How long does laryngotracheitis last in children. Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children at home. What is dangerous laryngotracheitis in young children

Laryngotracheitis in children is inflammatory disease predominantly viral or bacterial etiology, in which the inflammatory process extends to the larynx and trachea.

Source: malutka.pro

Features of immunity in children, as well as a relatively small length respiratory tract make children more prone to this disease. IN childhood the infectious and inflammatory process, which began in the nasopharynx, especially often tends to descend lower, while the larynx is affected, and then the trachea. In children under six years of age, due to anatomical features against the background of laryngotracheitis, a narrowing of the lumen of the larynx can occur, which causes a violation of breathing - the so-called false croup develops, carrying potential threat life. Another name for this condition is stenosing laryngotracheitis.

Laryngotracheitis in children often develops as a complication of sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis.

Causes of laryngotracheitis in children and risk factors

The cause of laryngotracheitis in children is infection with viruses and / or bacteria, most often viruses act as an infectious agent. Infection occurs by airborne droplets from a sick person. In most cases, laryngotracheitis develops against the background of acute respiratory diseases: adenovirus infection , parainfluenza , influenza , measles , rubella , chicken pox , scarlet fever .

Laryngotracheitis of bacterial etiology can occur when infected with staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, mycobacterium tuberculosis, mycoplasma, treponema pallidum, chlamydia.

Laryngotracheitis in children often develops as a complication of sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis.

Risk factors for the disease, as well as its transition to a chronic form, include:

• constant breathing through the mouth (in violation of nasal breathing against the background of a curvature of the nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, choanal atresia);
• chronic somatic diseases(hepatitis, gastritis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, etc.);
• irrational nutrition;
• too hot or cold, excessively dry or humid air inhaled;
• second hand smoke.

Forms of the disease

Laryngotracheitis in children can be acute (uncomplicated and stenosing) and chronic. Chronic, depending on the morphological changes in the mucous membrane, is divided into catarrhal, hypertrophic and atrophic forms. Acute laryngotracheitis in children is much more common.

Exacerbations at chronic form laryngotracheitis in children is most often observed in the autumn-winter period.

By etiological factor isolated viral, bacterial and mixed forms of laryngotracheitis.

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children

Acute laryngotracheitis

Clinical manifestations of acute laryngotracheitis in children usually occur against the background of already existing symptoms of acute infectious disease upper respiratory tract (discharge from the nasal cavity, nasal congestion, sore or sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, fever). At the same time, the symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children appear after the patient's body temperature drops to subfebrile values ​​- after improvement, the child's condition worsens again.

Children with acute laryngotracheitis develop hoarseness, discomfort in the larynx (dryness, burning, tickling, sensation of a foreign body), dry cough, after which there is pain behind the sternum. Cough is usually observed in the morning and at night, it can manifest itself as an attack on the background of inhalation of cold or dusty air, deep breath, crying, laughter. At the same time, no a large number of mucous sputum, which, when attached to a secondary bacterial infection (or with bacterial laryngitis), acquires a mucopurulent character.

Acute laryngotracheitis in children is often accompanied by an increase in cervical lymph nodes. As a rule, they increase on both sides, are painful on palpation.

On examination, there is marked hyperemia and thickening of the mucous membranes in the affected area. Bacterial laryngotracheitis is characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the lumen of the larynx and trachea. At the initial stage of the disease, the pathological discharge has a liquid consistency, as it progresses pathological process the exudate becomes thicker, fibrinous films appear on the mucous membranes. In the case of staphylococcal or streptococcal etiology of laryngotracheitis, yellow-green crusts form, which fill the lumen of the respiratory tract.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, as a rule, is carried out on an outpatient basis; in case of development of a false croup, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital.

Stenosing laryngotracheitis is characterized by swelling of the affected mucous membranes, a pronounced narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, which makes it difficult for air to move, noisy inhalation and exhalation (when inhaling, dry wheezing can be heard - the so-called stridor breathing), attacks of shortness of breath, tachycardia.

Chronic laryngotracheitis

In the catarrhal form of chronic laryngotracheitis in children, there is hyperemia of the affected mucous membranes with a cyanotic tinge, expansion of the submucosal blood vessels, petechial hemorrhages in the submucosal layer, arising due to increased vascular permeability.

In the case of the development of a chronic hypertrophic form of the disease, hyperplasia of the epithelium of the affected mucous membranes, connective tissue elements of the mucous glands and the submucosal layer, as well as infiltration of the fibers of the internal muscles of the larynx and trachea (including the muscles of the vocal cords) is noted. With this form of the disease, thickening of the vocal cords may be limited, in the form of nodules, or diffuse, it is also possible to form cysts, contact ulcers of the larynx, or prolapse of the ventricle of the larynx.

In chronic atrophic laryngotracheitis (the most rare form of laryngotracheitis in children), the cylindrical ciliated epithelium of the mucous membrane is replaced by keratinizing, atrophy of the intralaryngeal muscles and mucous glands, sclerosis of the connective tissue cellular elements submucosal layer, thinning of the vocal cords. The walls of the larynx and trachea are often covered with crusts formed when the secretion of the mucous glands dries up.

The air in the room in which the patient is located must be fresh and sufficiently humidified.

Voice disorders in chronic laryngotracheitis vary from slight hoarseness, which occurs mainly in the morning and evening, to constant hoarseness, and sometimes complete aphonia. In chronic laryngotracheitis in children, the cough is permanent, which can cause sleep disorders in such patients. The amount of sputum in this form of the disease, as a rule, increases.

Exacerbations in the chronic form of laryngotracheitis in children are most often observed in the autumn-winter period.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis of laryngotracheitis in children, a collection of complaints and anamnesis, a physical examination is carried out. If necessary, the diagnosis is confirmed by instrumental and laboratory studies.

Identification of an infectious agent in laryngotracheitis in children can be carried out by bacteriological examination of sputum and discharge from the throat and nose, sputum microscopy, as well as enzyme immunoassay, immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction. If Mycobacterium tuberculosis is detected, a phthisiatrician should be consulted.

In complex diagnostic cases, microlaryngoscopy may be required, which makes it possible, if necessary, to take material for a biopsy.

In chronic laryngotracheitis (especially when hypertrophic changes are detected), it may be necessary to use a frontal computed tomography larynx, endoscopic biopsy. Based on the results of these studies, you may need to consult an oncologist.

In order to identify possible bronchopulmonary complications, an X-ray examination of the lungs is performed.

The cause of laryngotracheitis in children is infection with viruses and / or bacteria, most often viruses act as an infectious agent.

Required differential diagnosis laryngotracheitis in children with foreign bodies larynx and trachea, diphtheria, bronchial asthma, pharyngeal abscess, malignant neoplasms.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, as a rule, is carried out on an outpatient basis; in case of development of a false croup, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital.

Antihistamines, antitussives, mucolytic drugs are prescribed. With an increase in body temperature, antipyretic drugs are prescribed. Alkaline and / or oil inhalations, nebulizer therapy, electrophoresis on the larynx and trachea are shown.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children includes several points, which depend on the patient's condition and the symptoms that have manifested. This disease can carry such a danger as stenosis of the larynx, especially in children under 8 years old.

Laryngotracheitis may be complicated bacterial infection due to improper treatment, therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician and follow his recommendations.

What is laryngotracheitis?

This disease is as complicated as its name. It can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. It is complicated by the fact that it immediately affects the throat and trachea. Therefore, patients during the illness feel very weakened.

There are two types of this disease - acute and chronic. The first occurs most often due to the defeat of the body by viruses. It starts with a sharp rise in temperature. Then other symptoms appear.

The chronic form is sluggish and may disturb the patient for several months. The disease then goes into remission, then comes back again.

Symptoms of acute laryngotracheitis

This form of the disease begins quite acutely. The child's body temperature rises to 38 0 and above. He feels tired. Due to the release of harmful substances by viruses into the blood, intoxication can begin.

The child begins a dry cough, which gradually turns into an obsessive form. After a while he becomes "barking". This is one of the main symptoms of laryngitis.

The next day, there may be pain in the chest, in the upper part. Cough in a few days should turn into a productive one and will be similar to bronchitis. The main danger of the first days of the course of the disease is a false croup.

Choking more often in children develops at night. At this moment, parents should not be confused and give the baby needed help.

What is false croup?

This condition often occurs in children under 7-8 years of age. It is associated with insufficient development of the larynx. This body in children is still quite narrow. When viruses or bacteria enter the mucous membrane of the throat, edema may develop.

Because of it, the lumen of the larynx narrows and can completely overlap. The result is suffocation. This condition requires the immediate intervention of ambulance workers.

Adults before the arrival of the carriage will be able to relieve the symptoms and calm the baby. In this case, serious consequences can be avoided.

First aid for croup

If the parents heard heavy breathing in the child at night, and he cannot fully take a breath, then it is necessary to begin to take action. First of all, you need to provide the patient with good access to fresh air.

This opens the full window. If the attack happened in the warm season, then you need to wrap the baby in a blanket and take it out to the balcony.

At this time, one of the adults can turn on the bathroom hot water and leave it to collect as much steam as possible in the room. The child should breathe such moist air for 10-15 minutes.

You can not put the baby in the water. He should sit next to her with one of the adults. Thus, the swelling will decrease slightly and the sputum will soften. She will start to come out with a productive cough.

If the house has a compressor nebulizer, then inhalation can be done. It is better when using nebulas with Pulmicort. For its use, it is necessary to dilute a suitable dose of the drug in half with saline.

If the manipulations do not help and the child gets worse, then immediately called ambulance. Workers are likely to inject a hormonal drug. More commonly used "Dexamethasone" or "Prednisolone" for the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children in case of stenosis.

What is tracheitis?

This disease often occurs in children after 3-4 years. In babies, viruses and bacteria often affect completely respiratory system rather than individual organs.

Tracheitis often acts as a complication of SARS. It rarely develops on the first day. The trachea is a hollow tube that connects the larynx and bronchi. In it are located nerve endings. Infectious pathogens they get irritated and cough.

Symptoms of tracheitis

First, the child begins to scratch his throat. Then comes the cough. It becomes painful and rough. In the first days, sputum is practically not separated.

The child becomes restless. Cough is becoming more and more frequent. Because of this, sleep is disturbed. After a few days, chest pain may appear. Crying or laughing causes coughing. The temperature rise can be up to 38 0 .

After 3 days, the cough becomes less painful and attacks are rare. The separation of not thick sputum begins.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children under one year old

This disease does not often affect babies of this age. If it occurs, then laryngitis or bronchitis. But there are exceptions. Such young children with any acute manifestations of infectious diseases are most often hospitalized.

And this is the right decision of the medical staff. by the most dangerous complication infants may have false croup. At this age, it is difficult to calm the baby and persuade him not to scream during an attack, and this significantly complicates his condition.

In the hospital, the baby will take general analysis blood and find out what kind of pathogen caused the disease. If it is a virus, then the treatment will consist in taking special drugs that help strengthen the immune system and the body's own fight against them.

If the pathogen turns out to be of a bacterial nature, then the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children with antibiotics cannot be avoided. In the hospital, injectable forms are most often used.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children at home

Children after 1-2 years of age are able to fulfill the requests of their parents and this greatly facilitates the situation during any illness. Treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children is accompanied by several rules for the implementation of life during this period:

• air humidity in the room is not less than 60%;
• the temperature in the room where the child is located should not exceed 20 0;
• wet cleaning 2 times a day;
• calm psycho-emotional atmosphere in the family.

These items will help alleviate the condition of the child and turn the cough into a productive one.

With laryngotracheitis, it is impossible for the baby to experience strong emotions. This applies to both crying and laughter. At this time, the muscles of the larynx contract and the coughing fit may intensify.

What medicines?

In the case of the viral nature of the disease, the doctor may prescribe special drugs for the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children:

• "Laferabion";
• "Ergoferon";
• "Aflubin";
• "Groprinosin";
• "Anaferon".

This antiviral agents, which help the body to cope with pathogens faster.

If the house has a compressor nebulizer, inhalations may be prescribed. They can be carried out with normal saline or with alkaline water without gas. Thus, it is possible to achieve a decrease in the viscosity of sputum and convert the cough into a productive one. Thanks to this method of treatment, the symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children are noticeably relieved.

If a child has a risk of developing a false croup, then inhalations with hormonal drugs may be prescribed. The most commonly used are "Pulmicort" and "Flexodit" in nebulas. The dosage should be indicated by the doctor. It is calculated according to the age of the child. This medicine Before use, it is mixed with saline in proportions of 1: 1.

Are cough syrups necessary?

It is now difficult to give an affirmative answer to this question. Modern pediatricians clarify that up to the age of 6 they can harm the child. This is due to the fact that syrups increase the amount of sputum. And the baby may not have enough physical strength to cough it up.

In this case, bacteria develop in the sputum, which lead to complications. There are bronchitis and pneumonia, which are difficult to treat, especially in babies under one year old.

Usually, children after 3-4 years are already prescribed expectorants. It could be:

• "Lazolvan";
• "Ambroxol";
• "Flavomed";
• "Gederin" and others.

Parents should follow the basic rule of taking expectorants: you should not give your child cough syrup after 18:00.

Otherwise, after taking the drug of such an action, a large amount of sputum is formed and the child will not have time to cough it up, because he will go to bed.

At this time, harmful bacteria can develop in the sputum, which cause pneumonia and bronchitis. This is the answer to the question why the doctor did not hear wheezing yesterday, and complications appeared the next day.

Throat Sprays

Symptoms and treatment of laryngotracheitis in children are closely related. The doctor prescribes drugs depending on the complaints of the parents. If the baby has a sore throat, then special medicines should be used:

• "Lizobakt";
• "Septefril";
• "Faringosept" and others.

These tablets must be sucked. Children after 2-3 years will be able to cope with this action. Babies can be offered these drugs, after grinding them into powder. If the baby takes a nipple, then it is necessary to moisten it with water, and then dip into this drug and give him a pacifier. It is necessary to repeat the action several times until the required dose of powder is completely finished.

Throat sprays can be safely used to treat children after 3-4 years. In younger children, against the background of its use, a spasm of the larynx may occur. It is also not advisable to use them in allergy sufferers, otherwise stenosis cannot be avoided.

Folk remedies

You need to resort to these methods with extreme caution, especially if the child has previously had any allergic reactions. The most harmless means can be "Borjomi". This water has an alkaline composition, so drinking it will help soften the cough and such treatment of laryngotracheitis in children. folk remedies won't hurt.

To do this, you need to release gases from the bottle. Then, throughout the day, offer the child several tablespoons of this water. Another in an efficient way is warm milk (100 ml) with 1 tbsp. spoon "Borjomi". This solution should be given to the baby 3 times a day.

Children who are not allergic to honey can be offered to dissolve it several times a day for 1/2 teaspoon. In this way, you can significantly reduce the sore throat. Older children are advised to drink more herbal teas. They not only have a positive effect on general well-being but also provide the necessary amount of fluid in the body.

During a paroxysmal cough, a child can soar his legs in water not higher than 45 0. So, from the upper parts of the body, the blood will circulate more actively to the lower ones and the cough will gradually decrease.

Laryngotracheitis is an infectious disease that simultaneously affects the larynx and trachea. Inflammatory processes due to the penetration of bacteria or viruses into the body. Therefore, the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children and adults necessarily includes etiotropic agents (that is, a set of antiviral drugs and / or antibiotics). Perhaps the most noticeable indicator is a cough with laryngotracheitis, which cannot be confused with anything, as well as a change in voice. Cough at first may be dry, without sputum, barking. The voice "sits down", with a hoarseness. As the disease progresses, the cough softens due to the appearance of sputum, which eventually becomes abundant, mucopurulent in color.

Causes of laryngotracheitis in children and adults

The causes of laryngotracheitis are varied. These may be the consequences of a tolerated ARVI, a complication from tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, adenoids, sinusitis. Viral laryngotrachenitis should be distinguished from bacterial ones, since, depending on their nature, treatment is prescribed.

Viral laryngotracheitis is observed with influenza, adenovirus infection, measles, rubella, scarlet fever, chickenpox.

Bacterial laryngotracheitis is caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, chlamydial infection, pale treponema (with syphilis), tuberculosis bacteria.

People with low immunity are exposed to infection, in the first place - children from several months to 7 years. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, from a sick person, especially when he sneezes or coughs.

Among the most severely affected patients, the following groups can be distinguished:

• patients with chronic respiratory diseases, including allergic manifestations;
• patients in whose lungs stagnant processes are observed;
• people who often have a violation of nasal breathing (cysts, polyps, deviated nasal septum);
• suffering from cardiovascular, nervous diseases and kidney pathology;
• suffering from gastritis;
• recovering from hepatitis;
• patients with diabetes mellitus.

Laryngotracheitis in children symptoms and classification

In childhood, the disease is most severe for a long time and has its own characteristics. Children's laryngotracheitis is divided into three types:

• acute stenosing laryngotracheitis (subfold, stenotic laryngotracheitis or false croup), this type is deadly for children, an ambulance call and mandatory hospitalization of the child are required;
• simple acute laryngotracheitis in children (without laryngeal edema);
• stenotic obturating laryngotracheitis (complications arising from injuries of the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea).

Swelling and stenosis of the larynx can be observed both with ordinary infectious laryngotracheitis and allergic, when all kinds of irritants and allergens enter the body.

In children and adults general symptoms laryngotracheitis in simple acute form similar:

• in the throat irritation, discomfort;
• constantly sore throat, which causes frequent dry cough;
• itching in the throat;
• voice coarsens, changes to hoarseness, partial or complete loss of voice;
• body temperature - elevated, usually up to 38 degrees, but not necessarily;
• severe barking cough;
• breathing is disturbed, accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness;
• general intoxication of the body (loss of appetite, general weakness, constant headache).

Time to recover from illness acute laryngotracheitis- up to three weeks (21 days), in chronic - more than 21 days, after which the deterioration of health depends on the impact of adverse factors.

Parents who want to learn more about the manifestations and treatment of the disease can find programs on this topic on television. Competently describes Komarovsky's laryngotracheitis in his video tips.

Symptoms of false croup in children

Every parent should know the symptoms of acute stenosing laryngotracheitis in children, because not only health, but also the life of your child can sometimes depend on this knowledge. False croup affects children from a few months to 8 years, the peak incidence falls on a very difficult age of the child - 3 years. The disease strikes suddenly, usually at night. The child wakes up scared. He shows anxiety, his breathing is accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing in the throat, turning into sharp bouts of barking cough. The area of ​​the nasolabial triangle and the lips turn blue. Sometimes there is pallor, cold sweat, it is impossible to take a horizontal position. An attack of false croup can result in suffocation of the child (asphyxia), so it is very important to take measures to save the baby and call an ambulance.

What to do with spasm during false croup in children

How to treat laryngotracheitis in children and adults can tell articles like ours, as well as doctors to whom you will take the child or go yourself. But with laryngospasm, you need to act with lightning speed, and before the ambulance arrives, do everything possible to prevent the negative development of the disease and provide the baby with first aid on the spot.

In the process of helping, try to calm the child.

• Open the window to bring fresh air into the room, turn on the air conditioner or humidifier.
• Seat the baby in a comfortable chair or put it on its feet, in no case lay it horizontally!
• Ask him to open his mouth or do it yourself and press the root of his tongue with a spoon to prevent choking.
• Give your baby mineral water or another alkaline drink. You can dilute milk with soda.
• Give your child some kind of antihistamine (can be injected), such as Tavegil or Suprastin.

Attention! You need to know that after an attack of spasm of stenosing laryngotracheitis, another spasm may begin again, so in no case try to leave the baby at home, only in a hospital setting they can help him properly!

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in adults and children

As you can see, depending on the type, laryngotracheitis symptoms and treatment in children and adults are different. But there is also something in common. The basic rule is to exclude food at maximum temperatures, that is, too hot or too cold. Irritating seasonings are also prohibited. Reduce exposure to frost to a minimum, and, if possible, create a “silence mode” so that the patient loads the vocal cords as little as possible.

Inhalations to cure laryngotracheitis

Inhalations with laryngotracheitis cause a good effect at home. To do this, the nebulizer must be filled with aseptic, anti-inflammatory drugs, or at least mineral water. Moisturize the mucous membrane with inhalations with the mucolytic lazolvan, although in most cases it will be enough to use normal saline for inhalation. If the mucosa has a pronounced edema, a suspension of pulmicort is inhaled, having previously diluted it with saline 50/50. After inhalation, it is necessary to rinse the mouth.

Prescription aerosols and sprays of antibacterial and mucolytic action, including hormonal ones, are also used.

Attention! Steam inhalation with this type of disease is prohibited! Inhalations should also not be carried out at elevated temperatures!

Treatment of laryngotracheitis with drugs and procedures

Laryngotracheitis in adults has symptoms and treatment that are both similar to childhood manifestations and different. But physiotherapy procedures can be prescribed to all patients, regardless of age. The most effective include:

• microwave therapy;
• laser treatment;
• endolaryngial phonophoresis;
• laryngeal electrophoresis of calcium chloride, potassium iodide, hyaluronidase.

For the patient, warm foot baths (35-40 degrees) for 15-20 minutes every 6 hours will be useful.

A large amount of fluid also contributes to recovery. Eat dried fruit compotes, fruit drinks and juices.

Preparations for laryngotracheitis:

• anti-inflammatory and antipyretic action Paracetamol, Nurofen;
• antihistamine action Zodak, Zirtek, Suprastin, Telfast;
• at unproductive cough- antitussive drugs Sinekod and Codelac;
• natural mucolytics Doctor Mom, Gerbion, Mukaltin, Gedelix;
• expectorant drugs Lazolvan and Ambrobene (including for a nebulizer);
• homeopathic preparations to increase immunity - Bronchipret and Tonsilgon;
• preparations for rinsing the mouth - sage, chamomile, Rotokan, a variety of herbal infusions, as well as a solution of sea salt.

Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis

A simple form of laryngotracheitis is cured with drugs that eliminate pathogens. Primarily used antiviral drugs, derivatives of interferon Cytovir, Cycloferon, Ingavirin and others. Antibiotics are NOT compulsory means of treatment, they are introduced into the course of therapy ONLY in case of complications, that is, when, in addition to a viral infection, there is also a bacterial infection. As a rule, the doctor prescribes antibiotics if, at the stage of improvement, signs of the disease suddenly begin to appear again. What antibiotics are used for laryngotracheitis - this will be answered by the analysis. Among the effective ones are Azithromycin, Flemoklav, With a severe complication - Cephalosporins, Fluimucil.

To restore the voice, reduce coughing, pain and sore throat, you can use folk methods. But it must be remembered that you can quickly and completely get rid of the disease only under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate!

• Home onion inhalation. Take an onion, rub it on a fine grater or chop with a blender. Cover your head with a towel and inhale onion vapor for 5 to 10 minutes every 2-3 hours.
• Finely grate the ginger, pour honey (100 g of ginger, 200 g of honey) Heat the resulting mixture over low heat, about 7 minutes. Take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals, three times a day.
• Make a collection of equal parts of coltsfoot, licorice, marshmallow root and fennel. Brew a spoonful of the collection in 350 ml of boiling water. Drink five times a day, 70 ml.

Insofar as the immune system the child is still underdeveloped, there is high risk development various diseases. First of all, inflammatory reactions occur in the organs of the nasopharynx. One of the most common diseases is laryngotracheitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the pharynx and trachea. This disease is especially dangerous for young children, since it is in childhood that there is a high risk of developing false croup. Therefore, it is very important to understand how to treat laryngotracheitis in a child in order to prevent the development of complications.

Causes and signs

Often laryngotracheitis is caused viral infection(parainfluenza, influenza, herpes). Among the main causes contributing to the onset and development of the disease, there are:

• features of the anatomical and physiological structure of the organs of the nasopharynx under the age of five years (narrow larynx);
• colds; weakened immunity;
• hypothermia, often a small draft is enough;
• contact with a carrier of infection;
• loud and prolonged cry, overstrain of the vocal cords, mechanical damage to the larynx;
• inhalation of various substances that cause allergies (lacquer, paint, wool, dust);
• high temperature (above 22 degrees), low humidity (less than 50%) and dusty air in the room where the patient is located.

The likelihood of laryngotracheitis increases with the presence of chronic diseases nasopharynx, frequent nasal congestion, diseases of the teeth and gums.

Also, under the age of five, the disease is often accompanied by signs of a false croup, which is dangerous with severe swelling of the pharynx and can cause suffocation. Therefore, in order to prevent a threat to the life of the child, you should know what symptoms appear with laryngotracheitis, and what treatment is required for different stages disease development.

There are several forms of the disease, each of which is characterized by certain symptoms and requires an individual approach:

• catarrhal form- most safe view laryngotracheitis. It is this form that occurs most often in people under the age of fourteen. The main symptoms of laryngotracheitis in this case are similar to those of most viral infections: sore throat, hoarseness, dry annoying cough, hyperthermia. However, with incorrect or untimely treatment, there is a high probability of developing stenosis, which is life-threatening.
• Hyperplastic form- a type of laryngotracheitis, which also often develops in children. The main difference of this form is a strong swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, which can cause difficulty breathing.
• Hemorrhagic form is accompanied by hemorrhage in the mucous membrane of the larynx and often occurs due to the presence of certain provoking factors (disturbances in the process of hematopoiesis, liver disease). The main signs in this case: dryness in the oral cavity, bouts of choking cough, viscous secret with an admixture of blood, sensation of a foreign object in the throat.

Laryngotracheitis is diagnosed in 30% of children under the age of three who first encountered a common respiratory viral infection. The risk of developing the disease is higher in those who suffer from allergies.

The main symptoms and signs of laryngotracheitis, which appear at any stage of the development of the disease:

• runny nose, hyperthermia, general weakness are the main signs of an acute respiratory disease;
• change in voice timbre, hoarseness;
• sore throat when swallowing;
• loss of appetite;
• dry, paroxysmal, barking cough;
• rapid or, conversely, difficult breathing; dyspnea;
• for more late stages disease against the background of shortness of breath, pallor may appear skin, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle.

Important! If you have laryngotracheitis infant, then the following signs will help diagnose the disease: lethargy, increased anxiety, capriciousness, runny nose, loud, barking cough.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat laryngotracheitis in children comprehensively, carrying out procedures aimed at combating the cause of the disease, as well as eliminating and alleviating the main symptoms.

In the treatment of laryngotracheitis in patients predisposed to allergies, it is necessary to limit the use of essential oils, carefully use infusions medicinal herbs, use only proven medications.

• The use of antiallergic drugs. The action of this class of drugs is aimed at reducing edema, preventing the development of stenosis. Also, most antihistamines have a sedative effect, which will help the child calm down and reduce muscle spasm. The choice and form of the drug depends on the age of the child. For example, you can use Fenistil, Zodak, Loratadine.
• Antitussive drugs for laryngotracheitis are used only when the disease is accompanied by a dry cough without sputum. In order for the child to sleep peacefully at night and not wake up from bouts of choking cough, they use Stoptusin, Gerbion with plantain.
• Mucolytic and expectorant drugs for productive cough to thin and improve sputum excretion. In this case, breastfeeding, medicines based on ambroxol (Ambroxol, Lazolvan), acetylcestein (ACC) are recommended.
• The use of lozenges for laryngotracheitis, lozenges based on medicinal herbs, antiseptic and analgesic sprays will help reduce sore throat, moisturize the pharyngeal mucosa, and eliminate perspiration.

Important! In children, drugs in the form of sprays should be used with caution to avoid the development of bronchospasm.

• If the disease is accompanied by a significant increase in temperature (above 38 degrees), antipyretic drugs should be used in the form of suppositories or syrups based on paracetamol (Cefecon suppositories, Efferalgan syrup) or ibuprofen (Nurofen syrup, Ibufen).
• If laryngotracheitis is caused by a viral infection, then antiviral drugs are used, for example, Groprinosin, Amizon, interferon-based drugs (Laferobion).
• Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis in children are used in the following situations: when the disease is caused by a bacterial infection; with high intoxication of the body; to prevent complications in the viral nature of the disease. Given the fact that viruses are most often the cause of laryngotracheitis, the use antibacterial drugs usually not needed. If there is a need to use antibiotics, then they prefer drugs of the penicillin series (Augmentin). They also use cephalosporins (Cefadox) and, in especially severe cases, macrolides (Sumamed).

Physiotherapy treatment

At the same time with general recommendations on treatment and use of standard medications, in complex therapy laryngotracheitis to speed up the healing process and alleviate the symptoms of the disease, physiotherapy procedures are used:

• warm compresses on the pharynx and trachea (heater with warm water), mustard plasters;
• inhalation over steam and using a nebulizer;
• electrophoresis, UHF, microwave therapy;
• massage;
• hot baths for the lower and upper limbs.

Important! Foot baths and warm compresses should only be used at normal body temperature.

If in the treatment of laryngotracheitis are used steam inhalation then the following basic guidelines must be followed:

For the convenience and safety of the inhalation procedure, as well as more effective delivery of drugs to the area of ​​​​inflammation, it is better to use a special device - a nebulizer. However, it should be remembered that most nebulizers cannot use herbal decoctions and essential oils. In nebulizers, alkaline inhalations with mineral water (Borjomi, Polyana Kvasova), drugs indicated to eliminate the symptoms of the disease in inhalation form (Lazolvan, Sinupret, Nebutamol) are used.

Gargling with infusions and decoctions of various herbs, for the preparation of which chamomile and calendula flowers, sage are most often used. This procedure reduces inflammation, reduces pain. Rinsing is carried out three times a day until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

Most often, the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is carried out on an outpatient basis. However, you should be aware of the situations when you need to seek urgent medical help. Most often, the danger is caused by conditions complicated by severe swelling of the larynx. In this case, the disease is accompanied by:

• intermittent, uneven breathing;
• shortness of breath;
• difficult breathing, noisy breathing;
• excessive excitability or, conversely, drowsiness;
• pallor and cyanosis of the skin.

In this case, there is a stenosing form of laryngotracheitis (false croup), which is dangerous for the development of asphyxia. First aid for false croup:

• alkaline inhalations;
• hot baths for the upper and lower extremities;
• air humidification with a humidifier, frequent wet cleaning.