Respiratory diseases can occur in children and adults. One of the most unpleasant diseases is laryngotracheitis in a child. Often this disease is observed in children under the age of 7 years. At this time, the immune system is most susceptible to the penetration of viruses and bacteria into the body.
Laryngotracheitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease accompanied by severe damage to the larynx and trachea. It can occur on its own or proceed due to the presence of another disease in the child. The danger of such a pathology at this age is that there is a risk of developing bronchitis, pneumonia or false croup.
Features of the disease
Laryngotracheitis in children is an acute bacterial inflammation of the trachea and larynx. It is he who provides access to oxygen to the lungs, but when swelling occurs, quite dangerous symptoms can occur. For example, stenosing laryngotracheitis may occur in children, during the course of which there is a risk of suffocation. Stenosis is characterized by a significant narrowing of the lumen between the trachea and larynx.
If the throat is completely blocked, then the air will no longer enter the lungs, which can lead to suffocation and death. Knowing exactly what the disease is characterized by, it is possible to prescribe a course of therapy in a timely manner to prevent complications. With the penetration of pathogens into the respiratory tract, viruses begin to inhibit the immune system. With a decrease in immunity, bacteria begin to attack the mucous membrane of the respiratory system. As a result, the infection leads to a course of purulent inflammation, cough with the release of purulent sputum.
The mucous membrane of the trachea and larynx begins to redden and swell. These signs cannot be determined without special endoscopic equipment.
The main types of disease
With the occurrence of laryngotracheitis in a child, swelling of the mucosa may occur. As a result of this, sputum accumulates, which leads to irritation of the receptors and complication of breathing. Exactly the same processes occur in the area of the vocal cords. The main signs of the disease can occur in one of its forms, namely:
- catarrhal;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic.
With a catarrhal form, the vessels of the mucous membrane are filled with blood and minor hemorrhages can be observed. There is also swelling, tightening of the larynx and the presence of a bluish tint. The hypertrophic form is characterized by the fact that compacted nodules appear on the vocal cords, they become edematous, and laryngeal edema is also observed. With atrophic laryngotracheitis, the mucous membranes become dry, the vocal cords become thinner, and the muscles gradually atrophy.
Causes of occurrence
The causes of laryngotracheitis in children can be very different. First of all, it is worth noting that provoke inflammation can:
- viral infections;
- allergy;
- inflammation of the respiratory system;
- bacterial infections.
In addition, there are certain risk factors, which include:
- frequent stay of the child in adverse conditions;
- difficulty in nasal breathing;
- taking certain medications;
- chronic lung diseases;
- systemic diseases;
- low body resistance.
Separately, it is worth noting the causes of the formation of allergic laryngotracheitis in a child. Allergens can be foods, dust, medications, plant pollen. A cause of inflammation with stenosis can be a burn or trauma to the larynx.
Key features
Laryngotracheitis in a child does not occur unexpectedly. Often, it is formed as a result of inflammation in the nose and throat. The initial symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children manifest as:
- nasal congestion;
- runny nose;
- sore throat;
- coughing
- perspiration;
- temperature increase.
The advancement of the infectious lesion deep into the respiratory tract provokes the occurrence of dry cough, hoarseness, and voice change. In acute laryngotracheitis, children experience pain in the center of the sternum during a coughing fit. Attacks are very often observed at night, and there may also be sputum production, which after a while becomes purulent. In addition, there is an increase in temperature. The acute course of the disease can be complicated by stenosis of the larynx.
Inflammation of the trachea in a baby up to five years develops quite rapidly over 1-3 days, however, this always occurs after the onset of signs of a viral infection. Among the main symptoms indicating the presence of false croup, we can distinguish, for example:
- the occurrence of shortness of breath;
- heart palpitations;
- blue nasolabial triangle.
If there are signs of inflammation in a child under 3 years old, you should urgently consult a pediatrician, as you need to begin treatment of the disease as soon as possible. Procrastination is very dangerous for the life of the child, since the complete overlapping of the glottis can lead to suffocation. If laryngotracheitis is diagnosed in a baby up to a year old, then it must be transported to a hospital, since it must be under the supervision of a doctor.
Children over five years of age and adolescents experience a painful cough, mainly at night, hoarseness, headache, severe weakness. At the same time, sputum clears its throat very difficult, and after a while it becomes purulent.
Diagnostics
In order to accurately understand how and with what to treat laryngotracheitis in a child, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. The survey complex must include:
- general analysis of urine and blood;
- larynx examination;
- tracheoscopy or laryngoscopy;
- virus research.
Once the diagnosis is made, you must immediately begin treatment under the supervision of a qualified specialist.
Treatment features
For a better and more successful treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, Komarovsky recommends following these rules:
- the child should speak as little as possible so as not to strain his throat;
- it is forbidden to eat spicy or salty foods;
- you need to consume a lot of warm liquid;
- the air in the room must be humidified.
It is important to regularly clean and ventilate the room where the sick child is. The optimal solution is to stay the baby in the hospital. All the necessary conditions are created there, and also at any time doctors can provide the required assistance. Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children must be comprehensive and include:
- medications;
- creating a gentle regime;
- good nutrition;
- drinking plenty of water;
- alternative therapy methods;
- physiotherapy.
Drug therapy must be prescribed only by a specialist after conducting an examination and clarifying the diagnosis. Food must contain many vitamins. Heavy meals should be excluded from the diet.
Particular attention is paid to the treatment of children under the age of 4 years, as there is a very high risk of complications. It is important to remember that during severe inflammation, steam inhalations with laryngotracheitis in children are strictly contraindicated, since they significantly increase the swelling of the mucosa, the symptoms of the disease are significantly exacerbated. Coughing becomes more frequent and painful, coughing is noted, especially at night. In addition, shortness of breath and anxiety occur.
Inhalations in the acute period are carried out with the help of drugs only through the use of special children's inhalers. The doctor purely individually selects the dosage, duration and frequency of the procedure.
Drug therapy
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children implies the use of drugs such as:
- antibiotics
- antiviral agents;
- drugs to eliminate edema;
- anti-inflammatory.
Immunomodulating therapy should include antiviral agents that increase the body's immunity by releasing interferon. Such drugs can be used from 3 years old, they include "Grippferon", "Arbidol", "Anaferon."
Antibacterial agents include bacteria particles that often cause inflammation in the respiratory system. These are topical preparations, for example, Imudon. All immunomodulators should be used often, up to 6 times a day for a week, until the normalization of health.
Sprays containing antibiotics are good. The traditional treatment is aerosol Bioparox. Children under 3 years of age are shown 1-2 sprays 4 times a day. The first time you need to use them very carefully, as it is possible to provoke spasm of the respiratory system.
With severe inflammation and fever with laryngotracheitis in children, antibiotics can be used. The doctor can prescribe penicillins (Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Flemoxin), cephalosporins (Zinacef, Suprax, Fortum), macrolides (Azithromycin). Anibiotics are not used for more than 7 days. They must be taken with equal intervals between meals.
In addition, symptomatic therapy is indicated. To combat dry cough, prescribe such drugs as Tusuprex, Tussin, Sinecode. To improve sputum discharge, Bromhexine, ACC, Mukoltin will be required. To eliminate puffiness, itching and irritation, the use of antihistamines is indicated, namely Zirtek, Erius, Xizal.
It is very important to know with allergic laryngotracheitis in children how many days symptoms are observed and how to deal with the disease. Stenosis in this case is quite pronounced. For therapy, a glucorticosteroid drug, namely Pulmocort, can be prescribed. It helps to effectively eliminate swelling of the respiratory system. Initially, the drug is prescribed for the relief of asthma attacks and in chronic obstruction of the lungs. It is used by the inhalation method.
Its use is contraindicated in bacterial, viral and fungal infections of the respiratory system. This medication is used only for allergic laryngotracheitis.
Folk techniques
Folk remedies for the treatment have a symptomatic effect on the respiratory system. Inhalations are a good method, for which you can use a nebulizer or the traditional method of inhaling steam. For inhalation, you can use eucalyptus, sage, a solution of sea salt.
In addition, you can use decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants, as well as compresses. Often, in the composition of ready-made healing preparations, such plants are used as:
- St. John's wort
- oregano;
- nettle;
- Linden;
- chamomile.
The effective antitussive is a syrup prepared on the basis of honey, lemon and food glycerin. To do this, slightly cut the lemon, boil for 15 minutes until soft, let cool and squeeze the juice. Take out all the bones, add honey in a ratio of 1: 1 and 1 tbsp. l glycerin. Mix everything thoroughly until a uniform consistency is formed and take several times a day.
An infusion of figs and milk, which must be taken several times a day, helps a lot from coughing.
Physiotherapeutic Techniques
Komarovsky recommends treating laryngotracheitis in children with the use of physiotherapeutic techniques. This will speed up the healing process and alleviate the existing symptoms. For this, the application of such techniques as:
- warm compresses on the trachea and pharynx;
- inhalation over steam;
- mustard plasters;
- electrophoresis;
- microwave therapy ;
- massage;
- hot foot baths;
- UHF therapy.
It is worth remembering that warming procedures can be used only at normal temperatures. For the safety of inhalation, as well as the effectiveness of this treatment method, it is advisable to use a nebulizer. Gargling with decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs is also shown. Such a procedure helps to reduce inflammation, as well as pain.
Compliance with the daily routine
With the occurrence of laryngotracheitis, it is very important to ensure that the child has access to clean and fresh air at any time of the year. It is also a very good preventive measure against colds and their complications. A sick child should sleep and rest a lot, especially if there is a fever. If possible, you need to talk as little as possible so as not to damage the inflamed ligaments even more.
The child needs to ensure the consumption of a large amount of liquid, since water helps to completely cleanse the body, participates in metabolic processes, and also prevents dehydration of the body. In the acute period, laryngotracheitis can be very contagious, which is why contacts should be limited to other children and adults.
Complications of the disease
Laryngotracheitis is a very dangerous and serious disease, which, when properly treated, goes away after about 2-3 weeks. Complications such as:
- bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- stenosis.
If the first signs of respiratory failure occur, you should immediately call a doctor. It is worth remembering that self-medication can lead to irreversible consequences.
Prophylaxis
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat it for a long time. It is very important to carry out a set of measures in the autumn and winter to increase the immunity of the child. For a more detailed course of prevention, you need to see a doctor.
It is advisable to teach the child proper breathing. This will prevent the development of complications. In addition, breathing exercises will prevent infection from entering the body, as well as protect against hypothermia. To prevent the development of respiratory diseases, you should always wear a child in accordance with weather conditions to prevent overheating or hypothermia.
For prevention purposes, it is necessary to protect the contact of the child with a smoking person, since tobacco smoke adversely affects his lungs. The kid should spend a lot of time in the fresh air, perform moderate physical activity, consume a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. It is advisable to travel to the sea at least once a year.
Laryngotracheitis is an inflammation that affects the respiratory system. In childhood, it often occurs due to the penetration of bacteria. It is very important to conduct timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment to prevent complications.