater tendency to form various swellings of the larynx, and this, in turn, leads to spasm of the larynx and suffocation. The sad fact is that the younger the child, the more difficult the attack process is.

Features of false croup

There are two types of croup that doctors distinguish: true diphtheria and false diphtheria. Both of them can lead to a characteristic cough and difficulty breathing. There are, however, differences in symptoms between the two types of cereals. The most important difference is this:

Diphtheria develops gradually; dense films slowly begin to appear in the child’s larynx. As the films increase, breathing becomes more and more difficult, lymph nodes become enlarged, and the body temperature rises quite high. In a situation where a child develops an attack of false croup, everything begins quite suddenly and proceeds quickly. Breathing problems occur due to very severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Precautions and prevention of false croup

The best effect will come from the throat hardening method. Carrying out these procedures will not be difficult. It will be enough to simply monitor how the child gargles with water. Initially water is used room temperature, then a gradual decrease in water temperature is carried out over several months. Eventually the water should be almost ice cold. Excessive haste in this procedure will be absolutely unacceptable, otherwise the child will get sick.

You should also pay attention Special attention for child nutrition. Often an attack of false croup occurs due to various allergic reactions, food allergies are no exception. Doctors advise parents to remove from the child’s diet foods that cause food allergies. However, you need to include more lactic acid products, such as kefir, in your baby’s daily diet.

The demi season is the time when a child most easily catches attacks of false croup. The reasons for this sometimes lie in our “weather” illiteracy. There is nothing surprising here, because in winter, when it’s frosty outside, we stick to simple and clear rule: The child should be dressed warmly. Off-season weather can easily deceive us: lure us with the rays of the sun and immediately blow us away with a bone-piercing wind. The result is obvious - the baby catches a cold, which, as mentioned earlier, can provoke attacks of false croup.

Signs of false croup

An attack of false croup usually frightens parents very much. But in this situation, panic is absolutely unacceptable, because providing first aid is an extremely important task. The attacks usually occur at night, during sleep. False croup shows the following symptoms.

Before the onset of an attack of false croup, the child's breathing becomes harsher. If a doctor were examining the child at this moment, he would hear faint wheezing. However, parents themselves will not be able to recognize such changes. Only a slight lethargy of the baby may be noticeable, but parents often attribute this condition to fatigue after an active day of play.

In fact, the situation is already heating up: inside the child’s body, the virus has deployed its “control”. The baby's sleep becomes restless, because due to the swelling of the throat that has begun, breathing becomes more and more difficult. When the swelling becomes most severe, a very dry, rough, “barking” cough will appear. Breathing sharply increases, the number of inhalations and exhalations per minute increases from the normal value of 30 to 50-60. By breathing rapidly, the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

An attack can also trigger an increase in body temperature, which will cause the swelling to become even greater. The cough sounds more and more harsh. If in this situation the parents are unable to wake up and provide the child with the necessary first aid, then the risk that the baby may lose consciousness and suffocate becomes very high.

First aid for an attack of false croup

All fathers and mothers will be able to provide first aid to a child if he has an attack of false croup. If you notice the following symptoms in your baby: cough, wheezing, wheezing, immediately open all the windows in the room where the sick child is. As noted earlier, during such attacks a person lacks oxygen, which is why an influx of fresh air can alleviate the patient’s condition.

It is also worth maintaining normal air humidity in the room. This measure will be an excellent means of preventing the occurrence of attacks of false croup. Now there are a lot of different special air humidifiers on the market. With their help, you can easily maintain the required level of humidity in the room. There is also an effective “manual” method - in the patient’s room, a damp cloth is hung on the headboard of the bed, chair, or radiator. Inhalations will also be effective in alleviating the child’s condition.

In addition, the child must immediately take antihistamines; they will remove the allergic component and reduce the degree of swelling of the throat. After providing first aid, you must urgently call an ambulance. Only a doctor can determine the correct diagnosis and degree of laryngeal stenosis.

If the doctor insists on hospitalization, do not refuse. Because when false croup is confirmed in children, serious treatment may be required, even tracheal intubation, if necessary. After all, despite the fact that the doctor will relieve the attack, there remains a fairly high probability that it will recur in a couple of hours, and this time in a severe form. Even if they sincerely want to help you, ambulance specialists will not be able to post a guard near your home. Please do not risk the health and life of your child!

False croup (or stenosing laryngitis) is a dangerous and frightening disease for parents. Attacks of false croup most often develop at night and in the early morning hours against the background of a viral infection. Often stenosis takes parents by surprise, and they do not know how to act correctly to help their baby. necessary help and do no harm.

Therefore, every parent needs to know the main signs of false croup, how it differs from true croup and from ordinary laryngitis.

Let's try to figure out when a child needs urgent qualified help, as well as what can and cannot be done with false croup.

What is false croup? (VIDEO)

Croup- this is dangerous respiratory disease, which occurs most often in children of preschool and primary school age and is characterized by excessive narrowing of the larynx. Any respiratory disease respiratory system a child can lead to this condition - unfortunately, no one is immune from this.

True croup occurs only in such dangerous diseases as diphtheria. For all other diseases (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, influenza) it is observed false croup. However, it is no less dangerous and unpleasant than the real one.

False croup- this is an acute attack stenosing laryngitis or laryngotracheitis(depending on the location of the inflammatory process - in the larynx or in the larynx and). The reason for this complication is swelling of the larynx, its mucous membrane. In young children, the structure of the larynx is such that up to a certain age there is a high probability of such edema occurring.

More often, false croup occurs as a result of viral damage to the respiratory tract - this is a parainfluenza virus, influenza virus or adenovirus. Due to the infection, inflammation occurs, which is usually accompanied by swelling of the tissues of the larynx and tracheal mucosa in the area of ​​the vocal cords.

Exacerbation The disease usually occurs at night and often goes away on its own. But in about 10% of cases, the child may require emergency medical care, so it is still better to call a doctor at the first sign of false croup.

Laryngeal stenosis, as a rule, is observed in children 2-4 years old, sometimes it occurs in children infancy from 6 to 12 months. After 5 years, the frequency of false croup in children decreases noticeably, due to age characteristics development of the larynx.

Children's predisposition younger age to the occurrence of false croup is determined by the following anatomical features:

• Small diameter of the cartilaginous skeleton
• Funnel-shaped larynx
• Short vocal folds
• Excessive excitability of the muscles near the glottis

Main signs and symptoms of false croup: how to recognize the danger

In the middle of the night, the child was awakened by an attack of a characteristic “barking” cough; he was restless and scared. His breathing is noticeably labored and accompanied by wheezing or whistling. When you try to ask him about his health, it turns out that the baby’s voice is completely hoarse.

This is exactly what they look like main features stenosing laryngitis or false croup. Even during the day, the child might seem completely healthy to you, but by the evening he might have a slight cough, a runny nose, or a little fever - characteristic features the onset of a viral infection.

So, let's try to figure out what signs can definitely indicate this dangerous disease, How false croup:

• Characteristic “barking” (“croaking”) cough
• Wheezing, choked breath
• Blue coloration of the nasolabial triangle
• General state of anxiety and fear in the child
• Hoarse voice or no voice
• Frequent shallow breathing

False croup is important differentiate from true croup, which occurs in diphtheria. With diphtheria, stenosis increases gradually, and not in attacks, as with laryngitis.

How to alleviate a child’s condition: what needs to be done before the ambulance arrives?

If you notice these signs in your child, you need to act immediately! After all, false croup is dangerous due to narrowing of the trachea, leading to suffocation.

First of all call ambulance crew, they will provide medical care the child will be assessed and his condition will be determined whether he needs urgent hospitalization.

Before the ambulance arrives, try alleviate the child's condition in the following ways:

What should you never do if you have false croup?

However, there are also methods the use of which is extremely undesirable for false croup. Remember what shouldn't do to avoid deterioration of the child's condition.

• In no case Do not apply warm compresses on the throat or mustard plasters - they will only increase swelling.
• Don't try to feed the baby, if he doesn't want to eat and doesn't ask you for food.
• The baby should not be forced drink drink a lot of liquid at once, as this can cause vomiting. Let him drink as much as he wants, little by little - in small sips.
• Before the doctor or ambulance arrives do not give your child antibiotics. False croup is most often caused by viruses, and antibiotics have no effect on viruses, but can provoke allergies, which will worsen the patient’s condition.
• Don't use essential oils With a sharp, noticeable odor - it can provoke an even greater narrowing of the larynx.
• Do not give your child cough medicines, such as Codeine, Calderpin and the like. After all, the main task with laryngitis and laryngotracheitis is to achieve a productive cough, and not to suppress it.

Degrees of stenosis in false croup

In false croup there are 4 degrees of stenosis, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics and characteristics.

• First degree stenosis. Characterized by the above symptoms of false croup. The child is conscious, but usually afraid or very anxious. With anxiety, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and noisy breathing appear. Such stenosis, as a rule, can last from several hours to two days.
• Second degree stenosis. Clinical symptoms intensify and cause discomfort in the child. Shortness of breath and characteristic stenotic breathing become constant. The skin turns pale. In this state, children cannot sleep, they are restless and scared. This condition can last up to five days and intensify in the form of attacks.
• Third degree stenosis. Against the background of these increasing symptoms, an increase in the work of the respiratory muscles occurs. Breathing is impaired. The child’s feelings of fear and anxiety are replaced by attacks of lethargy and drowsiness - this is a consequence of hypoxia. The child's voice is hoarse. The cough turns from rough to superficial. The lower end of the sternum begins to fall in - this sign may appear in the second stage. Breathing is arrhythmic, from noisy it becomes shallow and quiet. Tachycardia may begin.
• Fourth degree stenosis. An extremely serious and dangerous condition in which coma, suffocation, and convulsions are likely to develop. Severe acidosis. Shallow and heavy breathing alternates with attacks of apnea (stopping breathing). At this stage, serious life-threatening complications may occur.

The listed degrees of stenosis are not intended to scare parents, but to give a clear picture of what false croup is dangerous for children, and how important it is to call a doctor in time and take the necessary measures. If the doctor insists on hospitalization– do not refuse it, as it can help preserve your child’s health in the event of a real threat.

Prevention of false croup: how to prevent complications

It should be remembered that if a child 2-3 years old has an attack of false croup, then, with a probability of 80%, they will repeat as a complication of a viral infection. Therefore, if this is your first time encountering this disease, it is important to study this issue and know how to provide your child with quick and adequate help.