Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children at home. Symptoms and treatment of laryngotracheitis in children. Medical treatment of the disease

Laryngotracheitis is an infectious and inflammatory process that covers the larynx and trachea. In children, the pathology develops against the background of advanced respiratory diseases: influenza, tonsillitis, sinusitis. If laryngotracheitis appears, the pediatrician determines the symptoms and treatment in children.

It is difficult for parents to distinguish the signs of this pathology from other colds. Since the disease in children quickly turns into complications - bronchitis, pneumonia or false croup - treatment cannot be postponed. The pediatrician will make a diagnosis, prescribe treatment, including medicines and folk remedies.

In children, immunity is in the formation stage, and the path from the upper to lower respiratory organs is short. For this reason, they are more likely than adults to suffer from laryngotracheitis. The disease is caused by:

  • viruses (rhino-, entero-, adenoviruses);
  • bacteria;
  • allergens;
  • fungi.

Pathology develops under the influence of a viral microflora that appears in the respiratory organs as a result of an acute respiratory infection. During its course, there is a spasm of the vessels passing through the trachea, as well as swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tube.

Such a complication leads to an exacerbation of the disease, its transition to stenosing laryngotracheobronchitis (false croup) - a deadly condition. In this case, the child needs urgent medical attention. Otherwise, due to pathological narrowing or complete overlap of the trachea, the baby will experience asphyxia, often resulting in death.

Symptoms

Laryngotracheitis in children is manifested as follows:

  • loud breathing occurs, worse at night;
  • snoring appears;
  • the baby is tormented by bouts of debilitating barking cough;
  • ligaments are affected, the timbre of the voice changes, hoarseness appears in it;
  • the temperature rises;
  • loss of appetite;
  • there is lethargy, drowsiness.

If symptoms of laryngotracheitis are detected in children, treatment should be started without delay. This will not allow the disease to develop into dangerous complications. In a severe course of the disease, self-medication is unacceptable, the child needs the help of a doctor.

Drug therapy

Laryngotracheitis is a transient disease, it suddenly arises and instantly develops into severe complications. Only a pediatrician can determine how to treat laryngotracheitis in a child. He will select medications, taking into account the form of the disease, the severity of its course, the complications that have arisen, and the existing contraindications.

Medicines

Typically, the course of therapy includes:

  • antiviral agents and antibacterial medicines - they are able to suppress the development of pathogenic microflora;
  • immunomodulatory drugs help the body fight pathogens, speed up recovery;
  • interferons enhance the effect of antiviral drugs;
  • antihistamines suppress allergic manifestations;
  • corticosteroids relieve inflammation and swelling;
  • cough medicines help thin sputum, make it easier to expel;
  • lozenges, local preparations are used to eliminate pain, sore throat.

Before buying drugs, you should consult with your doctor. This will avoid unwanted consequences.

Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis

For the treatment of pathology in the early stages, standard therapy is prescribed:

  • bed rest;
  • the use of drugs that relieve symptoms of pathology;
  • inhalation.

With timely treatment, the disease resolves without the use of antibiotics. Antiviral and antitussive drugs cope with it. Having diagnosed acute laryngotracheitis in children, treatment is carried out with the appointment of antibiotics if a bacterial infection joins the disease.

General instructions

Comfortable conditions are created in the room of a sick baby:

  • provide favorable temperature and humidity;
  • the child is plentifully watered with fruit drink, compote, herbal teas;
  • the baby is protected from stress and excessive physical exertion.

Inhalations with medicines

With laryngotracheitis, inhalations are required. They are carried out in various ways. The greatest effect is obtained using a nebulizer.

Antiseptic solutions are poured into the device:

  • saline solution with propolis tincture (in a ratio of 20: 1);
  • saline solution with Tonsilgon (proportions: children under 7 years old - 1:2, older than 7 - 1:1);
  • saline solution with tincture of calendula (in a ratio of 40: 1).

Do 2-3 inhalations per day lasting 10-15 minutes. One procedure is performed at night.

Inhalations are not done if:

  • the child's temperature rose to 38 degrees;
  • the baby is not 1 year old;
  • the baby suffers from diseases of the cardiovascular system, is prone to bleeding;
  • exacerbated bronchial asthma;
  • developed a severe form of laryngitis;
  • have an allergic reaction to the drug.

Treatment with folk methods

With laryngotracheitis in children, therapeutic treatment is supplemented with traditional medicine methods. To suppress the disease, inhalations, herbal teas, decoctions of herbs for rinsing and drinking are used. Means have a softening, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and soothing effect.

Herbal preparations

For the treatment of laryngotracheitis, the following fees are prepared:

  1. The collection is made up of coltsfoot and oregano, taking them 10 g each, and 20 g of chamomile. Measure 1 tablespoon of raw materials, brew in 250 ml of boiling water. The infusion is prepared in a thermos. Drink like tea, 0.25 cups.
  2. The collection is prepared from plantain, linden blossom, calendula, St. John's wort, marshmallow, taking herbs in equal proportions. For medicine, take 1 tablespoon of raw materials, brew in 0.5 liters of boiling water. Simmer on fire for 20 minutes. Leave for six hours to insist. Drink 0.25 cup three or four times a day.

Syrups, juices and infusions

rinses

herbal inhalations

In the stage of exacerbation of inhalation is prohibited. They start when the temperature returns to normal.

For steam procedures, decoctions of the following herbs are used:

  • sage;
  • chamomile;
  • succession;
  • St. John's wort.

Fragrant vapors soften, moisturize, facilitate breathing, relieve inflammation. For the preparation of decoctions, one medicinal plant or a mixture of herbs is used. When compiling fees, herbs are measured in equal quantities.

The extract for inhalation is prepared as follows: 1 tablespoon of raw materials (one herb or mixture) is poured into 250 ml of boiling water. The inhaler is filled with the solution or a container with a hot solution is placed in front of the child, the head is covered with a large towel. Give the baby to breathe fragrant vapors for 10-15 minutes.

Effective inhalations with aromatic oils:

  • eucalyptus;
  • mint;
  • fir;
  • juniper;
  • tea tree.

3-5 drops of oil (one or a mixture) are added to 250 ml of hot water. The duration of inhalation with essential oils is 10-15 minutes.

For inhalation at home, sea salt dissolved in boiling water, a pair of potatoes boiled in their uniforms are often used. For a greater therapeutic effect, it is recommended to add 2-3 drops of any essential oil to mashed potato tubers.

For the procedure, choose the means to which the child does not have an allergic reaction.

Laryngotracheitis causes discomfort to children, exhausts them with bouts of unproductive coughing, and leads to dangerous complications. However, self-treatment of pathology is strictly prohibited.

The child must be shown to the pediatrician, he will prescribe treatment, if necessary, adjust the therapy. Medicines and home remedies recommended by the doctor will allow the baby to recover quickly.

On the way of pathogens of infectious diseases that enter the child's body by airborne droplets, there are organs of the upper respiratory tract - the nasopharynx. It is they who take the first blow and, in most cases, prevent damage to the bronchi and lungs. That is why diseases of the underlying areas are much less common than the organs of the nose and mouth. However, the child's body with its still imperfect immunity does not always cope with the infection immediately. And if qualified help is late, the disease spreads to the lower respiratory tract: trachea, bronchi, lungs. Laryngotracheitis in a child refers to just such diseases.

Larynx of a healthy child and a child with laryngotracheitis

Laryngitis in a child occurs when the larynx becomes inflamed. The area around the vocal cords becomes inflamed and becomes a source of pain. Viruses or bacteria, sometimes fungi, provoke the disease.

The spread of inflammation to the trachea - the breathing tube between the larynx and bronchi occurs when measures to combat infection are not taken in time.

Important! The transition of the insemination area with infectious pathogens down creates the prerequisites for the development of severe infectious and. No less dangerous is allergic laryngotracheitis - its complication threatens with suffocation.

Therefore, treatment should begin with the appearance of the first signs of the disease.

Laryngotracheitis in children symptoms and treatment

The symptomatology of the disease consists of a number of signs characteristic of two independent diseases - laryngitis and tracheitis - and exacerbating each other. The main signs of laryngotracheitis are as follows:

  • Sore throat, worse when swallowing;
  • Voice changes - hoarseness, hoarseness, coarsening;
  • Difficulties in speaking - pain, aphonia, a feeling of dryness are felt;
  • or pipe cough, very painful in the first days;
  • An increase in temperature, sometimes significant, and with an allergic origin of the disease, there is no fever;
  • Respiratory failure of varying degrees;
  • Deterioration of the general condition of the child, especially the youngest.

Important! In fairness, it should be said that laryngotracheitis in infants is rare. Their contacts with other children are still very limited, so the infection is unlikely and is detected on time, and a rare mother allows prolonged crying in conditions of severe frost or withering heat.

Possible complications of the disease

Laryngotracheitis in a child is a rather serious disease, but with proper and timely treatment, it ends safely in 2 to 3 weeks.
The most dangerous complications are:

  • - inflammation in the bronchi, which significantly complicates the process of breathing and gas exchange in the body;
  • - pneumonia, which today poses a serious threat to the baby;
  • - a serious narrowing of the airways, the development of which without medical assistance is fraught with complete asphyxia (suffocation) in the shortest possible time.

Important! If there are signs of respiratory failure, you should immediately call a doctor. Self-treatment and hope for reflex excitation of breathing can lead to irreparable consequences.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in a child

The earlier assistance is provided to the child, the less likely it is to develop severe complications. Therefore, a visit to the doctor or a call to the pediatrician at home (preferably) is recommended already at the first signs.

The main goal of treating laryngotracheitis in children is to relieve or prevent swelling of the airways and stop the downward spread of the disease by removing toxins. To achieve results, not only drug therapy is used, but also physiotherapy, folk methods and regime moments.

medicinal help

Treatment with medicines consists of several components:

  • Antibacterial therapy - with the microbial nature of the disease;
  • - with a viral origin of the disease;
  • Symptomatic remedies - painkillers, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs according to indications;
  • Increasing the productivity of coughing - eliminating bouts of dry painful coughing, increasing sputum production and its excretion.

Physiotherapy techniques

Physiotherapy for laryngotracheitis is carried out after a decrease in temperature. Both manual methods are used - massage, rubbing with warming ointments, and hardware - electro- and iontophoresis, inhalations. Some procedures can be practiced at home.

The most common procedure for any respiratory diseases accompanied by a cough has recently been the use of a nebulizer. This device is used for inhalation - inhalation of air through a respirator or tube. In this case, the respiratory composition can be enriched with therapeutic mixtures or simply moistened. Provides effective assistance with increased dryness of the lower respiratory tract.

Important! Inhalations with laryngotracheitis are not always shown! With a significant swelling of the mucous membranes, their moistening can complicate the situation - loose tissues increase in volume and narrow the air passages. The nebulizer can only be used as directed by a doctor.

The attending physician or physiotherapist teaches the mother how to receive massage to facilitate the discharge of sputum. Patting in the direction from the back to the neck helps well when the child is lying on his stomach (on the bed with the head end lowered or on the knees of an adult with the head and shoulders of the child lowered).

Folk remedies

For all types of cough, medicinal plants are used in the form of decoctions and infusions for oral administration.

For the preparation of medicinal drinks use:

  • Plantain - with an unproductive cough to form sputum and mitigate attacks;
  • Mint - for expectoration of mucus;
  • Sage - as an antibacterial agent and a means of combating dry cough;
  • Oatmeal decoction - enveloping mucous membranes, eliminates the urge to cough;
  • Clover is a general tonic to turn on the body's defenses.

Ginger, honey, raspberries, warm milk - each of these ingredients or their mixture can become the basis of a drink that is useful for laryngotracheitis.

Important! Do not give expectorants for dry cough. Do not try to stop a wet cough.

Regime for laryngotracheitis

With all diseases of the respiratory system, it is very important to provide the child with fresh and clean air around the clock and at any time of the year. The same moment also serves as an excellent prophylactic against the so-called colds and their complications.

A sick child should:

  • Get plenty of rest and sleep, especially when you have a fever;
  • If possible, observe the mode of silence - the ligaments with laryngotracheitis are tense and swollen, talking, laughing, crying, coughing, irritate them, which does not help to eliminate the signs of the disease;
  • Consume enough liquid - water cleanses the internal environment of the body, participates in metabolic processes, which are so important during recovery, prevents acidosis - dehydration of the body.

All these conditions will become medical procedures only under one condition - access to fresh cool (not cold and not warm) sufficiently humidified air.

Important! In the acute period of the disease, laryngotracheitis in a child can be highly contagious, so the contacts of a sick child should be limited not only with children, but also with adults.

Thus, the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is a set of measures, the combination of which increases the effectiveness of therapy and leads, in the end, to complete recovery.

Remember that only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis, do not self-medicate without consultation and diagnosis by a qualified doctor.

In the autumn-winter period, there is an increase in respiratory infections, which in children often have a complicated course. One of the complications of ARVI and acute respiratory infections of a bacterial nature is laryngotracheitis.

An acute inflammatory process of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, triggered by viruses against a background of reduced immunity, gradually passes to the larynx and the initial sections of the trachea. In this case, the child has characteristic symptoms, so it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner and prescribe treatment (traditional and folk remedies).

Why does laryngotracheitis occur?

Laryngotracheitis in a child is an inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and the initial sections of the trachea. This disease most often occurs in children from 3 months to 6 years (in most cases in babies from one to three years). The main provoking factor in the development of laryngotracheitis is considered to be a decrease in the reactivity of the immune system - both local and general immunity.

The starting point of the disease is most often viral infections (parainfluenza, adenovirus and rhino-syncytial infection, influenza), and acute inflammation caused by viruses against the background of immaturity or weakened immune system is complicated by the layering of bacterial flora (pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci and other microorganisms). The inflammatory process acquires a more aggressive course and, in addition to the nasopharynx, affects other organs of the respiratory system - the larynx and trachea.

In addition to viral infections, acute laryngotracheitis can be provoked by:

allergic reactions; hypothermia; overvoltage of the vocal cords (loud talking, screaming, singing); stress.

Parents should be aware that acute laryngotracheitis in children is a dangerous disease that can be complicated by stenosis of the larynx and swelling of the vocal cords with the onset of false croup syndrome (“barking” cough, shortness of breath, wheezing when breathing).

Therefore, if characteristic symptoms of the disease appear in a young child, it is urgent to seek medical help and treat the baby with prescribed methods.

Signs of illness

The symptoms accompanying laryngotracheitis differ in children of different age groups.

Infants and children under 5 years old

Inflammation of the larynx and trachea in a young child (babies and babies under 5 years old) develops rapidly within 1-3 days, but almost always after the onset of symptoms of a viral infection:

runny nose and sneezing; sore throat and coughing; temperature increase; weakness, lethargy, malaise; moodiness and loss of appetite.

Then, as the inflammatory process moves to the larynx and descends to the trachea, children develop:

dry, painful "barking" or "croaking" cough; whistling or wheezing when breathing; the child's moodiness and anxiety increase.

Symptoms indicating worsening swelling and inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords (false croup syndrome):

the appearance of shortness of breath and difficulty inhaling and exhaling; blue nasolabial triangle; cardiopalmus.

It is important to know that the appearance of signs of laryngotracheitis in a child under three years of age is an indication for an immediate consultation with a pediatrician - it is necessary to start treating this complex disease as early as possible.

Delay is dangerous for the health and even life of the baby, because the complete closure of the glottis with severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and loose subglottic space can lead to suffocation.

If a child under one year old is diagnosed with acute laryngotracheitis, the baby is hospitalized in a hospital, infants are not treated at home (the baby should be under the constant supervision of health workers).

Children over 5 years old and teenagers

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in schoolchildren and adolescents:

painful unproductive cough, more often at night; hoarseness of voice; pain when coughing in the upper chest; lethargy, weakness, malaise; headache; increase in body temperature; aggravation of dry cough when talking, coughing fits with difficult expectoration of sputum, which becomes purulent after a few days.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

When symptoms of laryngotracheitis appear in a baby, parents are concerned about one question - how and how to treat a child at home. First of all, you need to know that the treatment of this pathology should be comprehensive, including:

creation of a sparing regime and comfortable conditions in the room (temperature and humidity); plentiful drink; complete nutrition; medications; physiotherapy (as prescribed by a doctor); traditional medicine methods (herbs, healing fees, compresses, inhalations).


Drug treatment of laryngotracheitis in children should be prescribed only by a specialist - a pediatrician or an otolaryngologist after examining the child and clarifying the diagnosis. Food should be fortified and sparing, fried, fatty and spicy foods, marinades, foods with dyes and various additives should be removed from the diet.

Particular attention is paid to the treatment of this disease in children under 4-5 years old - at this age there is a high risk of false croup (the smaller the baby, the higher the likelihood). Therefore, parents should be attentive and any alarming symptoms serve as an occasion for immediate medical attention.

It is a big risk to treat children on their own if there are signs of stenosis of the larynx (“barking” cough, moodiness, whistling or wheezing when breathing, shortness of breath) and if these symptoms worsen: swelling of the larynx grows very quickly and in a few minutes they can completely close and crumble won't be able to breathe.

It is important to know that steam inhalations with an active inflammatory process of the larynx increase the swelling of the mucosa, and the signs of the disease worsen - coughing becomes more frequent and more painful, coughing is noted, especially at night, difficulty breathing and anxiety of the child appear. Inhalations in the acute period of laryngotracheitis are carried out with drugs (antispasmodics or local hormonal agents) only with the help of special children's inhalers (ultrasonic or compressor) - the dose, frequency and duration of the procedure is determined by the attending physician.

Folk remedies for the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children with traditional medicine is widely used as an addition to drug therapy. Effective folk remedies are:

decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory, softening, antitussive, soothing effect; products with lemon and honey; compresses; inhalation (not earlier than 3-4 days after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease in schoolchildren and adolescents).

Herbal treatment

The most commonly used as part of healing fees are:

nettle; Linden; St. John's wort; plantain; coltsfoot; chamomile; oregano.

Gathering #1

Take coltsfoot grass (1 part), chamomile flowers (2 parts) and oregano grass (1 part), mix and pour a tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water. Insist in a thermos and drink in the form of tea (1/4 cup) during the day in small sips.

Gathering #2

Take in equal parts plantain leaves, linden and calendula flowers, St. John's wort and chopped marshmallow root, mix in a dry bowl. For infusion, you need to take a tablespoon of the collection for 500 ml of boiling water, boil for 20 minutes and leave for 6 hours. Take the remedy 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.

Therapy of laryngotracheitis with lemon and honey

An effective antitussive for a painful cough is lemon, honey and food glycerin syrup. You need to take a lemon, cut it in the middle, but do not cut it completely. Boil the lemon for 10-15 minutes until soft, let cool slightly and squeeze into a separate container. Remove the seeds and add liquid honey to the lemon gruel (in a ratio of 1: 1). Add a tablespoon of edible glycerin to the resulting mixture (buy at a pharmacy). Mix well and take according to age:


kids from 4 to 8 years old - a teaspoon 3-5 times a day; children over 9 years old - a tablespoon no more than 5-6 times.

Infusion of figs in milk for cough

For the remedy, you need to take 5 fresh figs and soak them in a glass of boiled milk. Insist 6-8 hours, mash the berries and take the medicine 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Inhalations with decoctions of herbs and essential oils

Today, various models of inhalers can be found in the pharmacy network, but often at home, parents use time-tested steam inhalations with decoctions of anti-inflammatory and emollient herbs (sage, calendula, chamomile, St. John's wort, succession) or essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, fir ).

A healing agent for inhalation is prepared in advance (for a decoction, a tablespoon of vegetable raw materials is taken - one plant or different herbs mixed in equal amounts) and brewed in a glass of water.

Essential oils should only be used if the child does not have allergies or a family history of allergic reactions.

Parents should know that laryngotracheitis in children is a complex and unpleasant disease that gives the baby severe discomfort and a painful frequent cough. But it is impossible to treat this pathology on your own, especially in children under 6 years old - only a doctor can correctly prescribe treatment and timely adjust therapy with minimal deterioration in the child's condition.

The respiratory tract is a kind of gateway through which viruses and bacteria enter our bodies. Most often, colds affect the uppermost section - the nasopharynx.

However, the children's inflammatory process tends to descend into the underlying sections - into the larynx and then into the trachea.

Features of children's immunity, as well as the relatively small length of the respiratory tract, make the child more prone to the disease than an adult. What is laryngotracheitis in children, and how to treat it - let's take a closer look.

What is laryngotracheitis

Laryngotracheitis is an inflammatory process that affects both the larynx (larynx) and the trachea.

The larynx begins after the pharynx and then passes into the trachea. In the disease of these parts of the upper respiratory tract, the viruses that enter the larynx from the pharynx and move down into the trachea are mainly to blame.

It can be any respiratory viruses that are grouped under the name SARS, and in everyday life are called colds. The disease develops according to the following general scenario:

Once on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, viruses begin to depress local immunity. Decreased immunity is used by bacteria that begin to intensively colonize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Bacterial infection eventually leads to purulent inflammation, cough with mucopurulent sputum.

The mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea swells, turns red. These symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children are not visible without a special endoscopic device. However, the disease is manifested by other obvious signs by which parents can differentiate inflammation of the larynx and trachea from, for example, pharyngitis.

A key factor in airway inflammation is a decrease in local immunity. As shown above, viruses can cause it. But often the cause of laryngotracheitis in children is non-viral.

1. Bacterial laryngotracheitis against the background of a decrease in local immunity

Various bacteria surround us everywhere: some live on the skin, others are limitedly represented in the nose, mouth, and throat. The immune system of the child is undeveloped and unstable. The weakening of the immunity of the upper respiratory tract provides pathogenic microbes with opportunities to spread.

The main factors of weakening the immunity of the larynx and trachea:

hypothermia; inhalation of cold air through the mouth (for example, when children play in winter); passive smoking (for example, when adults smoke in a room where children are).

2. Bacterial laryngotracheitis as a result of infection with pathogenic microbes

To start the inflammatory bacterial process, you must:

Imbalance of the microflora of the upper respiratory tract; the inability of the immune system to restore the balance of "powers".

A factor that significantly upsets the balance of attacking microbes and protecting forces is an external source of bacterial infection - a sick person. When coughing and sneezing, pathogenic microorganisms are sprayed into the surrounding space in large quantities. The child's body cannot cope with such a bacterial "attack" and becomes ill.

3. Bacterial laryngotracheitis due to an infectious focus in a child

The source of infection can be not only the external environment and opportunistic microbes that inhabit the upper respiratory tract, but also existing infectious foci in the body:

In the nose (rhinitis); in the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis); inflamed tonsils (tonsillitis); sore throat (pharyngitis).

All of these diseases can lead to the spread of infection through the respiratory tract below.

4. Allergic laryngotracheitis

Swelling of the larynx due to non-infectious nature. Occurs as an allergic reaction to exposure to, for example, aerosol drugs.

Types of children's laryngotracheitis

The disease manifests itself in two forms:

Acute uncomplicated; complicated stenosing.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is fundamentally independent of the form. However, a significant stenosis of the larynx or trachea always requires more radical means, involving the presence of a child in a hospital.

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children

Inflammation of the larynx and trachea does not appear unexpectedly. Often it occurs as a continuation of the inflammatory process in the upper respiratory tract: in the throat and nose. The initial symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children are manifested by standard signs characteristic of rhinitis and pharyngitis:

Runny nose, congestion; cough; sore throat, abrasion, perspiration; elevated temperature.

Acute laryngotracheitis

The progression of the infection down the respiratory tract shows additional symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children:

Cough acquires a "dry" and sharp sound; voice change, hoarseness; pain when coughing in the upper part of the center of the chest; paroxysmal cough; coughing fits at night; coughing when taking a deep breath; sputum department; over time, sputum becomes purulent; elevated temperature.

Acute laryngotracheitis may be complicated by significant stenosis of the larynx.

Stenosing laryngotracheitis

Stenosis is the narrowing of the lumen of an organ, cavity, etc. To some extent, edema (swelling) of the mucosa and, consequently, slight stenosis occurs in any inflammatory process, including acute laryngitis and tracheitis. Such obvious symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children as a change in voice, hoarseness, voicing of the cough sound are nothing more than the result of inflammatory edema of the larynx and glottis.

However, in some cases, the stenosis is so severe that such conditions are classified as stenosing laryngotracheitis. A strong narrowing of the lumen impedes the movement of air. Common symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children are supplemented by the following:

Noisy inhalation and exhalation; labored breathing; bouts of shortness of breath; increased heart rate.

In the limit, the stenosis can be so severe that it blocks the access of air to the lungs and causes asphyxia. However, this is an extremely rare development of symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children.

Diagnostic methods

Initial diagnosis involves:

Inspection; auscultation of the lungs; analysis of the patient's condition based on complaints about well-being.

In general, the diagnosis is not difficult. With a frequently relapsing disease, an analysis of the microflora of the throat (a swab from the throat) is required to prescribe a more effective antibiotic therapy.

Methods of treatment in children

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children at home includes:

Immunomodulating therapy (for children from 3 years old); antibiotic therapy; symptomatic therapy.

At home

How to treat laryngotracheitis in a child?

1. Immunostimulating therapy

Immunomodulatory therapy in the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children may include:

Antiviral immunomodulators; antibacterial immunomodulators.

The drugs of the first group are aimed at increasing the overall immune response of the body, by increasing the release of interferon. Such remedies that may be applicable to children from 3 years old include:

Arbidol; Cycloferon; Grippferon; Anaferon (children).

Preparations of the second group contain deactivated parts of bacteria, which are most often the cause of inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract. They increase the number of immunocompetent cells, activate the process of capturing and destroying bacteria. These are topical preparations:

Imudon; IRS-19.

All immunomodulators are used frequently - up to 6 times a day for a week or until there is a significant improvement in the condition.

2. Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis

Local administration of an antibiotic is effective - spray sprays into the mouth. The traditional treatment for laryngotracheitis in children is Bioparox aerosol. Children from 3 years old are inhaled 1-2 sprays in the mouth 4 times a day. The first time should be used with caution, because. Bioparox, like all aerosols, can cause spasm of the airways in young children.

With a strong inflammatory process and high temperature, general antibiotics can be prescribed for the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children:

Protected penicillins (Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Flemoxin, etc.); macrolides (Azithromycin - suspension for children from 6 months); cephalosporins (Supraks, Zinatsev, Fortum, etc.).

Antibiotics are generally not used for more than 7 days. Antibiotic drugs are taken regimen, i.e. with equal time intervals between doses.

3. Symptomatic therapy

To eliminate the painful symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children, use:

To combat dry cough - Tussin, Sinekod, Tusupreks, etc .; to improve sputum discharge - ACC, Bromhexine, Mukoltin, terpopsis preparations, Ambroxol, etc .; to relieve swelling, irritation, itching - Erius (syrup), Zirtek, Ksizal, etc .;

special instructions

For effective treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, it is important to provide the necessary external conditions:

Make the child talk less; additionally humidify the air in the room (hang wet towels, put open containers with water); give more to drink warm drinks - tea, milk with honey, compotes; in the absence of temperature and at the stage of recovery, heat is recommended on the neck and chest.

Emergency care for laryngotracheitis

A child with stenosing laryngotracheitis should seek emergency medical attention.

The limits of assistance that parents can provide are quite limited.

It is necessary to take 0.3-0.5 ml (depending on the age of the child) of a solution of naphthyzinum (0.05%). Add 2-5 ml (depending on age) of water to naphthyzinum. The child should be in a sitting position with his head thrown back. The resulting solution is quickly injected with a syringe (without a needle) into one of the nasal passages. If everything went well, the child should cough.

The procedure described above is a one-time procedure. If the baby did not cough after it, and there was at least a slight relief in breathing, the procedure can be repeated again, but in a different nasal passage.

Also, in acute stenosing laryngotracheitis, it is recommended to give the child an antihistamine tablet.

With allergic laryngotracheitis

Stenosis in allergic laryngotracheitis is very strong. All of the above about the stenotic form fully applies to the edema of the larynx and trachea of ​​a non-inflammatory cause.

In this case, a glucocorticosteroid drug - Pulmicort can be used. With laryngotracheitis in children, this remedy is effective in relieving excessive swelling of the airways. Initially, it is intended for the relief of attacks in bronchial asthma and chronic obstruction of the lungs. Method of administration - inhalation.

Pulmicort is contraindicated in viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the respiratory tract. This drug is used exclusively for allergic edema of the larynx and trachea.

ethnoscience

Folk remedies for laryngotracheitis are inhalations that have a local symptomatic effect on the respiratory tract.

You can use a nebulizer or the traditional method of inhaling warm vapor.

What can be inhaled:

sea ​​salt solution; eucalyptus; potato steam; chamomile; sage.

The question of choosing from the above list is not fundamental. The main thing is that the inflamed mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea receives the necessary moisture.

For the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, a pharmacy homeopathic remedy, Aflubin, may be recommended. Reception regimen for children - 5 drops three times a day.

Laryngotracheitis in children under 1 year

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in infants is a big responsibility. Many drugs are undesirable or contraindicated. The situation is complicated by the fact that infants are very vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Inflammation always develops rapidly. Requires professional medical attention.

What not to do with laryngotracheitis

Hot inhalations should not be carried out. Do not give antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. You shouldn't go outside. It is necessary to ventilate the living room. back to contents

Prevention methods

Measures for the prevention of laryngotracheitis mainly involve a natural improvement in the protective functions of the body:

The child should spend more time outdoors; the child's body should experience moderate daily physical activity; it’s good to go to the seaside once a year to rest; vegetables, fruits, nuts should be provided in the diet.

What to Avoid

Hypothermia is a sure way to reduce immunity; stay in kindergarten during seasonal rises in SARS; smoking in the presence of a child.

Under what conditions is laryngotracheitis diagnosed? The answer is given by Dr. Komarovsky.

Conclusion

Laryngotracheitis is an inflammatory disease that affects two sections of the upper respiratory tract (larynx and trachea).

Children's laryngotracheitis has a predominantly bacterial cause.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is immunomodulatory, antibacterial.

Stenosing laryngotracheitis requires urgent first aid.

In order for the child not to be disturbed by inflammation of the larynx and trachea, it is necessary to strengthen his immunity, organize a balanced diet, make sure that he does not get cold and walks in the fresh air more often.

In the autumn-winter period, there is an increase in respiratory infections, which in children often have a complicated course. One of the complications of ARVI and acute respiratory infections of a bacterial nature is laryngotracheitis.

An acute inflammatory process of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, triggered by viruses against a background of reduced immunity, gradually passes to the larynx and the initial sections of the trachea. In this case, the child has characteristic symptoms, so it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner and prescribe treatment (traditional and folk remedies).

Why does laryngotracheitis occur?

Laryngotracheitis in a child is an inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and the initial sections of the trachea. This disease most often occurs in children from 3 months to 6 years (in most cases in babies from one to three years). The main provoking factor in the development of laryngotracheitis is considered to be a decrease in the reactivity of the immune system - both local and general immunity.

The starting point of the disease is most often viral infections (parainfluenza, adenovirus and rhino-syncytial infection, influenza), and acute inflammation caused by viruses against the background of immaturity or weakened immune system is complicated by the layering of bacterial flora (pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci and other microorganisms). The inflammatory process acquires a more aggressive course and, in addition to the nasopharynx, affects other organs of the respiratory system - the larynx and trachea.

In addition to viral infections, acute laryngotracheitis can be provoked by:

allergic reactions; hypothermia; overvoltage of the vocal cords (loud talking, screaming, singing); stress.

Parents should be aware that acute laryngotracheitis in children is a dangerous disease that can be complicated by stenosis of the larynx and swelling of the vocal cords with the onset of false croup syndrome (“barking” cough, shortness of breath, wheezing when breathing).

Therefore, if characteristic symptoms of the disease appear in a young child, it is urgent to seek medical help and treat the baby with prescribed methods.

Signs of illness

The symptoms accompanying laryngotracheitis differ in children of different age groups.

Infants and children under 5 years old

Inflammation of the larynx and trachea in a young child (babies and babies under 5 years old) develops rapidly within 1-3 days, but almost always after the onset of symptoms of a viral infection:

runny nose and sneezing; sore throat and coughing; temperature increase; weakness, lethargy, malaise; moodiness and loss of appetite.

Then, as the inflammatory process moves to the larynx and descends to the trachea, children develop:

dry, painful "barking" or "croaking" cough; whistling or wheezing when breathing; the child's moodiness and anxiety increase.

Symptoms indicating worsening swelling and inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords (false croup syndrome):

the appearance of shortness of breath and difficulty inhaling and exhaling; blue nasolabial triangle; cardiopalmus.

It is important to know that the appearance of signs of laryngotracheitis in a child under three years of age is an indication for an immediate consultation with a pediatrician - it is necessary to start treating this complex disease as early as possible.

Delay is dangerous for the health and even life of the baby, because the complete closure of the glottis with severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and loose subglottic space can lead to suffocation.

If a child under one year old is diagnosed with acute laryngotracheitis, the baby is hospitalized in a hospital, infants are not treated at home (the baby should be under the constant supervision of health workers).

Children over 5 years old and teenagers

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in schoolchildren and adolescents:

painful unproductive cough, more often at night; hoarseness of voice; pain when coughing in the upper chest; lethargy, weakness, malaise; headache; increase in body temperature; aggravation of dry cough when talking, coughing fits with difficult expectoration of sputum, which becomes purulent after a few days.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

When symptoms of laryngotracheitis appear in a baby, parents are concerned about one question - how and how to treat a child at home. First of all, you need to know that the treatment of this pathology should be comprehensive, including:

creation of a sparing regime and comfortable conditions in the room (temperature and humidity); plentiful drink; complete nutrition; medications; physiotherapy (as prescribed by a doctor); traditional medicine methods (herbs, healing fees, compresses, inhalations).

Drug treatment of laryngotracheitis in children should be prescribed only by a specialist - a pediatrician or an otolaryngologist after examining the child and clarifying the diagnosis. Food should be fortified and sparing, fried, fatty and spicy foods, marinades, foods with dyes and various additives should be removed from the diet.

Particular attention is paid to the treatment of this disease in children under 4-5 years old - at this age there is a high risk of false croup (the smaller the baby, the higher the likelihood). Therefore, parents should be attentive and any alarming symptoms serve as an occasion for immediate medical attention.

It is a big risk to treat children on their own if there are signs of stenosis of the larynx (“barking” cough, moodiness, whistling or wheezing when breathing, shortness of breath) and if these symptoms worsen: swelling of the larynx grows very quickly and in a few minutes they can completely close and crumble won't be able to breathe.

It is important to know that steam inhalations with an active inflammatory process of the larynx increase the swelling of the mucosa, and the signs of the disease worsen - coughing becomes more frequent and more painful, coughing is noted, especially at night, difficulty breathing and anxiety of the child appear. Inhalations in the acute period of laryngotracheitis are carried out with drugs (antispasmodics or local hormonal agents) only with the help of special children's inhalers (ultrasonic or compressor) - the dose, frequency and duration of the procedure is determined by the attending physician.

Folk remedies for the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children with traditional medicine is widely used as an addition to drug therapy. Effective folk remedies are:

decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory, softening, antitussive, soothing effect; products with lemon and honey; compresses; inhalation (not earlier than 3-4 days after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease in schoolchildren and adolescents).

Herbal treatment

The most commonly used as part of healing fees are:

nettle; Linden; St. John's wort; plantain; coltsfoot; chamomile; oregano.

Gathering #1

Take coltsfoot grass (1 part), chamomile flowers (2 parts) and oregano grass (1 part), mix and pour a tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water. Insist in a thermos and drink in the form of tea (1/4 cup) during the day in small sips.

Gathering #2

Take in equal parts plantain leaves, linden and calendula flowers, St. John's wort and chopped marshmallow root, mix in a dry bowl. For infusion, you need to take a tablespoon of the collection for 500 ml of boiling water, boil for 20 minutes and leave for 6 hours. Take the remedy 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.

Therapy of laryngotracheitis with lemon and honey

An effective antitussive for a painful cough is lemon, honey and food glycerin syrup. You need to take a lemon, cut it in the middle, but do not cut it completely. Boil the lemon for 10-15 minutes until soft, let cool slightly and squeeze into a separate container. Remove the seeds and add liquid honey to the lemon gruel (in a ratio of 1: 1). Add a tablespoon of edible glycerin to the resulting mixture (buy at a pharmacy). Mix well and take according to age:

kids from 4 to 8 years old - a teaspoon 3-5 times a day; children over 9 years old - a tablespoon no more than 5-6 times.

Infusion of figs in milk for cough

For the remedy, you need to take 5 fresh figs and soak them in a glass of boiled milk. Insist 6-8 hours, mash the berries and take the medicine 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Inhalations with decoctions of herbs and essential oils

Today, various models of inhalers can be found in the pharmacy network, but often at home, parents use time-tested steam inhalations with decoctions of anti-inflammatory and emollient herbs (sage, calendula, chamomile, St. John's wort, succession) or essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, fir ).

A healing agent for inhalation is prepared in advance (for a decoction, a tablespoon of vegetable raw materials is taken - one plant or different herbs mixed in equal amounts) and brewed in a glass of water.

Essential oils should only be used if the child does not have allergies or a family history of allergic reactions.

Parents should know that laryngotracheitis in children is a complex and unpleasant disease that gives the baby severe discomfort and a painful frequent cough. But it is impossible to treat this pathology on your own, especially in children under 6 years old - only a doctor can correctly prescribe treatment and timely adjust therapy with minimal deterioration in the child's condition.

Since the immune system of the child is not yet sufficiently developed, there is a high risk of developing various diseases. First of all, inflammatory reactions occur in the organs of the nasopharynx. One of the most common diseases is laryngotracheitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the pharynx and trachea. This disease is especially dangerous for young children, since it is in childhood that there is a high risk of developing false croup. Therefore, it is very important to understand how to treat laryngotracheitis in a child in order to prevent the development of complications.

Causes and signs

Often, laryngotracheitis is caused by a viral infection (parainfluenza, influenza, herpes). Among the main causes contributing to the onset and development of the disease, there are:

features of the anatomical and physiological structure of the organs of the nasopharynx under the age of five years (narrow larynx); colds; weakened immunity; hypothermia, often a small draft is enough; contact with a carrier of infection; loud and prolonged cry, overstrain of the vocal cords, mechanical damage to the larynx; inhalation of various substances that cause allergies (lacquer, paint, wool, dust); high temperature (above 22 degrees), low humidity (less than 50%) and dusty air in the room where the patient is located.

The likelihood of laryngotracheitis increases in the presence of chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, frequent nasal congestion, diseases of the teeth and gums.

Also, under the age of five, the disease is often accompanied by signs of a false croup, which is dangerous with severe swelling of the pharynx and can cause suffocation. Therefore, in order to prevent a threat to the life of a child, one should know what symptoms appear with laryngotracheitis, and what treatment is required at different stages of the development of the disease.

There are several forms of the disease, each of which is characterized by certain symptoms and requires an individual approach:

catarrhal form- the safest type of laryngotracheitis. It is this form that occurs most often in people under the age of fourteen. The main symptoms of laryngotracheitis in this case are similar to those of most viral infections: sore throat, hoarseness, dry annoying cough, hyperthermia. However, with incorrect or untimely treatment, there is a high probability of developing stenosis, which is life-threatening. Hyperplastic form- a type of laryngotracheitis, which also often develops in children. The main difference of this form is a strong swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, which can cause difficulty breathing. Hemorrhagic form is accompanied by hemorrhage in the mucous membrane of the larynx and often occurs due to the presence of certain provoking factors (disturbances in the process of hematopoiesis, liver disease). The main signs in this case: dryness in the oral cavity, bouts of choking cough, viscous secret with an admixture of blood, sensation of a foreign object in the throat.

Laryngotracheitis is diagnosed in 30% of children under the age of three who first encountered a common respiratory viral infection. The risk of developing the disease is higher in those who suffer from allergies.

The main symptoms and signs of laryngotracheitis, which appear at any stage of the development of the disease:

runny nose, hyperthermia, general weakness are the main signs of an acute respiratory disease; change in voice timbre, hoarseness; sore throat when swallowing; loss of appetite; dry, paroxysmal, barking cough; rapid or, conversely, difficult breathing; dyspnea; in the later stages of the disease, against the background of shortness of breath, pallor of the skin, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle may appear.

Important! If a baby is sick with laryngotracheitis, then the following signs will help diagnose the disease: lethargy, increased anxiety, capriciousness, runny nose, loud, barking cough.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat laryngotracheitis in children comprehensively, carrying out procedures aimed at combating the cause of the disease, as well as eliminating and alleviating the main symptoms.

With laryngotracheitis, bed rest is required, eliminating the likelihood of hypothermia and overstrain of the vocal cords. You should also observe the optimal climatic conditions in the room where the child is located: sufficient humidity (at least 50%, preferably 60-70%), cool air (no more than 20 degrees). You can achieve the required parameters through wet cleaning, the operation of a humidifier, and airing the room. Drinking plenty of water helps to moisturize the nasopharyngeal mucosa, reduce body intoxication, thin the viscous secret that often accompanies laryngotracheitis. In this case, the use of compotes, herbal teas, alkaline drinks (Borjomi) is shown. The main thing is that the liquid used is warm (about 37 degrees). Hot, too cold and carbonated drinks are contraindicated. Nutrition during the period of illness should be as balanced as possible, with enough vitamins (vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, cereals). In this case, spicy food should be excluded, giving preference to mushy warm food.

In the treatment of laryngotracheitis in patients predisposed to allergies, it is necessary to limit the use of essential oils, carefully use herbal infusions, use only proven drugs.

The use of antiallergic drugs. The action of this class of drugs is aimed at reducing edema, preventing the development of stenosis. Also, most antihistamines have a sedative effect, which will help the child calm down and reduce muscle spasm. The choice and form of the drug depends on the age of the child. For example, you can use Fenistil, Zodak, Loratadine. Antitussive drugs for laryngotracheitis are used only when the disease is accompanied by a dry cough without sputum. In order for the child to sleep peacefully at night and not wake up from bouts of choking cough, they use Stoptusin, Gerbion with plantain. Mucolytic and expectorant drugs for productive cough to thin and improve sputum excretion. In this case, breastfeeding, medicines based on ambroxol (Ambroxol, Lazolvan), acetylcestein (ACC) are recommended. The use of lozenges for laryngotracheitis, lozenges based on medicinal herbs, antiseptic and analgesic sprays will help reduce sore throat, moisturize the pharyngeal mucosa, and eliminate perspiration.

Important! In children, drugs in the form of sprays should be used with caution to avoid the development of bronchospasm.

If the disease is accompanied by a significant increase in temperature (above 38 degrees), antipyretic drugs should be used in the form of suppositories or syrups based on paracetamol (Cefecon suppositories, Efferalgan syrup) or ibuprofen (Nurofen syrup, Ibufen). If laryngotracheitis is caused by a viral infection, then antiviral drugs are used, for example, Groprinosin, Amizon, interferon-based drugs (Laferobion). Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis in children are used in the following situations: when the disease is caused by a bacterial infection; with high intoxication of the body; to prevent complications in the viral nature of the disease. Given the fact that viruses are most often the cause of laryngotracheitis, the use of antibacterial drugs is usually not necessary. If there is a need to use antibiotics, then they prefer drugs of the penicillin series (Augmentin). They also use cephalosporins (Cefadox) and, in especially severe cases, macrolides (Sumamed).

Physiotherapy treatment

Along with the general recommendations for treatment and the use of standard medications, physiotherapy procedures are used in the complex therapy of laryngotracheitis to speed up the healing process and alleviate the symptoms of the disease:

warm compresses on the pharynx and trachea (hot water bottle with warm water), mustard plasters; inhalation over steam and using a nebulizer; electrophoresis, UHF, microwave therapy; massage; hot baths for the lower and upper limbs.

Important! Foot baths and warm compresses should only be used at normal body temperature.

If steam inhalations are used in the treatment of laryngotracheitis, then the main recommendations must be followed:

carry out the procedure twice or more times a day; after the procedure, do not talk or eat or drink for 30 minutes; during the procedure, inhale through the mouth, exhale through the nose; inhalations can be carried out over a container with clean hot water or, in the absence of individual intolerance, add a few drops of essential oil (tea tree, eucalyptus); procedures using soda-salt solutions are shown (three tablespoons of salt and three teaspoons of baking soda are dissolved in a liter of water).

For the convenience and safety of the inhalation procedure, as well as more efficient delivery of drugs to the area of ​​​​inflammation, it is better to use a special device - a nebulizer. However, it should be remembered that most nebulizers cannot use herbal decoctions and essential oils. In nebulizers, alkaline inhalations with mineral water (Borjomi, Polyana Kvasova), drugs indicated to eliminate the symptoms of the disease in inhalation form (Lazolvan, Sinupret, Nebutamol) are used.

Gargling with infusions and decoctions of various herbs, for the preparation of which chamomile and calendula flowers, sage are most often used. This procedure allows you to reduce inflammation, reduce pain. Rinsing is carried out three times a day until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

Most often, the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is carried out on an outpatient basis. However, you should be aware of the situations when you need to seek urgent medical help. Most often, the danger is caused by conditions complicated by severe swelling of the larynx. In this case, the disease is accompanied by:

intermittent, uneven breathing; shortness of breath; difficult breathing, noisy breathing; excessive excitability or, conversely, drowsiness; pallor and cyanosis of the skin.

In this case, there is a stenosing form of laryngotracheitis (false croup), which is dangerous for the development of asphyxia. First aid for false croup:

alkaline inhalations; hot baths for the upper and lower extremities; air humidification with a humidifier, frequent wet cleaning.

Young children have an imperfect immune system, it is in the stage of formation and development. Any hypothermia can provoke the development of an infection, which until then peacefully dozed in the body. There is what we call, but in fact an infectious disease of a viral or bacterial nature. One of the most common diseases in young children is acute laryngotracheitis.

What is acute laryngotracheitis

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

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

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

Acute laryngotracheitis begins suddenly, manifested by shortness of breath, hoarseness, or complete loss.

Causes of acute laryngotracheitis in children

Since the treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children should be carried out in a complex manner, it is very important to identify the true cause of the disease in time.

It could be:

  • Flu type A
  • Parainfluenza of the first group
  • Measles
  • Rhinoviruses
  • Enteroviruses

Since the body of a small child does not cope well with thermoregulation, diseases against the background of hypothermia (colds) are a common and very common occurrence. It can appear insignificant, which passes rather quickly, but it can also wake up a dormant infection, especially if the child has recently been ill. The immune system is weakened by the fight against a serious enemy and cannot fight back another infection. At this point, it is very important to protect the baby from the effects of cold and drafts.

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

Slight hypothermia gives impetus to the development of inflammation, first in the pharynx, and then down to the trachea. Along the way, tender and sensitive vocal cords are affected. There is acute laryngotracheitis.


This disease is a frequent companion of catarrhal viral diseases or their direct consequence. If you do not take action in time and do not start treating the baby, then a banal one can turn into a serious disease that can have dangerous complications.

Acute viral infections, penetrating into the body of a child, cause spasms of the vessels of the trachea. Because of this, blood circulation is disturbed, the mucous membranes swell, and a secret begins to be actively produced.

Gradually, the secret becomes thick and viscous, with purulent contents, the trachea "clog" with it and it becomes difficult for the child to breathe. Due to the fact that the air literally breaks through the reduced lumen of the trachea, the child's breathing becomes heavy, hoarse and difficult. The next stage appears sharp, which is characterized as barking.The baby may have a sleep disorder due to difficulty breathing, it becomes difficult for many to eat, especially solid food, to chew it.

It is very important to start treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children as early as possible - a neglected disease can turn into a protracted one or even be complicated by pneumonia. It will be much more difficult to cure these diseases, and the treatment process will take a long time.

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

  1. The first degree of the disease. At this time, the child is still quite alert, can play, eat and sleep normally. Of the external manifestations, only difficult, rather heavy breathing, in some cases with wheezing, some hoarseness of the voice and obvious ones can be noted. Cough is manifested paroxysmal, can last from several minutes to several hours. The child may be capricious, but such a cough in the baby does not cause any special, very pronounced discomfort. This is a fairly mild condition that can be quickly and effectively treated with prompt medical attention and proper diagnosis.
  2. The second degree of the disease. At this time, acute laryngotracheitis is in the stage of incomplete compensation. This means the fact that the body fights infection, resisting with all the forces of its imperfect immunity. At this time, the cough becomes severe, the child cannot cough up, he painfully tries to catch his breath, his skin may turn blue from lack of oxygen. Breathing is very heavy, it can be heard even at a distance from the baby, it whistles out of the constantly ajar mouth. Because of this, plaque forms on the tongue, the lips dry and crack.
  3. The third degree of the disease is called decompensated stenosis. This name means that the child's trachea is completely clogged with thick mucus, which greatly interferes with breathing, is poorly separated and provokes bouts of painful prolonged coughing. The child is worried, becomes lethargic, is not interested in anything, his sleep is disturbed, his appetite is completely absent. This is a very serious and complex condition, which most likely requires urgent hospitalization of the child.

Methods of external influence on the acute form of laryngotracheitis

Treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children is carried out comprehensively and necessarily includes a visit to a pediatrician or a specialized specialist. You can not take on the treatment of a baby without an accurate diagnosis of a doctor.

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

Comprehensive treatment includes:

  • Usage . Moist heat dilates the bronchi, thins the mucus, and helps clear the trachea of ​​contents. It becomes easier for the child to breathe, he can cough up and get rid of sputum. It is best to do inhalations with a special ultrasound device, especially for very young children. You can get by with an ordinary inhaler, you just need to carefully monitor so that the child doesn’t hurt the vessel over or get burned by the steam. Inhalation with a solution of soda helps best, but sea salt can also be used, as well as mixing these two substances to enhance the effect. Repeat inhalations several times a day, most often during a coughing fit. With a high temperature in a child, this procedure cannot be performed.
  • Foot baths. You need to soar your legs at a tolerable temperature, making sure that the room is not cold. Hot baths dilate blood vessels and contribute to a better cleansing of the trachea from sputum. The baby feels much better after such a procedure. At high body temperature, it is forbidden to soar legs.
  • A steam bath is a method that is still used to treat whooping cough attacks. The bathroom is completely filled with steam from boiling water, and then a sick child is brought there. Inhalation of hot and very humid air "opens" the bronchi and trachea, causes vasodilation and helps to clear sputum. subsides fairly quickly.

Medical treatment of the disease

With the defeat of acute laryngotracheitis, it is very dangerous to give the child medications, especially antibiotics, on their own. You can easily confuse the dose, you can be allergic to drugs, and the effectiveness in a viral disease is almost zero.

Only a pediatrician can prescribe these drugs, and only if he believes that a bacterial infection has also joined the viral infection. Otherwise, such treatment can only harm the child.As a cough suppressant, various drugs are prescribed that can effectively thin the sputum and cause its separation.

Antispasmodics and expectorants will help to quickly remove sputum from the body, which prevents normal breathing.

They give medicines strictly according to the prescription of the doctor and in the dosage prescribed by him.The child must be explained that and, which began to expectorate, must be spit out. To do this, the baby is explained how this is done, and taught to use disposable paper handkerchiefs or napkins so as not to spread the infection.

More information about laryngotracheitis can be found in the video.

With a timely start and the right choice of medicines, treatment can last 5 days, but most often it drags on for two weeks. The speed of recovery depends on the stage at which the treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in children began, and on the state of the baby's immunity.

Diet and daily regimen for laryngotracheitis

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

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

As with all colds, the child is offered plenty of fluids. The baby is given a variety of juices, cranberry juice and a variety of compotes. You need to drink often, little by little, an abundance of liquid helps to remove toxins and decay products, accelerating recovery.

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

Since it is difficult for a child to swallow and also chew solid food, it is replaced with soft or pureed foods, steam cutlets and meatballs, healthy chicken broth. Spicy and salty foods, as well as sweets and chocolate products are removed from the diet. They can irritate a sore throat and increase coughing fits.Since the child may suffer from appetite disorders and act up, not wanting to eat "boring" food, parents should try to make the food of a sick baby tasty, healthy and outwardly attractive.

Prevention of acute laryngotracheitis

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

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

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

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

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