Diseases of the upper respiratory tract in children are mainly infectious. This may be a lesion affecting the area from the nasal cavity to the tracheo-bronchial tree.
Often, such diseases are quite difficult and require special attention, since the risk of developing various complications increases significantly. That is why, when the first signs of the disease occur, you need to diagnose and treat.
Classification of diseases
Regarding the level of pathology, diseases of the upper respiratory tract in children can be such as:
- rhinitis;
- sinusitis;
- sinusitis;
- frontal sinusitis;
- pharyngitis;
- tonsillitis, tonsillitis;
- adenitis;
- rhinopharyngitis, rhinosinusitis.
In addition, pathologies can develop under the influence of various kinds of factors. The main causes of the lesion are:
- hit of foreign bodies;
- mechanical damage and injury;
- infections
- allergy;
- developmental abnormalities;
- congenital pathology.
If the first signs of bacterial and viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract occur, you should immediately visit a doctor, since only he will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and choose a treatment that will help eliminate the existing problem.
Tonsillitis and tonsillitis
Among inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, angina should be distinguished. It refers to acute inflammation, which affects the tonsils, larynx. This disease mainly affects children. The causative agents of angina are mainly streptococci, staphylococci. Among the main provoking factors, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- overheating or hypothermia;
- mechanical damage to the glands;
- decreased immunity.
Infection can occur by airborne droplets or in the presence of other types of inflammation. Among the main symptoms are sore throat and tickling, fever, persistent headaches and weakness. Also, an increase in lymph nodes is noted, body aches and suppuration of the tonsils are observed.
Chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract include tonsillitis. It occurs when angina passes into a chronic form. Among the main pathogens, fungal and bacterial infections affecting the tonsils should be distinguished.
With the course of this disease, some changes in the tonsils are noted, in particular:
- keratinization of the epithelium;
- proliferation of connective tissue;
- the formation of purulent plugs in the gaps of the glands;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Gradually, dysfunction of the tonsils occurs. The disease proceeds with periods of remission and relapse. The stage of exacerbation is accompanied by the occurrence of abscesses.
Rhinitis
Acute infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract include rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the nasal cavity. The disease can occur in acute and chronic form.
Among the causes of the disease, it is necessary to highlight the harmful effects on the mucous membrane of bacteria and viruses. It develops against the background of existing infectious diseases, in particular, such as diphtheria, flu, scarlet fever, gonorrhea. With the formation of rhinitis, significant swelling of the nasal mucosa is observed.
Also, the child feels itching and dryness, which is accompanied by frequent sneezing, worsening smell, headache, fever, general malaise, and tearing. Initially, nasal discharge is mucous, but gradually becomes purulent. Breasts refuse food, as they cannot fully suckle their breasts.
Laryngitis
Diseases of the upper respiratory tract in children include laryngitis. It is characterized by inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa. Among the main causes that provoke this disease, it is necessary to highlight:
- hypothermia of the respiratory tract;
- overexertion of voice;
- some infectious diseases.
With the occurrence of laryngitis, inflammation of the entire mucous membrane of the larynx or its individual sections is noted. In the affected area, it swells and turns bright red. Sometimes the inflammatory process spreads to the mucosa of the trachea, provoking the development of laryngotracheitis.
Sinusitis
With sinusitis, the sinuses associated with the nasopharynx are involved in the inflammatory process. Among the main symptoms, it is necessary to highlight nasal congestion, pallor, a slight increase in temperature, pallor, cough.
On the x-ray clearly visible dimming of the sinuses, as well as a decrease in air in them. Often, the disease occurs against a background of prolonged runny nose and colds. With a prolonged course of the disease, pus accumulates in the sinuses. Treatment should be timely, comprehensive with the use of medications, physiotherapy courses. In especially severe cases, a sinus puncture and purulent contents are rinsed.
Pharyngitis
One of the infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract is pharyngitis. This is an inflammation of the mucosa covering the surface of the pharynx. Pharyngitis can be acute or chronic. The acute form is found in the form of an independent disease, and as a concomitant manifestation of acute respiratory viral infections.
Pharyngitis occurs when bacteria and viruses enter the body. Among the main triggering factors, it is necessary to highlight the consumption of hot or cold food, drinks, inhalation of hot or polluted air. The main symptoms of acute pharyngitis should include such as:
- pain when swallowing;
- tickle;
- dry mouth and throat.
Often, overall well-being remains normal and the temperature does not rise. When performing pharyngoscopy, inflammation of the posterior wall of the palate and pharynx can be determined. According to its symptoms, the disease is somewhat similar to catarrhal sore throat.
If treatment is not done in a timely manner, then the acute stage of the disease will go into a chronic form. Common symptoms include dryness and soreness in the throat, as well as a sensation of a lump.
Pneumonia
One of the most dangerous infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract is pneumonia. This is an inflammation of the lung tissue, which leads to dangerous consequences and complications.
The acute form of the disease is quite common among children under the age of 1 year and is explained by the characteristics of the child's body. In infants and children under 3 years of age, the disease is particularly difficult and often becomes chronic.
This disease is mainly provoked by bacteria, in particular pneumococcus. Symptoms are a sharp increase in temperature, loss of appetite, severe weakness, excessive sweating, chills, cough with sputum. The nature of sputum depends on the reasons that provoked the development of the disease.
Other diseases
Diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract include tracheitis, bronchitis, alveolitis. Tracheitis is an inflammation of the trachea that connects the larynx to the bronchi. Basically, this disease occurs with flu, but it can also be with other infections.
The child has pronounced signs of intoxication, chest pain, dry cough. During the day, cough is provoked by various irritants. When combined with laryngotracheitis, the voice may hoarse. The cough is mostly dry, but sputum is released when a bacterial infection is added.
Bronchitis is an inflammatory process in the bronchi, which occurs mainly with viral infection. The acute form of this disease is mainly common in infants and children under 3 years old. Often, it develops with influenza, adenovirus, or measles. Among the provoking factors, it is necessary to highlight overheating or hypothermia, a polluted atmosphere. In a child, narrowing of the bronchi is accompanied by swelling of the mucosa and the release of purulent contents into their lumen. Among the main symptoms, you need to highlight an increase in temperature, a dry cough or with sputum discharge.
Alveolitis is an inflammation of the airways that can occur in various infections. Patients have a strong cough, weakness, shortness of breath, cyanosis against a background of high temperature. As a result, fibrosis of the alveoli may occur.
Causes of occurrence
There are 3 types of causes provoking the occurrence of acute diseases of the upper respiratory tract, namely:
Many of the pathogens are transmitted by contact with an infected person. Some viruses and fungi can live in the human body and begin to manifest themselves only with a decrease in immunity.
Microbes and particles of viruses penetrate through close contact with an infected person. Their transmission is possible when talking, sneezing, coughing. This is quite natural, since the airways act as the first barrier to pathogens. In addition, there may be infection through the household, through household items and personal hygiene products.
Main symptoms
Diseases of the upper respiratory tract in children include the nose and sinuses, pharynx and upper larynx. They are found in a child quite often under the influence of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Among the main symptoms of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- nasal congestion;
- mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the nose;
- sneezing
- cough;
- a sore throat;
- plaque on the surface of the glands;
- temperature rise;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- nausea and vomiting, provoked by intoxication of the body.
If all these signs appear in a child, then you should not try to make a diagnosis on your own. It is quite difficult to distinguish between a bacterial and a viral infection based only on the existing symptoms. To determine the causative agent of the disease and prescribe the required treatment is possible only after a comprehensive diagnosis. It is very important to make a correct diagnosis, since the treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral infections is somewhat different.
Respiratory diseases can occur in acute and chronic form. In this case, the erased form of the course of the disease can occur with insufficiently expressed symptoms. The acute course of the disease is characterized by the fact that the signs are quite pronounced and cause great concern among parents. In the chronic form of pathologies, the symptoms of respiratory diseases are often ignored. This is dangerous because various kinds of complications can occur.
Self-medication can also lead to dangerous consequences. Often, home treatment includes drugs that eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but do not affect the very cause of the disease.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is based on an analysis of the development of the disease, clinical data, as well as laboratory studies. Initially, it is necessary to determine whether a viral infection or a bacterial infection provoked respiratory diseases. For the viral nature of the disease, symptoms such as:
- acute onset;
- rapid increase in temperature;
- severe signs of intoxication;
- mucous discharge from the nose.
During the examination, it is often possible to identify point hemorrhagic elements on the skin and mucous membranes, hard breathing and the complete absence of wheezing. Mostly wheezing appears when a secondary bacterial infection is attached.
In the event that the disease was provoked by bacteria, then mainly signs such as:
- the beginning of the current is subacute;
- the temperature rises gradually;
- signs of intoxication are not pronounced;
- discharge from the nose becomes more viscous and often purulent;
- wet cough with sputum.
During the examination, purulent contents on the tonsils are observed, and dry and wet rales are also heard. Laboratory diagnosis is very important. It means by itself:
- general blood analysis;
- tests to identify the causative agent of the disease;
- serological studies;
- instrumental examination techniques.
With respiratory tract infections in the blood, the level of leukocytes and ESR is increased. The degree of violation of the cellular composition largely depends on the severity of the course of the disease. Specific tests to determine the causative agents of the virus help to prescribe the right treatment. To do this, back sowing from the nose or pharynx is carried out.
If specific infections are suspected, a blood sample is taken for serological testing. This will determine the presence of antibodies and their titers.
For diagnostics, instrumental examination techniques are prescribed. Laryngoscopy allows you to determine the nature of inflammation of the trachea and larynx, and bronchoscopy and x-ray examination of the lungs helps to identify the nature of the pathological process in pneumonia and bronchitis.
Treatment
After clarifying the diagnosis, treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract is prescribed, which is selected only by the attending physician. There are 3 main areas of therapy, namely:
- pathogenetic;
- symptomatic;
- etiotropic.
Pathogenetic therapy is based on stopping the development of the inflammatory process. For this, immunostimulating drugs are used so that the body can cope with the infection. In addition, supportive treatment is needed that helps eliminate inflammation. To strengthen the body, such drugs are prescribed as:
- "Ameksin";
- Anaferon;
- Lavomax
- Neovir.
These medicines are well suited for treating children and adults. If the bacterium became the causative agent of inflammation, then antibiotics are prescribed for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In the presence of individual indications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used. They help eliminate general symptoms and reduce pain. This is especially true if you treat a child who is difficult to tolerate the disease.
After this, etiotropic treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which is based on the suppression of infection, is prescribed. It is important to stop the proliferation of viruses and bacteria, as well as prevent their spread. The most important thing is to accurately establish the strains of the virus and the etiology of pathogens, as well as the right method of therapy. Among antiviral drugs, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- "Arbidol";
- "Isoprinosine";
- "Remantadine";
- Kagocel.
They help to cope with the disease if it was provoked by a virus. With bacterial inflammation, antibiotics are prescribed for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, however, drugs and their dosage should be prescribed only by a doctor. These products are very dangerous and, if used improperly, can cause serious harm to health.
Antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal treatment has a gradual effect. To quickly suppress the symptoms that cause discomfort to a person, symptomatic treatment is prescribed. To eliminate the common cold, nasal drops are prescribed. To relieve sore throat and reduce swelling, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, as well as medicinal plant sprays. Coughing or sore throat is treated with expectorant medicines.
All drugs for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as their dosage, must be prescribed only by the attending physician after performing a comprehensive diagnosis. Inhalation will help eliminate puffiness, perspiration and coughing. And folk methods can improve breathing and prevent oxygen starvation.
Possible complications
With the prolonged course of the disease, various kinds of complications can develop. Among them, it is necessary to distinguish false or true croup syndrome, pulmonary edema, pleurisy, myocarditis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, polyneuropathy.
Preventive actions
The prevention of diseases of the upper respiratory tract in a child is very important, as this will prevent prolonged treatment and the development of complications. One of the best preventive measures is rest at sea, since the healing sea air saturated with iodine has a positive effect on the respiratory system.
If it is not possible to go to the sea, it is often recommended to ventilate the child’s room. Starting from the age of 12, regular use of antiviral agents, such as Echinacea and Eleutherococcus, can become very good measures for the prevention of upper respiratory tract diseases in children. A full balanced diet with sufficient intake of vitamins is required. In winter, you need to avoid hypothermia.