Laryngospasm - a sudden attack that occurs due to convulsive compression of the muscles of the larynx. This leads to a narrowing or complete closure of the glottis. Often there is laryngospasm in children from 3 months to 2 years old, artificially fed.
Why does laryngospasm occur in children
There is a laryngospasm, primarily due to an increase in the excitability of the neuromuscular larynx. And the reasons for its appearance may be different:
- metabolic disease,
- lack of vitamin D and calcium in the child’s body,
- a change in the reactivity of the child’s body,
- against the background of rickets, bronchopneumonia, chorea, hydrocephalitis, spasmophyllitis,
- postpartum and mental trauma.
In addition, laryngospasm in children may appear due to:
- inhalation of air containing dust or other irritating substances,
- lubrication of the laryngeal mucosa with certain drugs,
- irritation of the return or vagus laryngeal nerve (tumor, aneurysm, goiter).
In children, it can still develop during laughter, coughing, crying, with fear, hysteria, tetanus, choking.
Laryngospasm in children: symptoms
In children, cramps in the muscles of the larynx appear suddenly. For their timely detection, it is necessary to pay attention to such symptoms of laryngospasm, such as:
- difficulty, noisy, wheezing,
- cyanosis and pallor of the face,
- neck muscle tension,
- the auxiliary muscles are connected to the breath.
With spasm, the baby's head is thrown back, while the mouth is wide open, cold sweat appears, and breathing temporarily stops.
Usually the attack lasts seconds, and after the suspension of respiration, carbon dioxide accumulates in the body, which leads to irritation of the respiratory center and, as a result, the restoration of respiration. The attack ends with an elongated breath, after which the baby already begins to breathe rhythmically and deeply. It happens that he falls asleep for a short while. Similar attacks can occur in a child several times a day, especially during the day.
In especially severe cases, the seizures last much longer, even cramps, foam from the mouth, involuntary defecation or urination, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest are possible.
The danger is that with a prolonged attack, the baby can even die from asphyxiation. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the symptoms of an attack in a timely manner and immediately help the child.
Laryngospasm in children: treatment
With laryngospasm, it is usually not the disease itself that is treated, but the cause of its occurrence. The otolaryngologist will help to figure this out after some research. And in order to avoid complications of the disease, you need to immediately respond to the occurrence of an attack and take the necessary measures.
1. Since during the attack the baby often arrives in a restless state, he must be reassured.
2. A child with spasms of the muscles of the vocal cords feels a lack of oxygen - provide an influx of fresh air to him.
3. Give the baby a drink of water or moisten his face with cold water.
4. Good for attacks are irritating effects: a pinch on the skin, pulling on the tongue, patting on the back.
5. To relieve spasm, you can offer the little man to hold his breath for a long time, after which a normal breath will come. Or you can touch the root of the tongue with a spoon to cause a gag reflex.
6. Carrying out laryngospasm treatment, doctors advise the following actions. Effectively helps with an attack, inhaling ammonia through the nose. You can also enter anticonvulsants in the body, for example, enemas with chloral hydrate (take 0.5 g of it for 200 g of water). In cases of lingering, warm baths will help. It is good to take potassium bromide solution (0.5%) orally in the morning and evening (the dose depends on the age of the baby).
7. In very extreme cases, a tracheostomy or intubation is used.
Keep in mind that regardless of the severity of the seizures, you should always consult a doctor for all recurring cramps!
As a treatment for laryngospasms, hardening and general strengthening therapy are indicated. The doctor usually prescribes vitamin D, calcium preparations, ultraviolet radiation, recommends eating dairy and plant foods and taking long walks in the fresh air. If possible, artificially fed children should be provided with donor milk.
Subject to all doctor's recommendations, as a rule, the prognosis is favorable. The tendency of children to laryngospasm disappears with age.
How to prevent the occurrence of laryngospasm?
Prevention is an important component of the treatment of laryngospasm. It usually needs to be carried out constantly, even when cramping is not observed. Preventive measures are very simple. The first is long walks. It is better if they are different: not only in the park, but also in a pine forest, near the sea. The air of such places has a healthy effect on the respiratory system.
The second - classes for relaxing children: massage, painting, special games. The main rule in this case: you can not force the baby to do this, because this will not be relaxation. When choosing activities for distraction, it is important to observe what the child likes and what calms him.
The use of vitamins and a balanced diet can also contribute to a faster recovery. Be sure to eat more dairy and plant foods and foods rich in calcium. It is important that babies are fed breast milk.
Only following simple recommendations and regular medical examination can a child get rid of spasms of the muscles of his larynx forever. And you need to relax and walk for a long time not only suffering from laryngospasms, but also to healthy people who care about themselves and their health.
Good health to you and your children!