Acute laryngotracheitis in children symptoms

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Acute laryngotracheitis in children: causes, symptoms and treatment

Young children have an imperfect immune system; it is in the stage of formation and development. Any hypothermia can trigger the development of an infection that was previously dormant peacefully in the body.

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What we call a cold occurs, but in fact it is an infectious disease of a viral or bacterial nature. One of the common diseases in young children is acute laryngotracheitis.

What is acute laryngotracheitis

Acute laryngotracheitis in children

This disease was formerly called false croup because of the characteristic barking cough. Now this term is more applicable to conditions of throat swelling of an allergic nature. Acute laryngotracheitis affects the pharynx and trachea of ​​a child, mainly boys aged from one to seven years. This “selectivity” of the disease is most likely due to the fact that little girls risk their health less in outdoor games during the cold season. Boys, on the other hand, are active and very mobile, they strive to take off clothes that interfere with their play, they become hypothermic and, as a result, get sick.

Treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children requires correct diagnosis of the disease. This disease develops rapidly and manifests itself quite acutely.

Initially, a child who has caught a cold feels the usual malaise, weakness, lethargy, a runny nose, and a headache.

Acute laryngotracheitis begins suddenly, manifested by difficulty breathing, severe cough, hoarseness or complete loss of voice.

Causes of acute laryngotracheitis in children

Since the treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children must be carried out comprehensively, it is very important to identify the true cause of the disease in time.

Since the body of a small child does not cope well with thermoregulation, illnesses due to hypothermia (colds) are a common and very common occurrence. It may manifest itself as a slight runny nose, which goes away quite quickly, but it can also awaken a dormant infection, especially if the child has recently been ill. The immune system is weakened by the fight against a serious enemy and cannot fight off another infection. At this moment, it is very important to protect the baby from cold and drafts.

Any of the diseases suffered greatly weakens the body of a small child, making him very sensitive to various other infections.

Slight hypothermia gives impetus to the development of inflammation, first in the pharynx, and then down to the trachea. At the same time, the delicate and sensitive vocal cords are affected. Acute laryngotracheitis occurs.

Symptoms of acute laryngotracheitis

This disease is a frequent companion to cold viral diseases or their direct consequence. If measures are not taken in time and treatment of the baby is not started, then a common runny nose can turn into a serious illness that can have dangerous complications.

Acute viral infections, penetrating the child’s body, cause tracheal vascular spasms. Because of this, blood circulation is disrupted, the mucous membranes swell, and secretions begin to be actively produced.

Gradually, the secretion becomes thick and viscous, with purulent contents, the trachea becomes “clogged” with it and the child finds it difficult to breathe. Due to the fact that air literally breaks through the reduced lumen of the trachea, the child’s breathing becomes heavy, hoarse and labored. The next stage is a sharp cough, which is characterized as barking. The baby may have disturbed sleep due to difficulty breathing; many find it difficult to eat food, especially hard food, and chew it.

When the vocal cords are damaged, the voice becomes hoarse, its timbre changes, the child cannot speak loudly or laugh - this literally makes him cough.

It is very important to begin treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children as early as possible - an advanced disease can develop into prolonged bronchitis or even be complicated by pneumonia. It will be much more difficult to cure these diseases, and the treatment process will take a lot of time.

Degrees of acute laryngotracheitis

During this disease, it is customary to distinguish three stages:

  1. First degree of illness. At this time, the child is still quite alert, can play, eats and sleeps normally. Among the external manifestations, one can note only difficult, rather heavy breathing, in some cases with wheezing, some hoarseness of the voice and obvious signs of a cold. The cough manifests itself in paroxysms and can last from several minutes to several hours. The child may be capricious, but such a cough does not cause any particular, very pronounced discomfort in the baby. This is a fairly mild condition that can be quickly and effectively treated if you quickly consult a doctor and make the correct diagnosis.
  2. Second degree of the disease. At this time, acute laryngotracheitis is in the stage of incomplete compensation. This means the fact that the body fights infection, resisting with all the forces of its imperfect immunity. At this time, the cough becomes severe, the child cannot clear his throat, he painfully tries to catch his breath, his skin may turn blue from lack of oxygen. The breathing is very heavy, it can be heard even at a distance from the baby, it comes out with a whistle from the constantly partly open mouth. Because of this, a coating forms on the tongue, lips dry out and crack.
  3. The third degree of the disease is called decompensated stenosis. This name means that the child’s trachea is completely clogged with thick mucus, which greatly interferes with breathing, is difficult to separate and provokes bouts of painful prolonged coughing. The child is worried, becomes lethargic, is not interested in anything, his sleep is disturbed, and his appetite is completely absent. This is a very serious and complex condition, which most likely requires urgent hospitalization of the child.

Methods of external influence on the acute form of laryngotracheitis

Treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children

Treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children is carried out comprehensively and necessarily includes a visit to a pediatrician or a specialized specialist. You cannot begin to treat your baby without an accurate diagnosis from a doctor.

The symptoms of this disease can be very similar to others that are very dangerous and difficult to treat - whooping cough, diphtheria. Self-medication can be especially dangerous in the case of a very young child or in a severe stage of an advanced disease.

Complex treatment includes:

  • Use of inhalations. Moist heat dilates the bronchi, thins mucus and helps empty the trachea of ​​contents. It becomes easier for the child to breathe, he can cough and get rid of phlegm. It is best to do inhalations with a special ultrasonic device, especially for very young children. You can get by with a regular inhaler, you just need to be careful so that the child does not painfully turn the vessel over on himself or get burned by the steam. Inhalation with a soda solution works best, but you can also use sea salt, and also mix these two substances to enhance the effect. Repeat inhalations several times a day, most often during a coughing attack. If the child has a high temperature, this procedure cannot be performed.
  • Foot baths. You need to steam your feet at a tolerable temperature, making sure that the room is not cold. Hot baths dilate blood vessels and help better clear the trachea of ​​mucus. The baby feels much better after this procedure. If your body temperature is high, it is prohibited to hover your feet.
  • A steam bath is a method that is still used to treat coughing attacks due to whooping cough. The bathroom is completely filled with steam from boiling water, and then the sick child is brought in there. Inhaling hot and very humid air “opens” the bronchi and trachea, causes vasodilation and helps clear phlegm. The cough subsides quite quickly.

Drug treatment of the disease

Treatment of the disease with medications

If affected by acute laryngotracheitis, it is very dangerous to give your child medications, especially antibiotics, on your own. You can easily confuse the dose, allergies can occur to medications, and the effectiveness of antibiotics for a viral disease is almost zero.

Only a pediatrician can prescribe these drugs, and only if he believes that a bacterial infection has also been added to the viral infection. Otherwise, such treatment can only harm the child. As an anti-cough, various drugs are prescribed that can effectively thin mucus and cause it to separate.

Antispasmodics and expectorants will help quickly remove phlegm from the body, which interferes with normal breathing.

Medicines are given strictly as prescribed by the doctor and in the dosage prescribed by him. The child must be explained that phlegm and mucus that has begun to be coughed up must be spat out. To do this, the child is explained how this is done and taught to use disposable paper handkerchiefs or napkins so as not to spread the infection.

More information about laryngotracheitis can be found in the video.

With timely initiation and the correct choice of medications, treatment can last 5 days, but most often it is delayed for two weeks. The speed of recovery depends on the stage at which treatment for acute laryngotracheitis in children began, and on the state of the baby’s immunity.

Diet and daily routine for laryngotracheitis

Menu during illness

To alleviate the child’s condition, you need to maintain moderate temperature and humidity in his room, regularly ventilate it in the absence of the child, and avoid drafts in every possible way. During the acute stage of the disease, it is necessary to observe bed rest, regularly changing the baby into clean underwear at high temperatures and perspiration. If the child is in pajamas that are damp from sweat, drying on them will help cool the body and this may worsen the baby's condition.

It is very important to distract the child by keeping him busy with some games, reading interesting books and watching exciting TV shows. You can give him his favorite toy in bed.

As with all colds, the child is offered plenty of fluids. The baby is given a variety of juices, cranberry juice and a variety of compotes. You need to drink often, little by little, plenty of fluid helps remove toxins and breakdown products, speeding up recovery.

The effectiveness of treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children is supported by proper and balanced nutrition.

Since it is difficult for a child to swallow and chew solid food, it is replaced with soft or pureed foods, steamed cutlets and meatballs, and healthy chicken broth. Spicy and salty foods, as well as sweets and chocolate products, are removed from the diet. They can irritate a sore throat and make coughing fits worse. Since a child may suffer from appetite disorders and be capricious, not wanting to eat “boring” food, parents need to try to make the sick child’s food tasty, healthy and visually attractive.

Prevention of acute laryngotracheitis

Prevention of acute laryngotracheitis

Since most diseases occur against the background of hypothermia, and laryngotracheitis is no exception, parents need to dress the child correctly.

There is no need to wrap him up excessively, because an active baby, being dressed too warmly, will quickly sweat, and then can quickly freeze due to wet clothes.

Air conditioners are also dangerous. It is necessary to ensure that the stream of cold air is always directed upward, towards the ceiling, the temperature is not too low, and the air flow is not very strong. The temperature difference between outside and room temperatures should not exceed seven degrees. It is necessary to protect the child from drafts, not only at home, but also on the street.

Most colds are provoked by drafts, especially if the child is sweaty and sits on the floor to play in the path of the air flow.

The best method for preventing laryngotracheitis and other diseases is hardening. Walk your baby barefoot through the dew, let him run barefoot on the beach more often, wipe him down or pour water on him, and play sports with him. This will bring him great benefits, strengthen his immune system and help him resist various diseases.

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  • Karina - I always washed it with sea salt. – 03/02/2018
  • Ira – Hypothermia often provokes hypothermia. – 01.03.2018
  • Rita – If my little one is sick. – 02/28/2018
  • Katya - This is a good article. I encountered it myself. – 02/28/2018
  • Yulia - Arina, you have ARVI. – 02/28/2018
  • Olga Vasilenko – I avoided this drug for a long time. – 02/28/2018

The medical information published on this page is strictly not recommended for self-medication. If you feel negative changes in your health, immediately contact an ENT specialist. All articles published on our resource are for informational purposes only. If you use this material or a fragment of it on your website, an active link to the source is required.

Source: http://tvojlor.com/lor/throat/laringit/ostryj-laringotraheit-u-detej-prichiny-simptomy-i-lechenie.html

Laryngotracheitis in children

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

The characteristics of immunity in children, as well as the relatively short length of the respiratory tract, contribute to a greater predisposition of children to this disease. In childhood, the infectious-inflammatory process that begins in the nasopharynx especially often tends to descend lower, affecting the larynx 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 breathing problems - the so-called false croup develops, which carries a potential threat to life. Another name for this condition is stenosing laryngotracheitis.

Laryngotracheitis in children often develops as a complication of sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and 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 infectious agents. Infection occurs through airborne droplets from a sick person. In most cases, laryngotracheitis develops against the background of acute respiratory diseases: adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, influenza, measles, rubella, chickenpox, scarlet fever.

Laryngotracheitis of bacterial etiology can occur due to infection with staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, mycobacterium tuberculosis, mycoplasma, treponema pallidum, and chlamydia.

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

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

  • immunodeficiency states;
  • constant breathing through the mouth (if nasal breathing is impaired due to a deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, choanal atresia);
  • chronic somatic diseases (hepatitis, gastritis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, etc.);
  • hypothermia;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • poor nutrition;
  • too hot or cold, excessively dry or humid inhaled air;
  • passive smoking.

Forms of the disease

Laryngotracheitis in children can be acute (uncomplicated and stenotic) 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 of the chronic form of laryngotracheitis in children are most often observed in the autumn-winter period.

According to the etiological factor, viral, bacterial and mixed forms of laryngotracheitis are distinguished.

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children

Acute laryngotracheitis

Clinical manifestations of acute laryngotracheitis in children usually occur against the background of existing symptoms of an acute infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract (nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sore or sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, increased body temperature). At the same time, symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children appear after the patient’s body temperature has dropped to subfebrile levels - after improvement, the child’s condition worsens again.

Children with acute laryngotracheitis develop hoarseness, discomfort in the larynx (dryness, burning, tickling, foreign body sensation), dry cough, followed by chest pain. Cough is usually observed in the morning and at night, and can manifest itself in the form of an attack against the background of inhaling cold or dusty air, taking a deep breath, crying, or laughing. In this case, a small amount of mucous sputum is released, which, when a secondary bacterial infection is attached (or with bacterial laryngitis), becomes mucopurulent in nature.

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

On examination, pronounced hyperemia and thickening of the mucous membranes in the affected area are noted. 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 the pathological process progresses, the exudate becomes thicker, and fibrinous films appear on the mucous membranes. In the case of staphylococcal or streptococcal etiology of laryngotracheitis, yellow-green crusts form that fill the lumen of the respiratory tract.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is usually carried out on an outpatient basis; if false croup develops, 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 impedes the movement of air, noisy inhalation and exhalation (dry wheezing can be heard when inhaling - the so-called stridor breathing), attacks of shortness of breath, tachycardia.

Chronic laryngotracheitis

In the catarrhal form of chronic laryngotracheitis in children, hyperemia of the affected mucous membranes with a cyanotic tint, dilatation of submucosal blood vessels, and petechial hemorrhages in the submucosal layer, occurring due to increased vascular permeability, are observed.

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 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) are noted. In this form of the disease, thickening of the vocal cords may be limited, in the form of nodules, or diffuse, and the formation of cysts, contact ulcers of the larynx, or prolapse of the laryngeal ventricle is also possible.

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

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

Voice disturbances in chronic laryngotracheitis vary from slight hoarseness, occurring mainly in the morning and evening, to constant hoarseness, and sometimes complete aphonia. With chronic laryngotracheitis in children, the cough is constant, which can cause the development of sleep disorders in such patients. The amount of sputum in this form of the disease usually increases.

Exacerbations of 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 and a physical examination are carried out. If necessary, the diagnosis is confirmed by instrumental and laboratory tests.

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

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

In case of chronic laryngotracheitis (especially when hypertrophic changes are detected), it may be necessary to use frontal computed tomography of the larynx and endoscopic biopsy. The results of these studies may require consultation with 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 infectious agents.

Differential diagnosis of laryngotracheitis in children with foreign bodies of the larynx and trachea, diphtheria, bronchial asthma, retropharyngeal abscess, and malignant neoplasms is required.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is usually carried out on an outpatient basis; if false croup develops, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital.

Antihistamines, antitussives, and mucolytic drugs are prescribed. When body temperature rises, antipyretic drugs are prescribed. Alkaline and/or oil inhalations, nebulizer therapy, electrophoresis in the area of ​​the larynx and trachea are indicated.

Drug therapy for laryngotracheitis of bacterial origin consists of the use of anti-infective drugs, the selection of which is carried out depending on the type of pathogen and taking into account its sensitivity.

Treatment of the chronic form of laryngotracheitis in children is supplemented by the administration of vitamin complexes, immunomodulatory therapy, physiotherapy (ultrahigh-frequency therapy, inductometry), as well as massage.

Surgery may be indicated if complications develop, such as a retropharyngeal abscess or laryngeal cyst.

The main treatment of laryngotracheitis in children can be supplemented with herbal medicine (eucalyptus, sage, chamomile preparations in the form of rinses or inhalations). Taking into account the high allergenicity of herbal medicines, they should be used only in consultation with the attending physician.

In most cases, laryngotracheitis develops against the background of acute respiratory diseases: adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, influenza, measles, rubella, chickenpox, scarlet fever.

Children with an acute form of the disease or exacerbation of a chronic one are advised to drink plenty of water (warm tea, compote, jelly), as well as a gentle diet, balanced in composition, with the exception of foods that irritate the mucous membrane (sour, spicy, hot, cold dishes). The air in the room in which the patient is located must be fresh and sufficiently humidified.

Possible consequences and complications of laryngotracheitis in children

Complications of laryngotracheitis in children include the spread of the pathological process to other parts of the respiratory tract with the development of tracheobronchitis and pneumonia, bronchiolitis, neoplasms of the larynx or trachea.

Against the background of false croup, asphyxia may develop in a patient with laryngotracheitis.

Forecast

With timely and adequate treatment of acute uncomplicated laryngotracheitis, the prognosis is favorable. If complications develop and the disease becomes chronic, the prognosis worsens. Asphyxia can be fatal.

Prevention

In order to prevent the development of laryngotracheitis in children, it is recommended:

  • timely and adequate treatment of infectious diseases, especially acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI);
  • avoiding hypothermia;
  • adequate physical activity;
  • regular walks in the fresh air;
  • rational daily routine;
  • balanced diet;
  • hardening;
  • stopping smoking in the presence of a child.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Education: “First Kiev Medical College”, specialty “Laboratory Diagnostics”.

The information is generalized and is provided for informational purposes. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor. Self-medication is dangerous to health!

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Source: http://www.neboleem.net/laringotraheit-u-detej.php

How to treat laryngotracheitis in children: diagnosis, complex therapy, prevention, prognosis

During the cool season, children are especially susceptible to infections. When pathogenic microflora enters the respiratory tract, laryngotracheitis can develop. This pathology is inflammatory in nature. To cope with the disease, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Laryngotracheitis in children: etiology

This term refers to inflammatory lesions of the larynx and trachea. These parts of the respiratory system play a very important role. Both elements help move air into the lungs. In addition, the larynx is responsible for the formation of the voice.

Causes and provoking factors

As a rule, this pathology develops in children under 7 years of age. It is more common in children with weakened immune systems. At the same time, boys get sick more often.

The main causes of the disease include the following:

In medicine, there are several forms of this pathology:

  1. False croup – occurs in children under 4 years of age. This form of the disease is characterized by a sharp appearance of swelling and cough.
  2. Acute laryngotracheitis - may be a consequence of a viral infection or influenza. This form of the disease is characterized by loss of voice, cough, and nasal congestion. Often the cough appears at night, which prevents the child from falling asleep.
  3. Chronic laryngotracheitis is characterized by similar manifestations. This form of pathology can occur due to viruses or allergies. In this case, sharp manifestations of laryngeal stenosis and cough are observed. Most often, symptoms appear at night.

Stages

Depending on the stage of the disease, manifestations may have varying degrees of severity:

  1. The initial stage is called compensated. At this stage, manifestations of stenosing laryngotracheitis occur only during physical exertion. So, the child may experience shortness of breath when inhaling. At this stage, the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood remains normal. The attack may last for several hours or days.
  2. The second stage is called subcompensated. In this case, manifestations of false croup appear and increase even at rest. The child has noisy breathing. When inhaling and exhaling, additional muscles are activated. The baby exhibits restless behavior and pale skin. Attacks may recur within 3-5 days.
  3. The third stage is called decompensated. At this stage, the patient's condition deteriorates significantly. This stage is characterized by disturbances in blood gas composition, increased anxiety, severe shortness of breath, and drowsiness. Often there is a superficial cough and arrhythmic breathing. If you do not help the child, the pathology will progress.
  4. The fourth stage is characterized by asphyxia. This is a very complex condition, characterized by frequent and arrhythmic breathing. It may stop periodically. At this stage, the child may fall into a coma. It is also characterized by a serious shift in the gas composition of the blood: the oxygen content decreases significantly.

Symptoms

The main manifestation of laryngotracheitis is sudden attacks of coughing. Breathing at this moment becomes noisy and restless. This symptom usually occurs in the evenings or at night.

The following symptoms also indicate the development of laryngotracheitis:

  • hoarseness in the voice;
  • dyspnea;
  • loss of voice;
  • blue color of nails, lips, nasolabial triangle.

Diagnostics: research methods and necessary tests

Before starting therapy, it is important to make a correct diagnosis. To detect the disease, the doctor examines the child, evaluates the patient's signs and condition.

Treatment

To cope with pathology, it is very important to carry out a number of therapeutic measures. This will help avoid unpleasant consequences.

Dr. Komarovsky talks about the causes of laryngotracheitis:

General recommendations

First of all, you need to ensure the child’s voice rest. It is difficult to explain to a child that he needs to be silent. Therefore, it is worth offering the child some kind of game that requires silence. It is important to remember that whispering also causes tension in the ligaments.

Medication

Antibiotics are not always prescribed. Such remedies are needed only when the disease is bacterial in nature. Children are usually prescribed drugs from the category of penicillins and macrolides. Sumamed and Augmentin are considered effective drugs.

If the disease is of viral origin, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Most often, interferon-based products are recommended - viferon, influenza, etc.

To cope with laryngeal edema, you can use the latest generation of antihistamines. This category includes Zodac and Zyrtec. They can be used from an early age. In difficult situations, it may be necessary to administer drugs intramuscularly.

To eliminate a coughing attack and prevent the risk of stenosis, drugs that relieve spasm are used. These include aminophylline, berodual, pulmicort. Such drugs are often used in the form of inhalations.

How to treat laryngotracheitis in children, says a pediatrician:

Folk remedies

To cope with laryngotracheitis, you can use the following recipes:

  1. Infusion of St. John's wort. Grind the dry grass, take 3 tablespoons of the raw material and pour boiling water over it. Leave for 2 hours in a thermos. The strained product is given to the child a dessert spoon half an hour before meals.
  2. Herbal decoction. Take marshmallow root, licorice, fennel fruits, scepter-shaped mullein flowers, coltsfoot leaves. All ingredients must be dried and combined in a ratio of 4:3:2:2:4. Pour 1 spoon of the mixture into a glass of cold water, leave for 2 hours, then put on the stove and wait for it to boil. After cooling, the product should be strained and given to the child throughout the day.
  3. Garlic decoction. Take 5 cloves of the plant, chop thoroughly and add 300 ml of milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, remove from the stove and cool. Take a dessert spoon. It is recommended to do this up to 6 times a day.

Physiotherapy

The main means of physiotherapy include:

Possible complications

If treatment is not started in time, the pathology can provoke dangerous consequences:

Prevention

To prevent the development of pathology, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

  • Healthy food;
  • to live an active lifestyle;
  • prevent viral pathologies;
  • harden the body;
  • treat chronic pathologies in a timely manner;
  • maintain the required level of humidity;
  • Get rid of dust in a timely manner and ventilate the room.

Reviews about the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, see our video:

Forecast

If treatment for the pathology is started in time, it has a very favorable prognosis. If you ignore the symptoms of the disease, there is a risk of the process becoming chronic.

Laryngotracheitis in children is considered a rather dangerous disorder that can provoke dangerous consequences. To avoid complications, you need to consult a doctor in time and strictly follow his recommendations.

Source: http://gidmed.com/otorinolarintologija/zabolevanija-lor/bolezni-gorla/laringit/laringotraheit/u-detej-diagnostika.html

Laryngotracheitis in children: symptoms and treatment

Upper respiratory tract diseases are a common problem in children. This is due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the child and the constantly changing level of protective forces. The larynx and trachea are part of the upper respiratory tract. They are responsible for the passage of air, its warming and purification, as well as for voice formation.

When the development of the inflammatory process simultaneously affects both the larynx and trachea, in this case we are talking about laryngotracheitis. Pathology can occur as an independent disease or be a complication of another disease. Symptoms and treatment of laryngotracheitis in children are discussed in the article.

Peculiarities

Acute laryngotracheitis in children, as in adults, is also called “false croup”. The concept “false” means the development of this condition against the background of ARVI, in contrast to “true”, which is characteristic of diphtheria. Most often occurs between six months and 4 years.

Anatomical and physiological characteristics in a preschool child contribute to the occurrence of laryngotracheitis. These include: small sizes of the respiratory tract, increased blood supply to the mucous membranes, “high” localization of the vocal cords. It is here that narrowing and development of edema occurs, which is characteristic of acute laryngotracheitis.

Causes

The viral nature of inflammation in children is more often diagnosed, the causative agents of which can be:

  • influenza virus;
  • adenovirus infection;
  • respiratory syncytial virus;
  • parainfluenza virus.

In case of laryngotracheitis of bacterial origin in a child, the leading role belongs to:

  • coccal flora;
  • mycobacterium tuberculosis;
  • Treponema pallidum;
  • chlamydia;
  • mycoplasma.

There is also allergic laryngotracheitis. The cause of development can be any of the known allergens (pollen, dust, citrus fruits, animal fur). Allergic origin in no way softens the brightness of the clinical picture of the pathology.

Acute stenosing laryngotracheitis in children (ASLT) often develops against the background of the following factors: diathesis, artificial feeding, vaccinations given during viral diseases, anemia, hypothermia, passive smoking.

The mechanism of development of laryngotracheitis

Pathogens enter the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and significant swelling develops in the larynx. In response to inflammation, the secretory glands produce a thick secretion that accumulates in the lumen, interfering with the normal breathing process.

The accumulation of secretions causes a cough, with the help of which the body tries to clear the airways. However, the result is an even greater increase in narrowing and swelling. Compensatory mechanisms are activated to ensure access to the required amount of air. The muscles of the chest are involved in this process, breathing occurs through the mouth. Such intense “work” leads to the fact that the body’s energy reserves quickly decrease, and cells and tissues suffer from oxygen deficiency.

Emergency care is the only option that can stop the progression of acute laryngotracheitis in a child.

Symptoms

As a rule, an attack due to laryngotracheitis begins during the child’s night rest. In a dream, you may hear increased breathing with whistling notes. The baby wakes up, experiencing some discomfort. The first sign that laryngotracheitis with stenosis is developing is a sharp hoarseness of voice. Next comes a cough, which is called “barking.” There may be symptoms of ARVI: fever, runny nose, weakness, muscle pain, chills.

The clinical picture of laryngotracheitis by stages is described in the table.

Diagnostics

Laryngotracheitis in a child is diagnosed based on symptoms, in severe cases - examination of the larynx using laryngoscopy. The doctor may see red and swollen mucous membrane, thick sputum in the lumen of the upper respiratory tract.

Another method of examination is fibrolaryngoscopy. To use it, local anesthesia is used, and the device with optics is administered to the child intranasally (through the nose). An additional method is ultrasound. An increase in echogenicity, displacement of cartilage during breathing, and a change in the size of the glottis are visualized.

Differential diagnosis

Before treating an attack, it is necessary to verify the exact cause of the development of laryngotracheitis in a child and differentiate it from other conditions that may be accompanied by similar symptoms.

How is laryngotracheitis differentiated?

Giving help

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is carried out in specialized centers or hospitals with infectious diseases departments. The child must be hospitalized in a medical institution at the second stage of clinical manifestations (at the request of the parents, it can be earlier). In the third stage of symptoms, the patient is transported directly to the intensive care unit. Treatment at home is allowed only at the stage of compensation for laryngotracheitis, however, this should occur under the supervision of a pediatrician.

As soon as the parents notice that the baby is developing an attack due to laryngotracheitis, they need to call an ambulance. Before they arrive, try to calm the child, because crying only increases swelling and narrowing. You need to open a window or a window, you can wrap it in a blanket and take the child outside, which will provide access to fresh air.

Important points are warm alkaline drinking, steam inhalations, warm foot and hand baths, mustard plasters on the calf muscles (the last three points are carried out under normal body temperature).

Eliminating the cause

Depending on the causative agent of laryngotracheitis, antiviral drugs (Cycloferon, Groprinosin, Arbidol) or antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics are used after identifying the type of microorganism that caused the attack.

  1. Penicillins – Flemoxin, Augmentin. These antibiotics are called “protected” because, in addition to the active substance, they contain a protective component that prevents the destruction of amoxicillin.
  2. Macrolides - these antibiotics are prescribed to children prone to allergic reactions. The group is well tolerated and has a minimum of side effects (Erythromycin, Oleandomycin).
  3. Cephalosporins are antibiotics approved in pediatrics due to their low toxicity (Cefodox, Cefazolin).

Managing symptoms

For laryngotracheitis, inhalations are carried out with a solution of adrenaline (5 drops added to 2 ml of physiology), soda or saline solutions, Berodual. Another drug that has proven effectiveness is Erespal. It relieves swelling, eliminates inflammation, and reduces the manifestation of respiratory syndrome. Erespal is prescribed orally in the form of syrup. The attending physician clarifies the need to take herbal medicines (Tonsilgon N).

The described methods are used in the first stage of an attack against the background of acute laryngotracheitis.

Intensive therapy

The second and third stages require the following activities:

  • oxygen therapy;
  • infusion therapy (intravenous administration of calcium chloride, glucose with ascorbic acid);
  • hormones (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone);
  • sedatives (Diphenhydramine, Seduxen);
  • inhalations with adrenaline and hormones;
  • diuretics, antipyretics, cardiotonic drugs.

Lack of improvement in the third stage of the attack requires intubation under general anesthesia. Laryngotracheitis in children should be treated immediately. Delay can lead to a sharp deterioration of the condition and the development of a number of complications. Compliance with specialist recommendations and timely assistance is the key to a favorable outcome of acute stenosing laryngotracheitis in children.

Source: http://anginamed.ru/laringit/laringotraxeit-u-detej.html

Why is acute laryngotracheitis dangerous in children? How to carry out treatment?

Due to the fact that children's immune system is in the formative stage up to a certain age, they are often susceptible to various respiratory diseases.

Often parents perceive symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and redness of the mucous membranes as signs of a cold and do not pay due attention to treatment.

Acute laryngotracheitis in children

Laryngotracheitis is one of the most common diseases in children and is characterized by swelling of the larynx (in most cases due to the activity of pathogenic microflora, but often this pathology is an allergic reaction of the body).

The disease affects the larynx and part of the trachea and is most often diagnosed in boys between the ages of one and seven years.

The disease appears suddenly and develops rapidly, so treatment should begin immediately after symptoms are detected and a diagnosis is made.

Typically, acute laryngotracheitis in children goes away within ten days, if after this period no positive dynamics are observed, we can talk about the transition of the disease to the chronic stage.

Causes of the disease

Acute laryngotracheitis is always caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as:

  • hemophilus influenzae;
  • bacterial infections;
  • enteroviruses and adenoviruses;
  • rhinovirus;
  • parainfluenza virus.

For example, if the family lives in an ecologically unfavorable area or the climate in the place of residence is too dry or cold.

Symptoms of acute laryngotracheitis in children

Symptoms of this disease in children manifest themselves as:

  • sore throat and dry mouth;
  • dry hacking cough;
  • pain when swallowing;
  • pain in the chest area;
  • hoarseness of voice (sometimes there is a complete loss of voice during the illness);
  • increased body temperature to 38 degrees or higher, chills and fever;
  • lacrimation;
  • runny nose.

Usually, the temperature can be brought down after two to three days; during about the same time, using the right medications, it is possible to get rid of the cough.

Disease severity

Laryngotracheitis in a baby can be classified according to the severity of its occurrence. There are three such degrees in total:

  1. In the first degree, no sleep disturbances occur and the mood remains good.

The baby eats regularly, does not refuse to play and sleeps well, although attentive parents may already at this stage notice difficulty breathing with wheezing and a hoarse voice.

During this period, the illness can easily be mistaken for a cold; coughing does not always appear, but at the same time it can come in long attacks lasting up to several hours in a row.

In general, the child’s condition is satisfactory, and treatment can be done with not the most powerful drugs without the need for hospitalization, if the doctor quickly and accurately makes a diagnosis and can identify the causative agent.

  • The second degree (which is also called the “stage of incomplete compensation”) is characterized by an increase in body temperature, which indicates the body’s intense fight against the pathogens of laryngotracheitis.

    The cough during this period becomes painful and severe, and if the baby cannot clear his throat for a long time, the skin on his face may acquire a bluish tint due to lack of oxygen.

    Heavy breathing can be heard even at a distance from the patient, while not only wheezing is noticeable, but also a slight whistling sound.

    The child keeps his mouth constantly open, as a result of which the skin on his lips cracks from drying out.

  • The most severe - the third degree - is called the stage of decompensated stenosis.

    The trachea is already completely clogged with phlegm and mucus, which is difficult to expectorate and separate, and this leads to prolonged bouts of severe, but unproductive cough.

    The baby's general condition during this period deteriorates significantly: he becomes lethargic and inactive, loses his appetite, and sleep disturbances are observed.

    In this condition, the patient is in most cases hospitalized and treated in an inpatient setting.

    • Treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children

    General approach

    On the part of parents, it is necessary to eliminate unfavorable factors, in particular, to protect the baby from passive smoking, to remove from the diet foods that can irritate the mucous membrane of the affected respiratory organs (this includes hot, cold or spicy foods).

    If laryngotracheitis appears suddenly and is paroxysmal in nature, it is necessary to provide first aid to the child yourself, until doctors arrive.

    First of all, it is necessary to calm him down and prevent him from crying, since crying with loud screams only provokes irritation of the affected mucous membranes.

    You should immediately start feeding your baby warm water.

    You can reduce swelling of the larynx by steaming your legs and arms: in this case, blood will move away from the inflamed areas and flow to the extremities, but such a measure is only permissible if the baby does not have a very high temperature.

    Drug treatment

    If the use of antibiotics is unavoidable, they are usually prescribed in the form of sprays for irrigation of the larynx (most often this is the drug Bioparox). If the child’s condition worsens, the following groups of antibiotics may be prescribed:

    • cephalosporins (Fortum, Zinatsev, Suprax);
    • macrolides (azithromycin);
    • penicillins (flemoxin, amoxiclav, augmentin).

    But the basis of treatment should be immunostimulating therapy, during which antibacterial and antiviral immunomodulators are used.

    Antibacterial drugs contain deactivated bacterial particles, and when they enter the body, such elements provoke immune activity against various groups of bacteria.

    Antiviral immunomodulators promote the release of interferon, which helps the body fight viruses.

    These drugs include anaferon, arbidol, imudon, cycloferon, and influenza. In parallel, symptomatic therapy is carried out.

    Removal of puffiness is facilitated by such agents as Xyzal, Zyrtec or Erius in the form of syrup.

    Prevention measures

    Preventive measures to prevent the development of laryngotracheitis in children include:

    • strict control of the immune system, in case of disturbances in the functioning of which it is necessary to take a course of vitamins;
    • absence of hypothermia, which implies not only external protection of the body in the form of clothing appropriate for a particular season, but also limiting the consumption of cold foods;
    • avoiding overstrain of the vocal cords.

    With the development of laryngotracheitis and the transition of the disease to an advanced state, complications such as false croup, pneumonia and laryngotracheobronchitis often develop.

    Sometimes the pathology turns into a stenotic form, which is a deadly complication.

    Useful video

    In this video, Dr. Komarovsky will tell you in detail about acute stenotic laryngotracheitis in children:

    The younger the child, the more dangerous the consequences of such a disease, and in especially severe cases, even hospitalization and urgent resuscitation measures cannot provide a one hundred percent guarantee of the patient’s survival.

    Therefore, it is important not only to treat the disease in a timely manner, but to prevent its occurrence by following preventive instructions and paying attention to any changes in the child’s health.

    Source: http://prostudanet.com/bolezni/gorlo/laringotraheit/vidy-lrtrh/ost-lrtrh-d.html