Mechanical asphyxia– this is a complete or partial blockage of the respiratory tract, leading to disruption in vital organs due to oxygen starvation. Asphyxia can lead to death if the cause of its occurrence is not eliminated in time. Frequent victims of asphyxia may be infants, elderly people, patients with epilepsy, persons in alcohol intoxication.
Asphyxia is an emergency condition and requires urgent measures to eliminate it. Knowledge of some general rules, such as examining the oral cavity for the presence of a foreign body, tilting the head to the side to avoid tongue retraction, artificial respiration“mouth to mouth” can save a person’s life.
Interesting facts
- The most sensitive organ during oxygen starvation is the brain.
- The average time of death with asphyxia is 4–6 minutes.
- Playing with asphyxia is a children's way of obtaining euphoria as a result of various methods of briefly introducing the body into a state of oxygen starvation.
- During asphyxia, involuntary urination and defecation are possible.
- The most common sign of asphyxia is a convulsive painful cough.
- Asphyxia is diagnosed in 10% of newborn children.
What are the mechanisms of asphyxia?
To understand the mechanisms of development of asphyxia, it is necessary to consider in detail the human respiratory system. Breathing is a physiological process necessary for normal human functioning. During breathing, when you inhale, oxygen enters the body, and when you exhale, carbon dioxide is released. This process is called gas exchange. The respiratory system provides all organs and tissues with oxygen, which is necessary for the functioning of absolutely all cells of the body.
Structure of the respiratory tract:
- upper respiratory tract;
- lower respiratory tract.
Upper respiratory tract
The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavity, oral cavity, as well as the nasal and oral parts of the pharynx. Passing through the nose and nasopharynx, the air is warmed, moistened, and cleansed of dust particles and microorganisms. The temperature of the inhaled air increases due to its contact with the capillaries ( the smallest vessels) in the nasal cavity. The mucous membrane helps to humidify the inhaled air. The cough and sneeze reflex helps prevent various irritating compounds from entering the lungs. Some substances found on the surface of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, such as lysozyme, have an antibacterial effect and are able to neutralize pathogens.Thus, passing through the nasal cavity, the air is purified and prepared for further entry into the lower respiratory tract.
From the nasal and oral cavities, air enters the pharynx. The pharynx is simultaneously part of the digestive and respiratory systems, being a connecting link. It is from here that food can enter not into the esophagus, but into the respiratory tract and, as a result, become the cause of asphyxia.
Lower respiratory tract
The lower respiratory tract is the final section of the respiratory system. It is here, or more precisely in the lungs, that the process of gas exchange occurs.The lower respiratory tract includes:
- Larynx. The larynx is an extension of the pharynx. Below, the larynx borders the trachea. The hard skeleton of the larynx is the cartilaginous frame. There are paired and unpaired cartilages, which are connected to each other by ligaments and membranes. The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx. It consists of two plates articulated under different angles. So, in men this angle is 90 degrees and is clearly visible on the neck, while in women this angle is 120 degrees and it is extremely difficult to notice the thyroid cartilage. The epiglottic cartilage plays an important role. It is a kind of valve that prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract from the pharynx. The larynx also includes the vocal apparatus. The formation of sounds occurs due to changes in the shape of the glottis, as well as when the vocal cords are stretched.
- Trachea. The trachea, or windpipe, consists of arched tracheal cartilages. The number of cartilages is 16 - 20 pieces. The length of the trachea varies from 9 to 15 cm. The mucous membrane of the trachea contains many glands that produce secretions that can destroy harmful microorganisms. The trachea divides and passes below into the two main bronchi.
- Bronchi. The bronchi are a continuation of the trachea. The right main bronchus is larger than the left, thicker and more vertical. Just like the trachea, the bronchi consist of arcuate cartilage. The place where the main bronchi enter the lungs is called the hilum of the lungs. After this, the bronchi branch repeatedly into smaller ones. The smallest of them are called bronchioles. The entire network of bronchi of various sizes is called the bronchial tree.
- Lungs. The lungs are a paired respiratory organ. Each lung consists of lobes, with right lung there are 3 lobes, and in the left - 2. Each lung is penetrated by a branched network of the bronchial tree. Each bronchiole ends ( smallest bronchus) transition to the alveoli ( hemispherical sac surrounded by blood vessels). It is here that the process of gas exchange occurs - oxygen from the inhaled air penetrates the circulatory system, and carbon dioxide, one of the end products of metabolism, is released with exhalation.
Asphyxia process
The process of asphyxia consists of several successive phases. Each phase has its own duration and specific characteristics. In the last phase of asphyxia, a complete cessation of breathing is observed.There are 5 phases in the process of asphyxia:
- Pre-asphyxial phase. This phase is characterized by a short cessation of breathing for 10–15 seconds. Erratic activity is common.
- Dyspnea phase. At the beginning of this phase, breathing becomes more frequent and the depth of breathing increases. After a minute, exhalation movements come to the fore. At the end of this phase, convulsions, involuntary bowel movements and urination occur.
- Brief cessation of breathing. During this period, there is no breathing, as well as pain sensitivity. The duration of the phase does not exceed one minute. During a period of short-term respiratory arrest, you can only determine the work of the heart by feeling the pulse.
- Terminal breathing. Trying to take one last deep breath of air. The victim opens his mouth wide and tries to catch air. In this phase, all reflexes weaken. If by the end of the phase the foreign object has not left the respiratory tract, then complete cessation of breathing occurs.
- The phase of complete cessation of breathing. The phase is characterized by the complete inability of the respiratory center to maintain the act of breathing. Persistent paralysis of the respiratory center develops.
When a foreign object enters the respiratory system, a cough occurs reflexively. The first stage of the cough reflex involves taking a shallow breath. If a foreign object has only partially closed the lumen of the respiratory tract, then with a high degree of probability it will be pushed out during a forced cough. If there is a complete blockage, then a shallow breath can aggravate the course of asphyxia.
Oxygen starvation
As a result of complete closure of the airway, mechanical asphyxia leads to respiratory arrest. As a result, oxygen starvation occurs in the body. The blood, which is enriched with oxygen in the alveoli at the level of the lungs, contains extremely small reserves of oxygen due to the cessation of breathing. Oxygen is essential for most enzymatic reactions in the body. In its absence, metabolic products accumulate in cells, which can damage the cell wall. In case of hypoxia ( oxygen starvation), the energy reserves of the cell are also sharply reduced. Without energy, a cell is unable to perform its functions for a long time. Different tissues respond differently to oxygen deprivation. Thus, the brain is the most sensitive, and the bone marrow is the least sensitive to hypoxia.
Disorders of the cardiovascular system
After a few minutes, hypoxemia ( reduced content oxygen in the blood) leads to significant disruptions in cardiovascular system. The heart rate decreases and blood pressure drops sharply. Disturbances in heart rhythm are observed. In this case, all organs and tissues are overflowing with venous blood rich in carbon dioxide. There is a bluish complexion – cyanosis. The cyanotic hue occurs due to the accumulation in the tissues of a large amount of protein that transports carbon dioxide. In the case of serious vascular diseases, cardiac arrest can occur at any phase of the asphyxial state.
Damage to the nervous system
The next link in the mechanism of asphyxia is damage to the central nervous system ( central nervous system). Consciousness is lost at the beginning of the second minute. If the flow of oxygen-rich blood does not resume within 4 to 6 minutes, the nerve cells begin to die. For normal functioning, the brain must consume approximately 20 - 25% of the total oxygen received during breathing. Hypoxia will lead to death in case of extensive damage to the nerve cells of the brain. In this case, there is a rapid suppression of all vital functions of the body. This is why changes in the central nervous system are so destructive. If asphyxia develops gradually, the following manifestations are possible: impaired hearing, vision, and spatial perception.
Involuntary acts of urination and defecation often occur with mechanical asphyxia. Due to oxygen starvation, the excitability of the soft muscles of the intestinal wall and bladder increases, and the sphincters ( orbicularis muscles that act as valves) relax.
The following types of mechanical asphyxia are distinguished:
- Dislocation. Occurs as a result of closure of the airway lumen by displaced damaged organs ( language, lower jaw, epiglottis, submandibular bone).
- Strangulation. Occurs as a result of strangulation with hands or a noose. This type of asphyxia is characterized by extremely strong compression of the trachea, nerves and vessels of the neck.
- Compression. Compression of the chest by various heavy objects. In this case, due to the weight of the object squeezing the chest and abdomen, it is impossible to perform breathing movements.
- Aspiration. Penetration into the respiratory system by inhalation of various foreign bodies. Common causes of aspiration are vomit, blood, and stomach contents. As a rule, this process occurs when a person is unconscious.
- Obstructive. There are two types of obstructive asphyxia. First type – asphyxia of the lumen of the respiratory tract, when foreign objects can enter the respiratory tract ( food, dentures, small objects). Second type - asphyxia from covering the mouth and nose with various soft objects.
Highlight following types obstructive asphyxia:
- closing the mouth and nose;
- closing the airway.
Closing the mouth and nose
Closing of the mouth and nose is possible due to an accident. So, if a person during epileptic seizure falls on a soft object with your face, it can lead to death. Another example of an accident is if, while breastfeeding, the mother unknowingly closes the baby's nasal cavity with her mammary gland. With this type of asphyxia, the following signs can be detected: flattening of the nose, a pale part of the face that was adjacent to a soft object, a bluish tint to the face.Closure of the airway
Closure of the airway lumen is observed when a foreign body enters it. Various diseases can also cause this type of asphyxia. A foreign body can close the airway during fear, screaming, laughing or coughing.Obstruction by small objects usually occurs in small children. Therefore, you need to carefully ensure that the child does not have access to them. Elderly people are characterized by asphyxia caused by the entry of a denture into the lumen of the respiratory tract. Also, the absence of teeth and, as a result, poorly chewed food can lead to obstructive asphyxia. Alcohol intoxication is also one of the most common causes of asphyxia.
The course of asphyxia can be affected by the following individual characteristics of the body:
- Floor. To determine the reserve capabilities of the respiratory system, the concept of vital capacity ( vital capacity). vital capacity includes the following indicators: tidal lung volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume. It has been proven that women have vital capacity 20–25% less than men. It follows from this that the male body better tolerates the state of oxygen starvation.
- Age. The vital capacity parameter is not a constant value. This indicator varies throughout life. It reaches its maximum by the age of 18, and after 40 years it gradually begins to decline.
- Susceptibility to oxygen starvation. Regular exercise helps increase lung capacity. Such sports include swimming, athletics, boxing, cycling, mountaineering, and rowing. In some cases, the vital capacity of athletes exceeds the average of untrained people by 30% or more.
- Presence of concomitant diseases. Some diseases can lead to a decrease in the number of functioning alveoli ( bronchiectasis, pulmonary atelectasis, pneumosclerosis). Another group of diseases can limit breathing movements, affecting the respiratory muscles or nerves of the respiratory system ( traumatic rupture of the phrenic nerve, trauma to the dome of the diaphragm, intercostal neuralgia).
Causes of asphyxia
The causes of asphyxia can be varied and, as a rule, depend on age, psycho-emotional state, the presence of respiratory diseases, diseases of the digestive system, or are associated with the entry of small objects into the respiratory tract. Causes of asphyxia:
- diseases of the nervous system;
- diseases of the respiratory system;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- aspiration of food or vomit in children;
- weakened infants;
- psycho-emotional states;
- alcohol intoxication;
- talking while eating;
- haste in eating;
- lack of teeth;
- dentures;
- entry of small objects into the respiratory tract.
Nervous system diseases
Some diseases of the nervous system can affect the airway. One of the causes of asphyxia may be epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic human neurological disease characterized by the sudden onset of seizures. During these seizures, a person may lose consciousness for several minutes. If a person falls on his back, his tongue may roll back. This condition can lead to partial or complete closure of the airways and, as a result, asphyxia.Another type of nervous system disease leading to asphyxia is damage to the respiratory center. The respiratory center is understood as a limited area medulla oblongata, responsible for the formation of the respiratory impulse. This impulse coordinates all respiratory movements. As a result of traumatic brain injury or swelling of the brain, damage to the nerve cells of the respiratory center may occur, which can lead to apnea ( cessation of breathing movements). If paralysis of the respiratory center occurs during a meal, this inevitably leads to asphyxia.
Vagus neuritis can lead to impaired swallowing and possible airway obstruction. This pathology characterized by hoarseness and impaired swallowing process. Due to unilateral damage to the vagus nerve, vocal cord paresis may occur ( weakening of voluntary movements). Also, the soft palate cannot be maintained in its original position, and it descends. With bilateral damage, the act of swallowing is sharply disrupted, and the pharyngeal reflex is absent ( swallowing, cough or gag reflexes are impossible when the pharynx is irritated).
Respiratory system diseases
There are a number of diseases of the respiratory system that lead to blockage of the airways and cause asphyxia. Conventionally, these diseases can be divided into infectious and oncological.The following diseases can cause asphyxia:
- Abscess of the epiglottis. This pathology leads to swelling of the epiglottic cartilage, an increase in its size and a decrease in its mobility. During food intake, the epiglottis is not able to perform its functions as a valve that closes the lumen of the larynx during the act of swallowing. This inevitably leads to food entering the respiratory tract.
- Quinsy. Phlegmonous tonsillitis or acute paratonsillitis is a purulent-inflammatory disease of the tonsils. It occurs as a complication of lacunar tonsillitis. This pathology leads to swelling soft palate and the formation of a cavity containing pus. Depending on the location of the purulent cavity, blockage of the respiratory tract is possible.
- Diphtheria. Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually affects the oral part of the pharynx. In this case, the occurrence of croup, a condition in which the airways are blocked by diphtheria film, poses a particular danger. The airway can also be blocked if there is extensive swelling of the pharynx.
- Tumor of the larynx. A malignant tumor of the larynx leads to the destruction of surrounding tissues. The degree of destruction determines the size of food that can penetrate from the pharynx into the larynx. Also, the tumor itself can cause asphyxia if it partially or completely blocks the lumen of the larynx.
- Tracheal tumor. Depending on the shape, the tumor can protrude into the lumen of the trachea itself. In this case, stenosis is observed ( narrowing) lumen of the larynx. This will significantly complicate breathing and subsequently lead to mechanical asphyxia.
Digestive system diseases
Diseases of the digestive system can lead to food entering the respiratory tract. Asphyxia can also be caused by aspiration of stomach contents. Swallowing disorders can be a consequence of burns of the mouth and pharynx, as well as in the presence of defects in the anatomy of the oral cavity.The following diseases can cause asphyxia:
- Cancer of the upper esophagus. A tumor of the esophagus, growing, can exert significant pressure on adjacent organs - the larynx and trachea. Increasing in size, it can partially or completely compress the respiratory organs and, thereby, lead to mechanical asphyxia.
- Gastroesophageal reflux. This pathology is characterized by the entry of stomach contents into the esophagus. In some cases, the contents of the stomach can penetrate into the oral cavity, and when inhaled, enter the respiratory tract ( aspiration process).
- Tongue abscess. An abscess is a purulent-inflammatory disease with the formation of a cavity containing pus. The following picture is typical for a tongue abscess: the tongue is enlarged in volume, inactive and does not fit in the mouth. The voice is hoarse, breathing is difficult, there is profuse salivation. With a tongue abscess, a purulent cavity may be located in the root zone and prevent air from entering the larynx. Also, increased size of the tongue can cause asphyxia.
Aspiration of food or vomit in children
Aspiration is the process of various foreign materials entering the respiratory system through inhalation. As a rule, vomit, blood, and stomach contents can be aspirated.Aspiration is quite common among newborns. It can occur if the mammary gland fits tightly into the baby's nasal passages and makes breathing difficult. The child, trying to breathe, inhales the contents of his mouth. Another reason may be the baby's incorrect position during feeding. If the baby's head is tilted back, the epiglottis is not able to completely block the lumen of the larynx from milk entering it.
Aspiration of regurgitated masses during vomiting is also possible. The cause may be malformations of the digestive tract ( esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula).
Birth trauma, toxicosis during pregnancy ( complication of pregnancy, manifested by edema, increased blood pressure and protein loss in urine), various malformations of the esophagus significantly increase the chance of asphyxia due to aspiration.
Weakened infants
In weakened or premature newborns, the swallowing reflex is usually impaired. This occurs due to damage to the central nervous system. Various infectious diseases that the mother of the child suffers during pregnancy, toxicosis or intracranial birth trauma may disrupt the swallowing process. Aspiration breast milk or vomit can cause mechanical asphyxia.Psycho-emotional states
During food intake, various psycho-emotional states can affect the swallowing act. Sudden laughter, screaming, fright or crying can lead to the throwing of a bolus of food from the pharynx into the upper respiratory tract. This is explained by the fact that during psycho-emotional manifestations, air must be exhaled from the larynx to create certain sound vibrations. In this case, food from the oral part of the pharynx can be accidentally sucked into the larynx during the next inhalation.Alcohol intoxication
The state of alcoholic intoxication is common cause asphyxia in the adult population. During sleep, aspiration of vomit may occur as a result of impaired gag reflex. Due to inhibition of the functions of the central nervous system, a person is unable to perceive the contents of the oral cavity. As a result, vomit can enter the respiratory tract and cause mechanical asphyxia. Another reason may be the separation of swallowing and respiratory processes. This condition is typical for severe alcohol intoxication. In this case, food and liquid can easily penetrate the respiratory system.Talking while eating
Food particles can be inhaled when talking while eating. Most often, food ends up in the larynx. In this case, a person coughs reflexively. During a cough, pieces of food can usually easily escape into the upper respiratory tract without causing harm to health. If a foreign object was able to fall lower - into the trachea or bronchi, then the cough will not have an effect and partial or complete asphyxia will occur.Haste while eating
Hasty consumption of food not only leads to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but can also cause mechanical asphyxia. With insufficient chewing of food, large, poorly processed pieces of food can close the lumen of the oropharynx. If the oral cavity contains a large number of poorly chewed pieces of food, problems with swallowing may occur. If the bolus of food does not release the oropharynx within a few seconds, inhalation will be impossible. Air simply will not be able to penetrate this food bolus and, as a result, a person may choke. The protective mechanism in this case is the cough reflex. If the food bolus is too large and coughing does not lead to its release from the oral cavity, then blockage of the airways is possible.Missing teeth
Teeth serve several functions. Firstly, they mechanically process food to a uniform consistency. Grinded food is more easily processed further in the gastrointestinal tract. Secondly, teeth are involved in the process of speech formation. Thirdly, during the process of chewing food, a complex chain of mechanisms arises aimed at activating the work of the stomach and duodenum.Missing teeth can cause asphyxia. When food enters the oral cavity, it is not crushed enough. Poorly chewed food can get stuck in the mouth and become a foreign object. The large and small molars are responsible for grinding food. The absence of several of them can cause mechanical asphyxia.
Dentures
Dental prosthetics is an extremely popular procedure in dentistry. These services are most often used by older people. The average lifespan of dentures varies between 3 and 4 years. After this period, dentures may wear out or become loose. In some cases, they may be partially or completely destroyed. If a denture gets into the respiratory tract, it will irreversibly lead to asphyxia.Inhalation of small objects
Foreign objects can become needles, pins or pins if they are used for quick access to cleaning the oral cavity. Children are characterized by asphyxia, in which coins, balls, buttons and other small objects enter the respiratory tract. Also, small fragments of toys can get into the respiratory tract. Some foods can also cause closure of the airways. These include, for example, seeds, peas, beans, nuts, candies, and tough meat.Symptoms of asphyxia
During asphyxia, a person tries to clear the airways of a foreign object. There are a number of signs that will help you understand that we are talking about asphyxia.| Symptom | Manifestation | Photo |
| Cough | If a foreign object enters the larynx, a person will reflexively begin to cough. At the same time, the cough is convulsive, painful, and does not bring relief. |  |
| Excitation | A person instinctively grabs his throat, coughs, screams and tries to call for help. Small children are characterized by strangled crying, frightened eyes, wheezing and wheezing ( stridor). Less often, the crying is strangled and muffled. |  |
| Forced pose | Tilt of the head and torso forward allows you to increase the depth of inhalation. |  |
| Blue complexion | As a result of oxygen starvation, a large amount of blood containing carbon dioxide is concentrated in the tissues. A protein that is bound to carbon dioxide and gives the skin a bluish tint. |  |
| Loss of consciousness | The blood flowing to the brain does not contain enough oxygen. With hypoxia, the nerve cells in the brain cannot function normally, which leads to fainting. |  |
| Stopping breathing | Breathing stops within a few minutes. If the cause of asphyxia is not eliminated and the foreign body is not removed from the lumen of the respiratory tract, then after 4–6 minutes the person will die. |  |
| Adynamia | Reduced physical activity up to its complete cessation. Adynamia occurs due to loss of consciousness. |  |
| Involuntary urination and defecation | Oxygen starvation leads to increased excitability of the soft muscles of the walls of the intestines and bladder, while the sphincters relax. |  |
First aid for mechanical asphyxia
Mechanical asphyxia is an emergency condition. The life of the victim depends on the correctness of first aid actions. Therefore, every person is obliged to know and be able to provide emergency care. Providing first aid in case of mechanical asphyxia:
- self-help;
- providing first aid to an adult;
- providing first aid to a child.
Self Help
Self-help can only be provided when consciousness is maintained. There are several methods that will help in case of asphyxia. Types of self-help for asphyxia:
- Perform 4 – 5 strong cough movements. If a foreign body enters the lumen of the respiratory tract, it is necessary to make 4–5 forced cough movements, while avoiding deep breaths. If a foreign object has cleared the airway, a deep breath can again lead to asphyxia or even worsen it. If a foreign object is located in the pharynx or larynx, then this method may be effective.
- Apply 3 to 4 pressures in the upper abdomen. The method is as follows: place the fist of the right hand in the epigastric region ( the upper part of the abdomen, which is bounded above by the xiphoid process of the sternum, and on the right and left by the costal arches), with the open palm of your left hand, press your fist and with a quick sharp movement towards yourself and up, make 3 – 4 pushes. In this case, the fist, moving towards the internal organs, increases the pressure inside the abdominal and chest cavity. Thus, air from the respiratory system rushes out and is able to push out the foreign body.
- Lean your upper abdomen against the back of a chair or armchair. As in the second method, the method increases intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure.
Providing first aid to an adult
Providing first aid to an adult is necessary if he is intoxicated, his body is weakened, in a number of certain diseases, or if he cannot help himself.The first thing to do in such cases is to call an ambulance. Next, you should use special first aid techniques for asphyxia.
Methods of providing first aid to an adult with asphyxia:
- Heimlich maneuver. It is necessary to stand from behind and clasp your hands around the victim’s torso just below the ribs. Place one hand in the epigastric region, clenching it into a fist. Place the palm of the second hand perpendicular to the first hand. With a quick jerking motion, press your fist into your stomach. In this case, all the force is concentrated at the point of contact of the abdomen with the thumb of the hand clenched into a fist. The Heimlich maneuver should be repeated 4 to 5 times until breathing normalizes. This method is the most effective and will most likely help push the foreign object out of the respiratory system.
- Perform 4–5 palm strikes on the back. Approach the victim from behind, using the open side of your palm to deliver 4 to 5 blows of medium force on the back between the shoulder blades. The blows must be directed along a tangential trajectory.
- A method for providing assistance if a person cannot be approached from behind or is unconscious. It is necessary to change the person's position and turn him on his back. Next, position yourself on the victim’s hips and place the open base of one hand in the epigastric region. With your second hand, press on the first and move deeper and upward. It is worth noting that the victim’s head should not be turned. This manipulation should be repeated 4 – 5 times.
Methods for providing artificial respiration:
- "Mouth to mouth." You must use any rag material ( handkerchief, gauze, piece of shirt) as a gasket. This will avoid contact with saliva or blood. Next, you need to take a position to the right of the victim and sit on your knees. Inspect the oral cavity for the presence of a foreign body. To do this, use the index and middle fingers of the left hand. If it was not possible to find a foreign object, proceed to the next steps. Cover the victim's mouth with a cloth. They tilt the victim's head back with their left hand, and with their right hand they pinch his nose. Make 10 - 15 air injections per minute or one exhalation every 4 - 6 seconds. The mouth should be in close contact with the victim, otherwise all the inhaled air will not reach the victim’s lungs. If the manipulation is performed correctly, you will notice movements of the chest.
- "Mouth to nose." The procedure is similar to the previous one, but has some differences. Exhale into the nose, which is previously covered with material. The number of blows remains the same - 10 - 15 exhalations per minute. It is worth noting that with each exhalation you need to close the victim’s mouth, and in the intervals between blowing air, open your mouth slightly ( this action simulates the passive exhalation of the victim).
Providing first aid to a child
Providing first aid to a child is an extremely difficult task. If a child cannot breathe or speak, coughs convulsively, or his face turns bluish, an ambulance should be called immediately. Next, free him from restraining clothing ( blanket, diaper) and begin performing special first aid techniques for asphyxia. Methods of providing first aid to a child with asphyxia:
- Heimlich maneuver for children under 1 year. Place the child on your arm so that the face rests on the palm. It is good to fix the baby's head with your fingers. The legs should be different sides from the forearm. It is necessary to slightly tilt the child's body down. Perform 5–6 tangential pats on the child’s back. Patting is done with the palm of the hand in the area between the shoulder blades.
- Heimlich maneuver for children over 1 year of age. You should place the child on his back and sit on his knees at his feet. Place the index and middle fingers of both hands in the epigastric region. Apply moderate pressure in this area until the foreign body clears the airways. The technique must be performed on the floor or any other hard surface.
For children under 1 year of age, artificial respiration is performed using the “mouth-to-mouth and nose” method, and for children over 1 year of age, artificial respiration is performed using the “mouth-to-mouth” method. To begin, you should place the baby on his back. The surface on which the child should lie must be hard ( floor, board, table, ground). It is worth checking the oral cavity for the presence of foreign objects or vomit. Next, if a foreign object was not found, place a cushion from improvised means under the head and begin blowing air into the child’s lungs. It is necessary to use rag material as a gasket. It should be remembered that exhalation is carried out only with the air that is in the mouth. The volume of a child's lungs is many times less than that of an adult. Forced inhalation can simply rupture the alveoli in the lungs. The number of exhalations for children under one year old should be 30 per 1 minute or one exhalation every 2 seconds, and for children over one year old - 20 per 1 minute. The correctness of this manipulation can be easily verified by the movement of the child’s chest while air is blown in. It is necessary to use this method until the ambulance team arrives or until the child’s breathing is restored.
Do I need to call an ambulance?
Mechanical asphyxia is emergency. Asphyxial status directly threatens the life of the victim and can cause rapid death. Therefore, if signs of asphyxia are recognized in a person, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance, and then begin to take measures to eliminate asphyxia. It must be remembered that only an ambulance team can provide high-quality and qualified assistance. If necessary, all necessary resuscitation measures will be performed - chest compressions, artificial respiration, oxygen therapy. Also, emergency doctors can resort to an emergency measure - cricoconicotomy ( opening the laryngeal wall at the level of the cricoid cartilage and conical ligament). This procedure will allow you to insert a special tube into the hole made, and through it you can resume the act of breathing.
Prevention of mechanical asphyxia
Prevention of mechanical asphyxia is aimed at reducing and eliminating factors that can lead to closure of the airway. (applicable to children under one year of age):
- Prevention of aspiration during feeding. It should be remembered that during feeding the baby's head should be elevated. After feeding, it is necessary to ensure that the baby is in an upright position.
- Use of a feeding tube in case of feeding problems. It is not uncommon for a baby to have trouble breathing when bottle feeding. If holding your breath during feeding occurs frequently, then using a special feeding tube may be a way out.
- Purpose special treatment children prone to asphyxia. In case of repeated repetition of mechanical asphyxia, the following treatment regimen is recommended: injections of cordiamine, etimizol and caffeine. This regimen can only be used after consultation with your doctor.
- Restricting the child's access to solid foods. Any solid product in the kitchen can cause asphyxia. You need to try to prevent foods such as seeds, beans, nuts, peas, candies, and hard meat from falling into the child’s hands. You should avoid such foods for up to four years.
- Selecting and purchasing safe toys. The purchase of toys should be based on the age of the child. Each toy should be carefully inspected for any removable hard parts. You should not purchase construction sets for children under 3–4 years old.
- Making the right food choices. Nutrition for a child must strictly correspond to his age. Well-chopped and processed food is a necessity for children under three years of age.
- Keep small items in a safe place. It is worth keeping various office supplies such as pins, buttons, erasers, caps in a safe place.
- Teaching children to chew food thoroughly. Solid food should be chewed at least 30–40 times, and food with a soft consistency ( porridge, puree) – 10 – 20 times.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol in large quantities can lead to disruption of chewing and swallowing and, as a result, increase the risk of mechanical asphyxia.
- Refusal to talk while eating. During a conversation, an involuntary combination of swallowing and breathing is possible.
- Be careful when eating fish products. Fish bones often get into the lumen of the respiratory tract, causing partial closure of the lumen of the respiratory tract. Also, the sharp part of a fish bone can penetrate the mucous membrane of one of the organs of the upper respiratory tract and lead to inflammation and swelling.
- Use pins, needles and hairpins for their intended purpose. For quick access, hairpins and pins can be placed in the mouth. During a conversation, these small objects can freely penetrate the respiratory tract and cause asphyxia.
The upper respiratory tract (URT) is represented by the nasal cavity and parts of the pharynx. The initial sections of the respiratory tract are the first to encounter viruses and bacteria, which cause a significant proportion of infectious diseases. Pathological processes also often develop as a result of injuries and systemic diseases. Some conditions are prone to spontaneous healing, while a number of other disorders require specialized medical care.
Upper respiratory tract diseases
The structure of pathological disorders in the upper respiratory tract can be rationally divided according to several criteria.
Regarding the level of the inflammatory process, they are classified:
- Rhinitis is a disease of the nasal cavity.
- Sinusitis is a pathology of the paranasal sinuses.
- Particular variants of inflammation accessory sinuses: sinusitis (maxillary sinus), frontal sinusitis (frontal), ethmoiditis (ethmoiditis).
- Pharyngitis is a disease of the pharynx.
- Combined lesions: rhinosinusitis, rhinopharyngitis.
- Tonsillitis and tonsillitis - inflammatory reaction palatine tonsils.
- Adenoiditis is hypertrophy and inflammation of large pharyngeal lymphoid structures.
Pathologies of the upper respiratory tract develop under the influence of various factors. The main causes of damage to the upper respiratory tract are:
- mechanical damage, injuries;
- entry of foreign bodies;
- allergy;
- infections;
- congenital features and developmental anomalies.
Symptoms and treatment
The most significant proportion of diseases are inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses and bacteria. All respiratory infections characterized by the presence of catarrhal syndrome and general intoxication of the body.
Typical manifestations of inflammation at the local level include:
- soreness;
- edema;
- redness;
- increase in temperature;
- organ dysfunction.
When the upper respiratory tract is damaged, mucociliary clearance changes. The formation of mucus by respiratory epithelial cells is disrupted. At the initial stage, rhinitis is characterized by abundant appearance liquid secretion. Subsequently, the composition of the discharge changes to mucous and viscous mucopurulent. Pain syndrome is most characteristic of inflammatory processes of other localizations.
Manifestations of diseases are directly related to the level of damage and the etiological factor. Data from the patient's story about what worries him, a typical clinic and the results of a special examination allow the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
Rhinitis
The condition develops as a result of exposure to infectious agents or upon contact with an allergen against the background of existing sensitization. An adult suffers up to 3-4 viral rhinitis per year. Bacterial inflammation of the nasal mucosa develops mainly against the background of an untreated runny nose.
Isolated rhinitis occurs in several phases:
Infants with a runny nose are capricious and cannot fully breastfeed.
The total duration of uncomplicated rhinitis is up to 7, sometimes up to 10 days. If a person promptly resorts to rinsing the nose with saline solutions and general treatment methods (hot foot baths, warming tea with raspberries, adequate sleep), the duration of the onset of a runny nose is reduced by 2 times.
Adaptive mechanisms of pathogens determine the emergence of resistance to non-specific species protection. In weakened people, rhinitis can last up to 2-4 weeks and develop into a chronic form.
During an influenza epidemic, when the typical symptoms of this acute respiratory viral infection develop, a patient with a mild course of the disease is prescribed bed rest. Then, as the condition improves, activity expands. An important component in treatment is the use of drugs that block neuraminidase (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir). The use of adamantanes (Remantadine) does not always reduce viral load on the body.
Uncomplicated rhinitis with ARVI, as a rule, is cured using simple remedies. For a runny nose, vasoconstrictors are used with concomitant irrigation of the nasal cavity with solutions of sea water. There are combined sprays and drops that combine a decongestant and a saline component (for example, Rinomaris). The addition of bacterial inflammation requires instillation of antibiotics. All patients are recommended to have an enhanced drinking regime (teas, fruit drinks, warm water). If elevated temperatures are poorly tolerated, they resort to paracetamol or ibuprofen. The basis of treatment for allergic rhinitis is eliminating contact with the allergen, taking antihistamines and subsequent hyposensitization therapy.
Sinusitis and rhinosinusitis
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is usually a complication of a runny nose. The basis of the disease is swelling of the mucous membrane of the accessory sinuses, increased mucus production in the latter and impaired outflow of secretions. In such conditions, a favorable environment is created for the proliferation of bacterial flora. Gradually, pus accumulates in the sinuses.
In addition to nasal congestion and the appearance of mucopurulent discharge, patients are bothered by headaches. Body temperature usually rises significantly. Lethargy and irritability develop. The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray examination of the sinuses. The images visualize areas of decreased aeration and areas of darkening of the sinuses.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating the infectious pathogen. For bacterial inflammation, antibiotics are prescribed in tablet form (less often in injection form). The use of vasoconstrictors, nasal lavage and drainage of the source of infection is indicated. Mucolytics (Rinofluimucil) help thin the viscous secretion and improve its removal from areas of “stagnation” of mucopurulent contents. In some cases, medical puncture of the sinus with evacuation of pus is indicated.
There is a method of treatment using YAMIK, carried out without a puncture. In this case, the contents of the sinuses are literally “sucked out” by a special device. An otolaryngologist can prescribe complex drops (Markova et al.).
Sinusitis often occurs against the background of rhinitis. Such patients experience a combination of pathological symptoms. The condition is classified as rhinosinusitis.
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Acute inflammation of the pharynx is considered primarily as an acute respiratory viral infection or acute respiratory infection, depending on its viral or bacterial origin. Patients are bothered by a cough, a feeling of a lump and a sore throat. Unpleasant sensations intensify when swallowing. The general condition may worsen: there is a rise in temperature, weakness, lethargy.
On examination, granularity of the posterior wall of the pharynx is noted, and the appearance of pustules and plaques is possible. The mucous membrane is loose and red. Often this condition is accompanied by enlargement of the palatine tonsils. Tonsillitis also manifests itself as looseness lymphoid tissue, hyperemia, with bacterial damage, the appearance of purulent plugs or translucent follicles with pus. The patient's anterior cervical lymph nodes become enlarged and painful.
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis can be combined or isolated, but with a persistent local picture.
Treatment viral diseases carried out by irrigating the throat with antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, Yox). Effective results are obtained by using infusions and decoctions of chamomile, rinsing with soda-salt water. The patient is advised to drink frequent warm drinks. Food must be mechanically processed (ground, boiled). Antipyretics are used symptomatically if necessary. For bacterial etiology of the disease, appropriate antibacterial therapy is prescribed.
Deviated nasal septum
This condition is represented by a persistent deviation of the bone and/or cartilaginous structures of the septum from the median plane and is quite common. The curvature is formed as a result of injuries, long-term improper treatment of chronic rhinitis, individual characteristics development. There are various forms of deformation, including ridges and spines of the septum. The condition is often asymptomatic and does not require medical intervention.
In some patients, the pathology manifests itself as:
Due to the difficulty of aeration of the paranasal sinuses, severe curvature can be complicated by sinusitis and otitis. If, against the background of existing symptoms, another ENT pathology develops, they resort to surgical alignment of the septum.
Nosebleed
The condition develops after injuries, with systemic and respiratory diseases. There are three degrees of nosebleeds:
- minor, in which the blood stops on its own, blood loss is minimal (a few milliliters);
- moderate, up to 300 ml of blood is lost, hemodynamics are stable;
- strong or severe - loss of more than 300 ml, disturbances in the functioning of the heart and even the brain appear (with blood loss of up to 1 liter).
As self-help at home, you need to apply cold to the bridge of your nose and press the nostril on the side of the bleeding. The head is tilted forward (it cannot be thrown back). It would be optimal to introduce turunda soaked in hydrogen peroxide. If bleeding does not stop, specialized nasal tamponade or cauterization of the bleeding vessel is required. In case of heavy blood loss, infusion of solutions and administration of medications (aminocaproic acid, Dicinone, etc.) are added.
Also, the pathology of the upper respiratory tract includes other diseases of the nasal cavity and pharynx, which are diagnosed by an otolaryngologist (hematomas, perforation with a whistling sensation through a pathological hole in the septum, adhesions and bridges between the mucous membrane, tumors). In such cases, only a specialist is able to conduct a comprehensive examination, the results of which determine the scope and tactics of treatment.
Under normal conditions respiratory function The mucous membrane of the nose, even when working in a respirator, is exposed to many atmospheric occupational hazards (dusts, vapors and gases of aggressive chemicals, various kinds of biological allergens). In addition to the direct local effect (beryllium, strontium, magnesium, chlorine, etc.), these substances have a resorptive toxic effect to distant organs and the body as a whole.
In production conditions in which harmful substances are the main industrial hazards (mining and coal, flour-grinding, paper-making, tobacco, chemical and chemical-pharmaceutical, etc.), most workers suffer from nasal diseases. The protective mechanisms of the mucous membrane are quickly depleted upon contact with these substances, which causes their penetration into the underlying respiratory tract. Therefore, damage to the organs of the nasal cavity is only the initial stage of a systemic dystrophic process affecting all upper respiratory tracts. The presence in the nasal mucosa of a large number of nerve endings of sensory and trophic types causes, on the one hand, a number of pathological reflexes that disrupt vasomotor and trophic reactions, and on the other, atrophy of the local regulatory systems themselves. The resulting vicious circle intensifies the pathological process, often leading to the stage of an irreversible pathological condition.
Effect of dust
When exposed to dust particles, depending on their state of aggregation, first on the nasal mucosa and then on the underlying respiratory tract, minor mechanical damage may occur in the form of excoriations or bedsores, causing itching, pain, foreign body sensation. The most traumatic effect is caused by metal, silicon and coal dust particles, which can accumulate in large quantities in the nasal cavity. Cement dust causes great harm, contributing to the occurrence of atrophic rhinitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. In the nose, perforation of the nasal septum, frequent nosebleeds, and epithelial metaplasia with the formation of polyps and rhinoliths may occur.
Chalk and gypsum dust particles, due to their fine dispersion, clog the ducts of the glands, which leads to their atrophy, increases the dryness of the mucous membrane and causes vulgar inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Dusts in flour milling, textile and woodworking industries have similar properties.
Dusts have the ability to have resorptive and local toxigenic effects. chemical compounds copper, lead, zinc, beryllium, manganese, mercury, and especially dust of heavy metal oxides.
The influence of aggressive vapors and gases
The influence of these occupational hazards is determined by a number of factors: chemical property(the ability to react with liquid media of the mucous membrane and the lipids of its cells, solubility and affinity for tissue substances); concentration in inhaled air, exposure determined by length of service. In addition to being toxic, caustic substances also have a cauterizing effect. This effect is especially pronounced in vapors of acids and alkalis, which with prolonged contact, even in low concentrations, leads to primary atrophy of all elements of the mucous membrane and early hyposmia, which is the earliest sign of occupational damage to the nasal cavity.
At significant concentrations of vapors and aerosols of caustic substances, areas of necrosis that do not heal for a long time may appear on the nasal mucosa. When they heal, whitish scars remain on the lower turbinates and the nasal septum against the background of the red atrophic mucous membrane.
The described clinical picture is observed in gas and electric welders who, in the process of work, come into contact with metal oxides in the gaseous state that are part of the electrodes and metal products being welded. Smoke, soot and soot, the appearance of which is observed in those industries that use coal and fuel oil, have a harmful effect on the nasal mucosa and the respiratory tract as a whole.
Toxic substances can have a selective or polytropic effect. For example, chlorine, nitrogen oxides, beryllium compounds and a number of metal oxides have a selective effect on the respiratory system. Many of these substances also have a polytropic effect, in which lesions occur in the nervous and skeletal systems, lymphadenoid apparatus and parenchymal organs.
Protection against aggressive atmospheric hazards consists in using individual funds(various types of respirators). However, wearing them for a long time has its drawbacks, first of all this greenhouse effect, caused by an increase in humidity in the nasal cavity and the upper respiratory tract as a whole, and the lack of proper ventilation. This effect, according to J. A. Nakatis (1998), causes pathological changes in the auditory tubes, impaired hemodynamics in the structures of the nasal cavity, trophic functions, increased permeability of histohematic barriers, decreased local immunity and, as a result, frequent inflammatory and allergic diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses and upper respiratory tract as a whole. This is facilitated by occupational hazards of a biological nature.
The influence of organic substances on the airborne space potential
In industrial production, workers may be exposed to organic matter entering the body by inhalation. Many of these substances can cause allergic reactions. These include derivatives of formaldehyde, epichloridine, furan, diisocyanate, nitrobenzene, as well as salts of chromium, nickel, cobalt, beryllium and platinum. Chemical allergens are part of many complex organic compounds, among which synthetic polymers that are part of various industrial and household products consumption (resins, adhesives, varnishes, elastomers, plastics, etc.).
Long-term exposure to even small concentrations of these substances causes sensitization of the body to them, manifested by general allergies and local changes in the form of proliferative processes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, in particular allergic rhinosinusopathy. If by the end of the first half of the 20th century. among workers of various chemical production plants, this form of all ENT diseases ranged from 16 to 28%, while in our time, according to WHO, it exceeds 42%.
Among allergens of organic origin, industrial biological allergens (antibiotics, producing fungi, enzymes, protein-vitamin concentrates, etc.) occupy a special place. Their adverse effect is based on the body’s interaction with a foreign protein of natural or synthetic origin. The pathogenesis of the effects of these allergens on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract includes autoimmune processes that can cause the occurrence of several forms of pathological condition. These include: a) violations of the hematocellular barrier, promoting the release of so-called autonomous antigens, playing the role of a foreign protein; b) violations caused by affinity tissue components of the body with exoantibodies, in which the immune reaction can be directed against its own tissue; c) dysfunction of lymphoid tissue with the appearance of cells that destroy the body’s own tissues.
In persons with a predisposition to allergic reactions, their manifestations upon initial contact with an industrial allergen (swelling of the mucous membrane, vaso-paretic reaction of the cavernous bodies of the nasal conchae, profuse rhinorrhea and corresponding parasensory reactions) may occur several minutes or hours after exposure to the allergen.
Clinical picture of occupational diseases of the upper respiratory tract
The clinical picture of chronic occupational catarrhal, subatrophic, atrophic, hypertrophic rhinopharyngolaryngitis is characterized by changes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, extending to all upper respiratory tract (total localization), which can be catarrhal, subatrophic, atrophic, less often - hypertrophic in nature. This largely depends on the duration of contact with toxic substances: with relatively short work experience, catarrhal changes predominate; with more work experience, subatrophic and atrophic changes are detected. The duration of work under conditions of exposure to irritating substances also determines the prevalence of the lesion: first, a predominant lesion of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is observed, then the changes spread lower, involving the pharynx and larynx, and develop chronic pharyngitis and laryngitis, as well as combined forms - rhinopharyngolaryngitis.
Subjective disorders in these cases are manifested by complaints of dry nose, sore throat, and coughing. Upon examination, dryness and hyperemia of the mucous membrane are revealed, covered with scanty mucous discharge that dries into crusts. The mucous membrane becomes easily wounded, resulting in increased bleeding. Minor bleeding may occur, especially nasal bleeding, and the resulting crusts become mucous-bloody in nature.
Clinical picture of allergosis upper respiratory tract, allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinopharyngitis most often develops against the background dystrophic changes mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and pharynx. This determines the uniqueness of the manifestation of the allergic process in the upper respiratory tract, as a result of which these nosological forms in the occupational pathology clinic they are referred to as “allergosis of the upper respiratory tract.” In occupational allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, a certain sequence of development of the allergic process is observed through a number of stages of the disease: vasomotor disorders, allergic changes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, pre-asthma. If contact with industrial allergens is interrupted, especially in the initial periods of development of occupational allergic pathology, a reverse development of the disease may be observed, and vice versa, with continued exposure to industrial allergens, progression of the pathological process is observed. Taking this into account, each stage can be regarded as an independent disease.
In case of vasomotor disorders, the sensitizing agent acts in combination with irritating factors that cause primary vascular reactions in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, a violation of vascular tone is an integral component of the allergic process of chemical genesis, its initial stage. The main signs in the clinical picture of such patients are vascular disorders in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx (rhinorrhea, sneezing, lacrimation). These changes, as a rule, disappear when the action of the allergen ceases, however, the mucous membrane of the inferior nasal concha, uvula, and posterior wall of the pharynx remains pasty; there are Wojacek spots, indicating vascular dystonia. The clinical picture is similar to neurovegetative rhinitis. However, with vasomotor disorders associated with the action of an industrial allergen, hypereosinophilia is observed in the peripheral blood, an increase in the level of neuraminic acid; rhinocytograms contain eosinophils, macrophages with a metachromatic substance in the cytoplasm, and hypersecreting ciliated epithelium.
The next, more pronounced stage is allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. With prolonged contact with industrial allergens, allergic changes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract develop, clinically different from similar diseases of general origin. The nature of complaints and the clinical picture depend on the degree of degenerative changes against which allergic diseases develop.
Clinically pronounced forms of allergosis of the upper respiratory tract are allergic manifestations against the background of hyperplastic, subatrophic and polypous changes in the mucous membrane. The stage of the most pronounced allergic process in the upper respiratory tract is pre-asthma; it can be accompanied by dystrophic or polypous changes in the mucous membrane. Such patients complain of a dry paroxysmal cough, a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the chest, as well as a persistent change in breathing parameters or that appears after provocative tests, indicating a violation of bronchial obstruction.
Diagnosis of occupational diseases of the respiratory tract
Diagnosis of the dystrophic condition of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract does not cause difficulties. The criteria for classifying a disease as an occupational one are the prevalence of the pathological process throughout the entire segment of the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx) - a total process, work experience in conditions of exposure to industrial dusts with a concentration in the air of industrial premises of more than 10 maximum permissible concentrations, at least 10 years.
Diagnosis of URT allergosis should be based on the study of both local and general symptoms. For this purpose, methods are used specific diagnostics states of sensitization of the body and methods of provocative specific testing with the industrial allergen under study.
Nonspecific diagnostic methods are aimed at identifying general sensitization of the body (allergic history, studying the number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood, the concentration of neuraminic acid and the level of histamine in the blood), as well as identifying local changes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. The latter include radiographic examination of the paranasal sinuses, olfactometry, electrothermometry, a single rhinocytological study, study of the transport function of the ciliated epithelium, and determination of the concentration of hydrogen ions in the nasal mucus.
Anamnesis. When studying professional allergy history it is necessary to pay attention to the manifestation of allergies in other organs, the presence of a positive allergological history in the family, and the results of previous allergological testing. To establish a diagnosis of occupational allergosis, it is necessary to take into account the professional route (work experience in the profession), the patient’s indication of a possible connection between the manifestation of allergy symptoms and the presence of a particular chemical substance in the air of industrial premises, exposure to the chemical substance, the presence of symptoms of an allergic disease of other organs and systems, manifestations of symptoms elimination and exposure.
Physical examination. X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses is necessary to determine the prevalence, and in some cases, the localization of the allergic process in the upper respiratory tract. More often, changes occur in the maxillary sinuses and cells of the ethmoid labyrinth. A parietal darkening of one of the maxillary sinuses is observed; sometimes, during dynamic observation, it is possible to note the migration of the process - darkening of one or the other sinus. Allergic sinusitis in 78% of cases is accompanied by allergic changes in the nasal cavity.
Electrothermometry of the nasal cavity is an additional objective method for determining the functional state of the mucous membrane. The temperature of the nasal mucosa in persons with clinical signs of allergosis of the respiratory tract ranges from 31.2 to 34.4 °C.
Additional method objective diagnosis allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract of chemical etiology is a single rhinocytological study using the method of reprint smears. When assessing the rhinocytological picture, only the intensity of the eosinophilic reaction is assessed.
Specific diagnosis of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract is aimed at identifying the body's sensitization to a specific allergen. Among the specific diagnostic methods, drop and prick skin tests with household, pollen and bacterial allergens are used; drop and patch skin testing with chemical allergens; endonasal provocation tests with chemical allergens. Skin drip and prick tests with bacterial pollen and household allergens are carried out to identify signs of polyvalent sensitization.
The main method for identifying the etiological role of an occupational factor in the development of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract is an endonasal provocation test with an industrial allergen. In response to the introduction of an allergen, specific reactions of the body develop, identified by assessing clinical symptoms and data from electrothermometric and rhinocytological methods.
The test is carried out in a hospital setting using the application method during the period of remission of the allergic process. The symptom complex of a positive reaction of the body to testing with an industrial allergen develops in the range of 20-60 minutes after exposure to the allergen and manifests itself as an exacerbation of the allergic disease. The mandatory use of morphofunctional indicators during endonasal testing makes it possible to evaluate the local response of an organism sensitized to a given substance not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively. The cytological picture of fingerprint preparations after endonasal exposure is characterized by an increase of 2-4 times compared to their initial level in the number of test cells of the allergic process (eosinophils, secreting epithelium, macrophages with metachromatic substance and mast cells in the cytoplasm). At the same time, the morphofunctional state of the cells changes—signs of hypersecretion and functional activity appear.
To determine the prevalence and severity of the process, as well as the prognosis of the UDP disease, the examination complex includes the determination of function indicators external respiration(vital capacity and minute ventilation, bronchial resistance and some others). These studies are carried out before and after an intranasal test with a chemical allergen. In case of occupational allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as a rule, there is a decrease in these indicators, which indicates a violation of bronchial patency. Such persons require dynamic monitoring.
Examples of formulation of diagnoses and their justification:
1. " Occupational chronic subatrophic rhinopharyngolaryngitis. Considering the long (more than 10 years) experience of working in conditions of industrial dust, the concentration of which exceeded the maximum permissible concentration by more than 10 times, and the pronounced degenerative changes in the condition of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, the disease should be considered occupational. Working in environments exposed to irritants and dust is not recommended. Observation and treatment by an otorhinolaryngologist.”
2. " Occupational allergosis of the upper respiratory tract. Considering the typical clinical picture changes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, data from an allergological examination, occupational contact with sensitizing substances and positive indicators of an endonasal test with an occupational allergen, the disease should be considered occupational. Work under conditions of exposure to sensitizing substances and potential allergens is contraindicated.”
Treatment of occupational diseases of upper respiratory tract
In the treatment of occupational diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the same principles are used as in general otorhinolaryngology - hyposensitizing therapy, drugs with local anti-inflammatory and biostimulating effects.
If there is significant difficulty in nasal breathing, it is indicated surgical treatment(conchotomy, polypotomy), cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, quenching of the mucous membrane with a 0.5-1% solution of silver nitrate or trichloroacetic acid. However, these methods should be performed with caution, since endonasal structures in chronic occupational diseases are characterized by poor resistance to invasive methods. Often, after such interventions, persistent atrophic changes develop in the nasal cavity.
At the stage of a pronounced allergic process, manifested by a pre-asthmatic condition, in addition to the listed measures, the prescription of bronchodilators and expectorants is recommended. All patients with allergic disease of the upper respiratory tract during the period of remission are recommended to undergo sanatorium-resort treatment and stay in dispensaries.
Work ability examination
Working capacity in the initial stages dystrophic processes The VDP is not significantly impaired, since in these cases it depends on the prevalence and severity of the disease, as well as on the nature professional activity(permanent or short-term contact with the allergen during the working day) and the presence of concomitant diseases.
Forecast in relation to recovery with continued contact with the occupational hazard that caused one or another form of the disease, UDP is in most cases unfavorable. What is clear for all forms and stages of occupational allergosis is the timely elimination of contact with chemicals with irritating and sensitizing effects. Since complete medical and occupational rehabilitation is possible at the stage of vasomotor disorders, the conclusion on work ability must take into account the possibility of recovery, and at a young age, the need for retraining.
In severe cases, as well as when UDP allergosis is combined with any form of dystrophic condition, further work in contact with substances with irritating and sensitizing effects is contraindicated. Such patients need to undergo all necessary rehabilitation measures: transfer to work without contact with harmful production factors, rational employment, retraining and medical rehabilitation measures, including treatment in sanatoriums.
Prevention
The basis for the prevention of occupational diseases of the respiratory tract are sanitary and hygienic measures aimed at improving health production environment, as well as the use of personal protective equipment. Preliminary and periodic medical examinations with the participation of an otorhinolaryngologist-occupational pathologist are no less important.
Medical contraindications to work in contact with substances with sensitizing and irritating effects are signs of allergic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, the presence of pronounced dystrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract of an atrophic or hypertrophic nature, causing a violation of its barrier functions. Persons with foci of chronic infection in the upper respiratory tract (chronic tonsillitis, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis), as well as with severe curvature of the nasal septum that impairs nasal breathing, are subject to preliminary sanitation.
According to the results of periodic medical examinations It is recommended to form the following dispensary registration groups to carry out targeted treatment and preventive measures (Pankova V.B., 2009):
First group— healthy workers (risk group for exposure to industrial chemical allergens). These are individuals without allergic complaints and without clinical signs of changes in the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx, but they exhibit functional disorders in the nasal cavity (primarily changes in excretory, bactericidal and calorific functions). Persons in this group must conduct preventive treatment: biostimulating agents (vitamins, injections of aloe or FIBS), moisturizing and cleansing the mucous membrane, inhalation with alkaline solutions or 1% solution sea salt(depending on the pH of the mucus in the nasal cavity).
Second group- practically healthy workers (or a group at risk of developing an occupational allergic disease of the upper respiratory tract). This group should include persons who, along with functional disorders signs of sensitization of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract were identified (the presence in the rhinocytogram of a single rhinocytological study of eosinophilia from ++ to +++, as well as other test cell forms indicating processes of sensitization of the mucous membrane). This group should also include people with chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (chronic tonsillitis and chronic sinusitis). These diseases contribute to the development of allergic pathology. In addition, chemicals change the course of chronic diseases of the nasal cavity and pharynx themselves. The complex of therapy for this group must include inhalations that reduce the hypersensitivity of the mucous membrane.
Third group- sick allergic diseases VDP, which, depending on the identified form of the disease, receive appropriate treatment.
For each of these groups, a medical observation algorithm is developed, and for each person included in these groups, an individual plan of rehabilitation and preventive measures is developed.
Otorhinolaryngology. V.I. Babiyak, M.I. Govorun, Ya.A. Nakatis, A.N. Pashchinin
Damage to the upper respiratory tract by infection very often manifests itself in tracheitis. Moreover, this disease most often occurs during epidemics of influenza and ARVI.
Tracheitis is manifested by inflammation of the tracheal mucosa and can occur in both acute and chronic form. According to doctors, infections are the main cause of inflammation of the trachea.
Trachea looks like a cartilaginous tube, consisting of one and a half dozen segments - rings. All segments are interconnected by ligaments of fibrous tissue. The mucous membranes of this tube are represented by ciliated epithelium. Mucous glands are present in large numbers on the membranes.
When the trachea becomes inflamed, its mucous membranes swell. There is tissue infiltration and the release of large amounts of mucus into the tracheal cavity. If the source of the disease is infection, then clearly visible pinpoint hemorrhages can be seen on the surface of the mucosa. When the disease progresses to chronic stage, then the mucous membrane of the organ first hypertrophies and then atrophies. With hypertrophy, mucopurulent sputum is produced. With atrophy there is very little sputum. Moreover, the mucous membranes dry out and may even become crusty. Against this background, the patient develops a persistent dry cough.
Causes of tracheitis
Inflammation of the trachea may develop for the following reasons:
- Infectious path of development. Various viruses and bacteria enter the upper respiratory tract and cause inflammation, which then spreads to the trachea. The disease can be caused by influenza virus, pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci and fungi.
- Non-infectious path of development. Inflammation of the trachea can develop due to hypothermia of the upper respiratory tract or exposure to dust, chemicals, or steam.
The likelihood of developing tracheitis is much higher if a person is exposed to the following factors:
- Climatic conditions: cold, high humidity and wind.
- Reduced immunity.
- Chronic diseases of the respiratory system.
- Having bad habits.
Infectious infection, which causes inflammation of the trachea, usually occurs upon contact with a sick person or contaminated object. By the way, the carrier of the infection may not even suspect that he is infected. He may not have any clinical manifestations diseases.
Infection can occur through airborne droplets and contact and household ways. For this reason, almost all people experience tracheal inflammation at least once in their lives.
Symptoms of the disease
Tracheitis can be acute or chronic. Each form of the disease has its own symptoms and characteristics.
Acute inflammation of the trachea
The disease manifests itself on the 3rd day after the onset of symptoms of inflammation of the nasopharynx and damage to the larynx. The first symptom of acute tracheitis is low-grade hyperthermia. Less commonly, body temperature can rise to 38.5 ° Celsius. Next come signs of intoxication. The patient begins to complain of weakness, pain throughout the body, and sweating. Often the patient's nose is stuffy.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is a severe dry cough that does not bring relief at night, and a morning cough that produces a large amount of sputum.
In children, inflammation of the trachea manifests itself in coughing attacks, which can be provoked by laughter, sudden movement, or a breath of cold air.
Regardless of age, a person with tracheitis begins to feel a sore throat and rawness in the sternum. Because deep breaths provoke painful coughing attacks, the patient begins to breathe shallowly.
When in acute inflammation the trachea involves the larynx, then the patient has a barking cough.
When listening to the patient's breathing using a phonendoscope, the doctor may hear dry and moist rales.
Chronic tracheitis
The disease passes into this form when the patient has not received timely treatment with acute tracheitis. However, there are often cases when chronic inflammation of the trachea develops without an acute stage. As a rule, such a pathology is observed in people who smoke a lot and drink large amounts of alcohol. This can also happen to patients who have other chronic diseases of the respiratory system, heart and kidneys. These diseases can provoke stagnation of blood in the upper respiratory tract, which provokes the development of chronic tracheitis.
The main symptom of chronic tracheitis is cough. In the chronic form of the disease, it is painful and comes in the form of severe attacks. During the day, a person may not cough at all, but at night attacks will prevent him from falling asleep. The sputum with such a cough is often purulent.
Chronic inflammation of the trachea always occurs with periods of exacerbation, during which its symptoms become similar to those of acute tracheitis.
Complications of inflammation of the trachea
In most cases, with an isolated course, this disease does not cause any complications. However, if the disease occurs in combination, then different, quite dangerous complications. For example, laryngeal stenosis. It is usually detected in young patients with laryngotracheitis. In adult patients with tracheobronchitis, obstruction of the upper respiratory tract may develop.
If you start treating tracheitis on time, it can be dealt with in just a couple of weeks.
Diagnosis of the disease
The diagnosis is made based on medical history and instrumental research methods. Initially, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, identifies concomitant diseases, and finds out the patient’s living conditions. After additional auscultation, the doctor can already make a primary diagnosis, but to clarify, he conducts several additional studies. In particular, he does laryngoscopy. With such a study, he can determine the degree of change in the tracheal mucosa: the presence of mucus, hemorrhages, infiltrates.
The patient may be prescribed a chest X-ray, sputum testing and spirometry.
A general blood test completes the diagnosis of tracheal inflammation.
Treatment of the disease
Treatment begins with medication. The fact is that in most cases this disease is caused by an infection. Therefore, medications can quickly eliminate the cause of the disease. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed for drug treatment. wide range actions. Medicines from the group of natural penicillins perform best.
If tracheitis is complicated by bronchitis, then natural penicillins are added semisynthetic antibiotics last generation.
In cases where infectious tracheitis is not complicated in any way, the following drugs are used in the treatment of the disease:
- Antitussives.
- Antiviral.
- Immunomodulators.
- Antihistamines.
It is most effective to use the above drugs in the form of aerosols. In this case, they quickly penetrate into all parts of the trachea and bronchi.
For tracheitis, the most effective medications are:
- Sumamed.
- Lazolvan.
- Berodual.
- Sinekod.
- Bioparox.
If the patient has hyperthermia, then antipyretics are prescribed for treatment. But he can only use them under the supervision of a doctor.
Tracheitis can also be treated by inhalation. For this treatment you need to use a nebulizer. This device sprays medications, but at the same time provides a concentrated effect directly on the affected areas.
According to doctors, inhalations are the most effective remedy home treatment tracheitis.
Tracheitis can be treated at home using the following medications:
- Regular saline solution. It provides good hydration of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and trachea. You can breathe it through the pores without restrictions. Moreover, it is recommended to inhale it before visiting a doctor.
- Treatment with soda solution. It perfectly thins mucus and helps you cough well.
- Regular mineral water. It provides good sputum removal for tracheitis.
- Inhalations with Lazolvan and Mukolvan. The basis of these medicines is ambroxol. Therefore, treatment can be carried out only after preliminary dilution with saline solution.
- Berodual. Treatment with this drug most effectively opens up the bronchi. In severe cases of the disease, doctors often combine Berodual with hormones.
Antibiotics in treatment inflammation of the trachea are used in the following cases:
- There are signs of developing pneumonia.
- The cough does not go away within 14 days.
- Hyperthermia occurs for several days.
- Enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes in the nose and ears.
They show themselves to be quite good at treating tracheitis folk remedies. They can be combined with traditional treatments, but cannot be used as independent therapy.
For tracheitis, a hot drink consisting of from milk with honey. To prepare it, you need to heat a glass of milk and add a teaspoon of honey to it, and add a little soda.
Also, treatment of inflammation of the trachea can be carried out using rinsing solutions based on decoctions of sage, chamomile and calendula.
Physiotherapeutic treatment can effectively combat tracheitis. It includes UHF, massage and electrophoresis.
Prevention
To never encounter tracheitis you need follow simple rules:
- Strive for healthy image life.
- Temper your body regularly.
- Try not to get too cold.
- Give up bad habits.
- Treat upper respiratory tract diseases in a timely manner.
Attention, TODAY only!
Quite often a person suffers from inflammation of the respiratory tract. Provoking factors are hypothermia or a cold, ARVI, influenza, and various infectious diseases. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, it can result in serious complications. Is it possible to prevent inflammatory process? What treatment options are there? Is inflammation of the respiratory organs dangerous?
Main symptoms of respiratory tract inflammation
Signs of the disease will depend on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and the degree of damage to the respiratory tract. We can highlight the following general signs, which appear when a virus is introduced. It often leads to severe intoxication of the body:
- The temperature rises.
- A severe headache occurs.
- Sleep is disturbed.
- Muscle pain.
- Appetite decreases.
- Nausea appears, which ends in vomiting.
In severe cases, the patient is in an excited and inhibited state, consciousness is upset, and a convulsive state is observed. Separately, it is worth noting the signs that depend on which specific organ is affected:
- Inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis). First there is severe runny nose, the patient constantly sneezes and has difficulty breathing through his nose.
- Inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa (pharyngitis). The patient has a very sore throat, the patient cannot swallow.
- Inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis). The patient has a severe cough and his voice is hoarse.
- Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). Severe pain occurs when swallowing, the tonsils also become significantly enlarged, and the mucous membrane turns red.
- Inflammation of the trachea (tracheitis). In this case, you suffer from a dry cough that does not go away within a month.
Symptoms also depend on the pathogen that provoked the disease. If inflammation of the respiratory tract is caused by influenza, the patient's temperature rises to 40 degrees, but does not fall for three days. In this case, symptoms of rhinitis and tracheitis are most often observed.
If respiratory tract diseases are caused by parainfluenza, the temperature does not rise above 38 degrees for about 2 days. Symptoms are moderate. With parainfluenza, laryngitis most often develops.
Separately, it is worth noting adenoviral infection, which affects the respiratory tract. It most often occurs in the form of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and also affects the digestive system and eyes.
Drug treatment of airway inflammation
In case of an inflammatory process, the attending physician prescribes:
- Antiseptic drugs - Chlorhexidine, Hexetidine, Thymol, etc.
- Antibiotics – Framycetin, Fusafungin, Polymyxin.
- Sulfonamides can be combined with anesthetics - Lidocoine, Menthol, Tetracaine.
- Hemostatic drugs, this group of drugs contains plant extracts and sometimes beekeeping products.
- Antiviral drugs – Interferon, Lysozyme.
- Vitamins A, B, C.
Bioparox – antibacterial agent
The antibiotic Bioparox has proven itself well; it is released in the form of an aerosol; with its help, acute respiratory tract infections can be effectively treated. Due to the fact that Bioparox contains aerosol particles, it immediately affects all organs of the respiratory tract, therefore it has a complex effect. Bioparox can be used to treat acute rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, laryngitis.
Gestetidine is an antifungal drug
This is the best medicine for treating inflammation in the pharynx. The drug is released in the form of an aerosol and rinse solution. Hexetidine is a low-toxic drug, so it can be used to treat infants. In addition to the antimicrobial effect, Hexetidine has an analgesic effect.
Traditional methods of treating inflammation of the respiratory tract
Recipes for the treatment of rhinitis
- Fresh beet juice. Drip 6 drops of fresh beet juice, this should be done in the morning, afternoon and evening. It is also recommended to use beetroot decoction for nasal instillation.
- Boiled potatoes. Cut the boiled potatoes into several parts: one is applied to the forehead, the other two parts are applied to the sinuses.
- Soda inhalation. Take 500 ml of water, add 2 tablespoons, if you are not allergic, you can add eucalyptus oil - 10 drops. The procedure is carried out at night.
Recipes for the treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis
- Lemon. Eat one lemon at once, including the peel, and cut it before doing so. You can add sugar or honey.
- The herbal mixture is used for gargling. You need to take pharmaceutical chamomile - 2 tablespoons, eucalyptus leaves - 2 tablespoons, linden blossom - 2 tablespoons, flaxseeds - a tablespoon. Let the mixture sit for half an hour. Gargle up to 5 times a day.
- Propolis infusion. Crushed propolis – 10 grams poured into half a glass of alcohol. Leave everything for a week. Rinse three times a day. When treating, drink tea with honey and herbs.
- Remedy with egg yolks. You need to take the yolk - 2 eggs, beat it with sugar until foam forms. With the help of this product you can quickly get rid of a hoarse voice.
- Dill seeds. You need to take 200 ml of boiling water and brew a tablespoon of dill seeds in it. Leave for about 30 minutes. Drink no more than two tablespoons after eating.
- A curd compress on the throat will help relieve inflammation and irritation from the throat. After just a few procedures you will feel better.
So, in order to avoid inflammation of the respiratory organs, it is necessary to treat a cold in a timely manner. Don't think that the disease will pass itself. If you get a runny nose, bacteria will start to drain from your nose. First they will end up in the nose, then in the pharynx, then in the larynx, trachea and bronchi. It can all end in pneumonia (pneumonia). To prevent complications, it is necessary to take action at the first symptoms, and do not forget to consult a doctor.
Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract is dangerous primarily due to complications. It can be provoked, in particular:
- bacterial infections;
- viruses;
- hypothermia;
- common cold, etc.
How the disease manifests itself in adults and children, as well as how best to treat it, we will tell you in this article.
Read also: What antibiotics to take for pneumonia
Symptoms
In general cases, the presence of an inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- elevated temperature;
- headache;
- sleep problems;
- aching joints;
- aching in the muscles as after hard work;
- lack of appetite;
- nausea and often vomiting.
The latter occurs due to severe intoxication. In more complex situations, a person experiences either abnormal arousal or, on the contrary, inhibition. Clarity of consciousness is almost always lost. In rare cases, the picture is supplemented by seizures.
Read also: Symptoms and treatment of bronchopneumonia in children
Depending on the location of the primary localization of the infection, other specific signs are also detected.
In particular, if we are talking about a problem such as rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose), then at the first stage the patient:
- profuse snot appears;
- he sneezes all the time;
- As swelling develops, breathing becomes difficult.
Pharyngitis is acute illness throat. A clear sign of the disease are:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain;
- feeling of a lump;
- itching in the palate.
Laryngitis is an inflammation that affects the larynx. Its consequences are:
- dry irritating cough;
- hoarseness;
- coating on the tongue.
Tonsillitis is a process that specifically affects the tonsils. The latter noticeably increase in size, which interferes with normal swallowing. The mucous membranes in this area become red and inflamed. It is also a pathology that affects the upper respiratory tract - tracheitis. This disease has a very characteristic sign - dry painful cough, sometimes not going away for a month.
The development of parainfluenza is evidenced, first of all, by the relatively low viral infections temperature does not exceed 38 degrees. Hyperemia usually persists for 2 days in the presence of symptoms common to the group under consideration, but not too severe. Almost always, the disease mentioned above becomes the background for the development of laryngitis.
It is also worth mentioning adenovirus infection. It also mainly affects the respiratory tract and gradually leads to the development of:
- pharyngitis;
- tonsillitis.
Moreover, the digestive system and organs of vision often suffer from it.
Treatment with drugs
To combat pathologies of this type, the doctor usually prescribes a set of drugs that can quickly improve the patient’s condition.
For local effects on foci of inflammation, it is advisable to use the following fairly effective medications:
- Thymol;
- Chlorhexidine;
- Furacilin;
- Hexetidine.
If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics (tablets or sprays) are prescribed:
- Polymyxin;
- Framycetin;
- Fusafungin.
To reduce the severity of sore throat, the following anesthetics are allowed:
- Tetracaine;
- Lidocaine.
Excellent softening discomfort preparations containing menthol and eucalyptus oil.
To combat viruses the following are prescribed:
- Lysozyme;
- Interferon.
General strengthening vitamin complexes are also useful for strengthening the immune system. For young children, plant-based preparations should be used, as well as those containing bee products.
Among modern medicines, it is worth highlighting the antibiotic Bioparox. This product is produced in aerosol form and is used for inhalation. Due to the fact that the drug goes directly to the source of inflammation, even very acute ailments are treated quickly. The medicine is indicated in situations where:
- laryngitis;
- tracheobronchitis;
- pharyngitis;
- rhinosinusitis.
Often the causative agent is some kind of fungal infection. Hexetidine will help here. This product is supplied to pharmacies in the form:
- spray;
- rinse solution.
Traditional medicine
If we are talking about rhinitis, then freshly squeezed beetroot juice will help. It must be instilled directly into the nose every 4 hours.
Warm boiled potatoes can also reduce the severity of symptoms. To do this, its slices are placed:
- on the forehead;
- to the nostrils.
Inhalation is a fairly simple but extremely effective procedure. Here you will need:
- half a liter of hot water;
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda;
- eucalyptus oil no more than 10 drops.
It is recommended to breathe healing steam before going to bed. Knowledgeable people also advise eating crushed lemon mixed with a few tablespoons of natural honey at night. In one sitting, you need to consume the whole fruit, including the peel, at once.
Rinsing with a decoction based on the following medicinal herbs, taken in equal parts, also helps:
- chamomile;
- linden;
- eucalyptus leaves;
- mint.
A collection of 6 tablespoons is poured into boiling water and kept in a thermos for an hour. It is recommended to use the drug at least 5 times a day. Propolis tincture relieves inflammation well. To do this, take 10 grams of the product and add it to half a glass of alcohol. Infuse the medicine for a week in a dark place, shaking daily. Also used for rinsing, diluting 10-15 drops with half a glass of warm water.
Egg yolks relieve sore throats. 2 pieces are ground with sugar to a thick white foam and eaten slowly.
A decoction of dill seed is taken after meals, two tablespoons. Prepare it like this:
- a glass of hot water is placed in a water bath;
- pour dried raw materials;
- heat for 5 minutes, without bringing to a boil;
- stand for up to half an hour.
Upper respiratory tract diseases are common throughout the world and affect every fourth person. These include sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, adenoiditis, sinusitis and rhinitis. The peak of diseases occurs in the off-season, when cases of inflammatory processes become widespread. The reason for this is acute respiratory diseases or the influenza virus. According to statistics, an adult suffers up to three cases of the disease, while a child experiences inflammation of the upper respiratory tract up to 10 times a year.
Reasons
There are three main reasons for the development of various types of inflammation.
- Virus. Influenza strains, rotoviruses, adenoviruses, mumps and measles, when they enter the body, cause a reaction in the form of inflammation.
- Bacteria. The cause of a bacterial infection can be pneumococcus, staphylococcus, mycoplasma, meningococcus, mycobacteria and diphtheria, as well as pertussis.
- Fungus. Candida, aspergillus, actinomycetes cause a local inflammatory process.
Most of the above pathogenic organisms transmitted from humans. Bacteria and viruses are unstable to the environment and practically do not live there. Some strains of the virus or fungi can live in the body, but manifest themselves only when the body's defenses are reduced. Infections occur during the period of activation of “dormant” pathogenic microbes.
Among the main methods of infection are:
- airborne transmission;
- by everyday means.
Virus particles, as well as microbes, penetrate through close contact with an infected person. Transmission is possible through talking, coughing, sneezing. All this is natural in diseases of the respiratory tract, because the first barrier to pathogenic microorganisms is the respiratory tract.
Tuberculosis, diphtheria and E. coli often enter the host's body through household means. Household and personal hygiene items become the link between a healthy and an infected person. Anyone can get sick, regardless of age, gender, financial status and social status.
Symptoms
The symptoms of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract are quite similar, with the exception of discomfort and pain, which are localized in the affected area. It is possible to determine the location of inflammation and the nature of the disease based on the symptoms of the disease, but it is possible to confirm the disease and identify the pathogen only after a thorough examination.
Characteristic for all diseases incubation period, which lasts from 2 to 10 days, depending on the pathogen.
Rhinitis
Known to everyone as a runny nose, rhinitis is an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa. Characteristic of rhinitis is exudate in the form of a runny nose, which, when microbes multiply, comes out abundantly. Both sinuses are affected, as the infection spreads quickly.
Sometimes rhinitis may not cause a runny nose, but, on the contrary, may manifest as severe congestion. If, nevertheless, discharge is present, then its nature directly depends on the pathogen. Exudate can be a clear liquid, and sometimes purulent discharge and a green color.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses resolves as a secondary infection and is manifested by difficulty breathing and a feeling of congestion. Swelling of the sinuses causes headaches, has a negative effect on the optic nerves, and affects the sense of smell. Discomfort and pain in the area of the bridge of the nose indicates an advanced inflammatory process. The discharge of pus is usually accompanied by fever and fever, as well as general malaise.
Angina
The inflammatory process in the area of the palatine tonsils in the pharynx causes a number of characteristic symptoms:
- pain when swallowing;
- difficulty eating and drinking;
- elevated temperature;
- muscle weakness.
A sore throat can occur as a result of both a virus and a bacteria entering the body. In this case, the tonsils swell and a characteristic coating appears on them. With purulent tonsillitis, the palate and mucous membrane of the throat are covered with yellow and greenish deposits. With fungal etiology, a white plaque with a curd-like consistency.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the throat is manifested by sore throat and dry cough. Breathing may be difficult at times. General malaise and low-grade fever are not permanent phenomena. Pharyngitis usually occurs against the background of influenza and acute respiratory infection.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords also develops against the background of influenza, measles, whooping cough and parainfluenza. Laryngitis is characterized by hoarseness and cough. The mucous membrane of the larynx swells so much that it interferes with breathing. Without treatment, laryngitis can cause stenosis of the laryngeal walls or muscle spasm. Without treatment, symptoms only get worse.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi (this is the lower part of the respiratory tract) is characterized by mucus discharge or a strong dry cough. In addition, bronchitis is characterized by symptoms of general intoxication and malaise. At the initial stage, symptoms may not appear until the inflammation reaches the nerve processes.
Pneumonia
Inflammation of the lung tissue in the lower and upper parts of the lung, which is usually caused by pneumococci, is always accompanied by signs of general intoxication, fever and chills. As pneumonia progresses, the cough intensifies, but sputum may appear much later. If it is non-infectious, symptoms may not appear. The symptoms are similar to an advanced cold and the disease is not always diagnosed on time.
Therapy methods
After clarifying the diagnosis, treatment begins in accordance with the general condition of the patient and the cause of the inflammation. Three main types of treatment are considered:
- pathogenetic;
- symptomatic;
- etiotropic.
Pathogenetic treatment
It is based on stopping the development of the inflammatory process. For this purpose, immunostimulating drugs are used so that the body itself can fight the infection, as well as auxiliary treatment, which suppresses the inflammatory process.
To strengthen the body, take:
- Anaferon;
- Amexin;
- Neovir;
- Levomax.
They are suitable for children and adults. Treating upper respiratory tract diseases without immune support is pointless. If the causative agent of inflammation of the respiratory system is a bacterium, treatment is carried out with Immudon or Bronchomunal. For individual indications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. They relieve general symptoms and suppress pain; this is important, especially if you are treating a child who is having a hard time with the disease.
Etiotropic method
Based on pathogen suppression. It is important to stop the reproduction of the virus and bacteria in the upper sections, as well as to prevent their spread. The main thing is to accurately establish the strain of the virus and the etiology of pathogenic microbes in order to choose the correct scheme and start treatment. Among antiviral drugs should be highlighted:
- Remantadine;
- Relenz;
- Arbidol;
- Kagocel;
- Isoprinosine.
They only help when the disease is caused by a virus. If you can't kill it, as is the case with herpes, you can simply suppress the symptoms.
Bacterial inflammation of the respiratory tract can only be cured with antibacterial drugs; the dosage must be prescribed by a doctor. These medications are very dangerous if used rashly and can cause irreparable harm to the body.
For a child, such treatment can lead to complications in the future. Therefore, when choosing a drug, special attention is paid to the patient’s age, his physiological characteristics, and also conduct a test for the presence of allergic reactions. Modern pharmacology offers for treatment effective drugs groups of macrolides, beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones.
Symptomatic treatment
Since antibacterial or antifungal treatment has a gradual effect in most cases of the disease, it is important to suppress the symptoms that cause discomfort to the person. For this there is symptomatic treatment.
- Nasal drops are used to suppress a runny nose.
- To relieve a sore throat and reduce swelling, use broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal topical sprays.
- Symptoms such as cough or sore throat can be suppressed with expectorants.
With severe swelling of the upper and lower parts of the lungs, symptomatic treatment does not always have the desired result. It is important not to use all known treatment methods, but to choose the right regimen based on the comprehensive elimination of symptoms and the causative agent of inflammation.
Inhalation will help relieve swelling, suppress cough and soreness in the upper throat, and stop a runny nose. A traditional methods treatments can improve breathing and prevent oxygen deprivation.
The main thing is not to self-medicate, but to undergo it under the supervision of a specialist and follow all his recommendations.
Preferanskaya Nina Germanovna
Art. Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, MMA named after. THEM. Sechenova, Ph.D.
The duration of treatment is halved when starting treatment in the first 2 hours after the appearance of the first clinical signs of an acute inflammatory process, while starting treatment only a day after the first symptoms of the disease increases both the duration of treatment and the number of drugs used. Topical medications show a faster initial effect than systemic medications. The use of these drugs allows you to start early treatment, they also affect the prodramatic period of the disease and have a preventive effect on patients. Recently, the effectiveness of these drugs has significantly increased, their spectrum of activity has expanded, their selective tropism and bioavailability have improved, while maintaining their high safety.
Drugs with mucolytic and expectorant effects
Evacuation of accumulated sputum and easier breathing are facilitated by herbal remedies containing active substances from thermopsis, marshmallow, licorice, creeping thyme (thyme), fennel, anise oil, etc. Currently, combination preparations of plant origin are especially popular. Widely used preparations: containing thyme - bronchicum(elixir, syrup, lozenges), Tussamag(syrup and drops), stoptussin syrup, bronchipret; containing licorice, syrups - Dr. MOM, links; containing guaifenesin ( Ascoril, Coldrex-Broncho). Pertussin, has expectorant and cough softening properties: enhances bronchial secretion and accelerates the evacuation of sputum. Contains liquid thyme extract or liquid thyme extract 12 parts and potassium bromide 1 part. Prospan, Gedelix, Tonsilgon, contain extract from ivy leaves. Pharmacies offer lozenges with sage, lozenges with sage and vitamin C. Fervex cough medicine containing ambroxol. Tussamag balm against colds, contains pine bud and eucalyptus oil. Has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. Apply to rub into the skin of the chest and back 2-3 times a day.
Erespal is available in the form of film-coated tablets containing 80 mg of fenspiride hydrochloride and syrup - 2 mg of fenspiride hydrochloride per 1 ml. The drug contains licorice root extract. Erespal counteracts bronchoconstriction and has an anti-inflammatory effect in the respiratory tract, involving various mechanisms involved, and has a papaverine-like antispasmodic effect. Reduces swelling of the mucous membrane, improves sputum discharge and reduces sputum hypersecretion. For children, the drug is prescribed in the form of syrup at the rate of 4 mg/kg body weight per day, i.e. children weighing up to 10 kg - 2-4 teaspoons of syrup (10-20 ml) per day, over 10 kg - 2-4 tablespoons of syrup (30-60 ml) per day.
These drugs are used for productive cough, for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as for complications (tracheitis, bronchitis) and chronic obstructive respiratory diseases.
Drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects
Falimint, Toff plus, Agisept, Fervex, Dr. Theiss with echinacea extract etc.
Coldrex LariPlus, a long-acting combination drug. Chlorpheniramine has an antiallergic effect, eliminates lacrimation, itching in the eyes and nose. Paracetamol has an antipyretic and analgesic effect: it reduces the pain syndrome observed during colds - sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, and reduces high temperature. Phenylephrine has a vasoconstrictor effect - reduces swelling and hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and paranasal sinuses. Drugs similar in composition and pharmacological action Coldrex, Coldrex Hotrem, Coldex Teva.
Rinza contains 4 active ingredients: paracetamol + chlorpheniramine + caffeine + mesaton. Has a wide range of action. It is used for colds of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by fever, headache, and runny nose.
Preparations with antibacterial and antimicrobial effects
Bioparox, Ingalipt, Grammidin, Hexaral, Stopangin etc.
Among antibacterial drugs Locabiotal (Bioparox) should be isolated in the form of an aerosol, a combination drug Polydex, prescribed to children from 2.5 years of age.
Gramicidin S(grammidin) is a polypeptide antibiotic that increases the permeability of the microbial cell membrane and disrupts its stability, which leads to the death of microbes. Salivation and cleansing of the oropharynx from microorganisms and inflammatory exudate increases. Allergic reactions are possible when taking the drug; before use, it is necessary to test for sensitivity.
Ingalipt an aerosol for topical use containing soluble sulfonamides - streptocide and norsulfazole, which have an antimicrobial effect on gram “+” and gram “--” bacteria. Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, thymol have a softening and anti-inflammatory effect.
Used for the prevention of influenza and viral rhinitis oxolinic ointment. 0.25% ointment is used to lubricate the nasal mucosa in the morning and evening during an influenza epidemic and upon contact with patients; the duration of use is determined individually (up to 25 days).
Faringosept contains 10 mg of ambazone monohydrate in 1 tablet, applied perlintually (sucking). The tablet dissolves slowly in the mouth. The optimal therapeutic concentration in saliva is achieved by taking 3-5 tablets per day for 3-4 days. Adults: 3-5 tablets per day for 3-4 days. Children 3-7 years old: daily 1 tablet 3 times a day. Used to treat diseases of the ENT organs. It has a bacteriostatic effect on streptococci and pneumococci, has antimicrobial activity without affecting E. coli.
Antiseptic drugs
Hexoral, Yox, Lizobakt, Strepsils, Sebidin, Neo-angin N, Grammidin with antiseptic, Antisept-angin, Astrasept, Fervex for sore throat, etc.
Septolete, lozenges for complete resorption, containing benzalkonium chloride, which has a wide spectrum of action. Effective primarily against gram-positive bacteria. It also has a powerful fungicidal effect on Candida albicans and some lipophilic viruses, pathogenic microorganisms that cause infections of the mouth and pharynx. Benzalkonium chloride contains the drug Tantum Verde.
Laripront for the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat and larynx. The drug contains two active ingredients: lysozyme hydrochloride and dequalinium chloride. Thanks to lysozyme, a natural protective factor for the mucous membrane, the drug has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects. Dequalinium is a local antiseptic, increases the sensitivity of infectious agents to lysozyme and promotes the penetration of the latter into tissues. Prescribe 1 tablet for adults, 1/2 tablet for children every 2 hours after meals, keep the tablets in the mouth until completely absorbed. Use until signs of the disease disappear. For the purpose of prevention, the dose of the drug is reduced to half or up to 1, twice a day.
Original classic version Strepsils(Strepsils), containing amylmetacresol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol and anise and peppermint oils, is available in lozenges. Has an antiseptic effect. Strepsils with honey and lemon soothes throat irritation. They produce Strepsils with vitamin C and Strepsils without sugar with lemon and herbs. Using a combination of menthol and eucalyptus soothes a sore throat and reduces nasal congestion.
Drugs with local anesthetic action
Strepsils plus, is a combination drug containing the anesthetic lidocaine for quick relief pain and two broad-spectrum antiseptic components to treat infection. Lozenges provide a long-lasting local anesthetic effect - up to 2 hours, effectively relieve pain, while simultaneously suppressing the activity of pathogens of respiratory diseases.
Lozenges Drill, indicated for use in adults and children over 12 years of age, contain in one lozenge as an anesthetic substance that soothes pain, tetracaine hydrochloride 200 mcg and an anesthetic to suppress infection - chlorhexidine bigluconate 3 mg.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Faringomed used as symptomatic remedy for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases ENT organs (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis). The drug reduces the severity of disorders such as sore throat, swelling of the mucous membranes, itching and soreness in the nose; facilitates nasal breathing. Take one caramel - keep it in your mouth until completely dissolved. Children under 5 years of age should take the drug no more than four times a day, others - no more than six. During exacerbation chronic tonsillitis or pharyngitis, not accompanied high temperature and acute sore throat, 2 doses of the drug per day are enough - one caramel in the morning and evening for 7-10 days.
Sea buckthorn, Dr. Theiss lozenges, have general strengthening properties. They contain calcium and magnesium to normalize energy metabolism and the process of enzyme formation in the body. Blackcurrant, Dr. Theiss lozenges, have a beneficial effect on throat irritation, and supplement the daily requirement of vitamin C. Contain natural extract black currant. Phytopastils with Dr. Theiss's honey, have a beneficial effect on coughs, throat irritations, hoarseness, and colds in the upper respiratory tract. Refreshes the oral cavity.
Strepfen- a drug for sore throat containing the anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen 0.75 mg in lozenges. Reduces inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, eliminates pain. Duration of effect is 3 hours.
Having a mixed, combined effect
Faringosept, Carmolis, Solutan, Faringopils, Ledinets Carmolis, Foringolid, Travesil etc.
The complex bronchosecretolytic drug Bronchosan contains essential oils, which have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, and anise and fennel oil enhance the expectorant effect of bromhexine, increasing the activity of the ciliated epithelium and the evacuation function of the respiratory tract.
Anti-angina, has a bactericidal, antifungal, local analgesic and restorative effect due to its active components: chlorhexidine - an antiseptic from the group of bis-biguanides, which have a bactericidal effect against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, corynebacteria, influenza bacillus, Klebsiella). Chlorhexidine also suppresses certain groups of viruses. Tetracaine is an effective local anesthetic that quickly relieves or reduces pain. Ascorbic acid plays an important role in regulating redox processes, carbohydrate metabolism, blood clotting, tissue regeneration, participates in the synthesis of corticosteroids, collagen, normalizes capillary permeability. It is a natural antioxidant and increases the body's resistance to infections.
The arsenal of drugs used for topical use in diseases of the upper respiratory tract is quite diverse and the sooner the patient starts using them, the faster he can cope with the infection without possible subsequent complications.
