Laryngotracheitis in children: symptoms and treatment. Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children. Symptomatic treatment of laryngotracheitis

Laryngotracheitis in children is an inflammatory disease of predominantly viral or bacterial etiology, in which the inflammatory process spreads to the larynx and trachea.

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The characteristics of immunity in children, as well as the relatively short length of the respiratory tract, contribute to a greater predisposition of children to this disease. In childhood, the infectious-inflammatory process that begins in the nasopharynx especially often tends to descend lower, affecting the larynx and then the trachea. In children under six years of age, due to anatomical features against the background of laryngotracheitis, a narrowing of the lumen of the larynx may occur, which causes breathing problems - the so-called false croup develops, which carries a potential threat to life. Another name for this condition is stenosing laryngotracheitis.

Laryngotracheitis in children often develops as a complication of sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and adenoiditis.

Causes of laryngotracheitis in children and risk factors

The cause of laryngotracheitis in children is infection with viruses and/or bacteria, most often viruses act as infectious agents. Infection occurs through airborne droplets from a sick person. In most cases, laryngotracheitis develops against the background of acute respiratory diseases: adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, influenza, measles, rubella, chickenpox, scarlet fever.

Laryngotracheitis of bacterial etiology can occur due to infection with staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, mycobacterium tuberculosis, mycoplasma, treponema pallidum, and chlamydia.

Laryngotracheitis in children often develops as a complication of sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and adenoiditis.

Risk factors for the disease, as well as its transition to a chronic form, include:

• constant breathing through the mouth (if nasal breathing is impaired due to a deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, choanal atresia);
• chronic somatic diseases (hepatitis, gastritis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, etc.);
• poor nutrition;
• too hot or cold, excessively dry or humid inhaled air;
• passive smoking.

Forms of the disease

Laryngotracheitis in children can be acute (uncomplicated and stenotic) and chronic. Chronic, depending on the morphological changes in the mucous membrane, is divided into catarrhal, hypertrophic and atrophic forms. Acute laryngotracheitis in children is much more common.

Exacerbations of the chronic form of laryngotracheitis in children are most often observed in the autumn-winter period.

According to the etiological factor, viral, bacterial and mixed forms of laryngotracheitis are distinguished.

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children

Acute laryngotracheitis

Clinical manifestations of acute laryngotracheitis in children usually occur against the background of existing symptoms of an acute infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract (nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sore or sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, increased body temperature). At the same time, symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children appear after the patient’s body temperature has dropped to subfebrile levels - after improvement, the child’s condition worsens again.

Children with acute laryngotracheitis develop hoarseness, discomfort in the larynx (dryness, burning, tickling, foreign body sensation), dry cough, followed by chest pain. Cough is usually observed in the morning and at night, and can manifest itself in the form of an attack against the background of inhaling cold or dusty air, taking a deep breath, crying, or laughing. In this case, a small amount of mucous sputum is released, which, when a secondary bacterial infection is attached (or with bacterial laryngitis), becomes mucopurulent in nature.

Acute laryngotracheitis in children is often accompanied by enlarged cervical lymph nodes. As a rule, they enlarge on both sides and are painful on palpation.

On examination, pronounced hyperemia and thickening of the mucous membranes in the affected area are noted. Bacterial laryngotracheitis is characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the lumen of the larynx and trachea. At the initial stage of the disease, the pathological discharge has a liquid consistency; as the pathological process progresses, the exudate becomes thicker, and fibrinous films appear on the mucous membranes. In the case of staphylococcal or streptococcal etiology of laryngotracheitis, yellow-green crusts form that fill the lumen of the respiratory tract.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is usually carried out on an outpatient basis; if false croup develops, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital.

Stenosing laryngotracheitis is characterized by swelling of the affected mucous membranes, a pronounced narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, which impedes the movement of air, noisy inhalation and exhalation (when inhaling, dry wheezing can be heard - the so-called stridor breathing), attacks of shortness of breath, tachycardia.

Chronic laryngotracheitis

In the catarrhal form of chronic laryngotracheitis in children, hyperemia of the affected mucous membranes with a cyanotic tint, dilatation of submucosal blood vessels, and petechial hemorrhages in the submucosal layer, occurring due to increased vascular permeability, are observed.

In the case of the development of a chronic hypertrophic form of the disease, hyperplasia of the epithelium of the affected mucous membranes, connective tissue elements of the mucous glands and submucosal layer, as well as infiltration of the fibers of the internal muscles of the larynx and trachea (including the muscles of the vocal cords) are noted. In this form of the disease, thickening of the vocal cords may be limited, in the form of nodules, or diffuse, and the formation of cysts, contact ulcers of the larynx, or prolapse of the laryngeal ventricle is also possible.

In chronic atrophic laryngotracheitis (the most rare form of laryngotracheitis in children), the cylindrical ciliated epithelium of the mucous membrane is replaced by keratinizing epithelium, atrophy of the intralaryngeal muscles and mucous glands, sclerosis of the connective tissue cellular elements of the submucosal layer, and thinning of the vocal cords. The walls of the larynx and trachea are often covered with crusts that form when the secretion of the mucous glands dries.

The air in the room in which the patient is located must be fresh and sufficiently humidified.

Voice disturbances in chronic laryngotracheitis vary from slight hoarseness, occurring mainly in the morning and evening, to constant hoarseness, and sometimes complete aphonia. With chronic laryngotracheitis in children, the cough is constant, which can cause the development of sleep disorders in such patients. The amount of sputum in this form of the disease usually increases.

Exacerbations of the chronic form of laryngotracheitis in children are most often observed in the autumn-winter period.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis of laryngotracheitis in children, a collection of complaints and anamnesis and a physical examination are carried out. If necessary, the diagnosis is confirmed by instrumental and laboratory tests.

Identification of the infectious agent in laryngotracheitis in children can be carried out by conducting a bacteriological examination of sputum and discharge from the throat and nose, microscopy of sputum, as well as enzyme immunoassay, immunofluorescence reaction, polymerase chain reaction. If Mycobacterium tuberculosis is detected, consultation with a phthisiatrician is necessary.

In complex diagnostic cases, microlaryngoscopy may be required, which makes it possible, if necessary, to collect material for a biopsy.

In case of chronic laryngotracheitis (especially when hypertrophic changes are detected), it may be necessary to use frontal computed tomography of the larynx and endoscopic biopsy. The results of these studies may require consultation with an oncologist.

In order to identify possible bronchopulmonary complications, an X-ray examination of the lungs is performed.

The cause of laryngotracheitis in children is infection with viruses and/or bacteria, most often viruses act as infectious agents.

A differential diagnosis of laryngotracheitis is required in children with foreign bodies of the larynx and trachea, diphtheria, bronchial asthma, retropharyngeal abscess, and malignant neoplasms.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is usually carried out on an outpatient basis; if false croup develops, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital.

Antihistamines, antitussives, and mucolytic drugs are prescribed. When body temperature rises, antipyretic drugs are prescribed. Alkaline and/or oil inhalations, nebulizer therapy, electrophoresis in the area of ​​the larynx and trachea are indicated.

When pathogenic microflora enters the respiratory tract, laryngotracheitis can develop. This pathology is inflammatory in nature. To cope with the disease, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Laryngotracheitis in children: etiology

This term refers to an inflammatory lesion. These parts of the respiratory system play a very important role. Both elements help move air into the lungs. In addition, the larynx is responsible for the formation of the voice.

With the development of laryngotracheitis, swelling appears in children. This leads to a decrease in the lumen of the airways. As a result, dangerous manifestations arise. If it develops, there is a risk of asphyxia.

Causes and provoking factors

As a rule, this pathology develops in children under 7 years of age. It is more common in children with weakened immune systems. At the same time, boys get sick more often.

The main causes of the disease include the following:

• viruses and adenoviruses;
• severe hypothermia;
• bacterial infection.

Kinds

In medicine, there are several forms of this pathology:

1. – Occurs in children under 4 years of age. This form of the disease is characterized by a sharp appearance of swelling and.
2. – may be a consequence of a viral infection or influenza. This form of the disease is characterized by,. Often the cough appears at night, which prevents the child from falling asleep.
3. – differs in similar manifestations. This form of pathology can occur due to viruses or allergies. In this case, sharp manifestations of laryngeal stenosis and cough are observed. Most often, symptoms appear at night.

Stages

Depending on the stage of the disease, manifestations may have varying degrees of severity:

1. The initial stage is called compensated. At this stage, manifestations of stenosing laryngotracheitis occur only during physical exertion. So, a child may appear when inhaling. At this stage, the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood remains normal. The attack may last for several hours or days.
2. The second stage is called subcompensated. In this case, manifestations of false croup appear and increase even at rest. The child has noisy breathing. When inhaling and exhaling, additional muscles are activated. The baby exhibits restless behavior and pale skin. Attacks may recur within 3-5 days.
3. The third stage is called decompensated. At this stage, the patient's condition deteriorates significantly. This stage is characterized by disturbances in blood gas composition, increased anxiety, severe shortness of breath, and drowsiness. Often there is a superficial cough and arrhythmic breathing. If you do not help the child, the pathology will progress.
4. The fourth stage is typical for it. This is a very complex condition, characterized by frequent and arrhythmic breathing. It may stop periodically. At this stage, the child may fall into a coma. It is also characterized by a serious shift in the gas composition of the blood: the oxygen content decreases significantly.

Symptoms

The main manifestation of laryngotracheitis is sudden attacks of coughing. Breathing at this moment becomes noisy and restless. This symptom usually occurs in the evenings or at night.

The following symptoms also indicate the development of laryngotracheitis:

• hoarseness in the voice;
• dyspnea;
• loss of voice;
• blue color of nails, lips, nasolabial triangle.

Laryngotracheitis leads to swelling of the mucous membrane of the trachea and larynx. There is also a risk of reflex spasm of the muscular tissue of the larynx. The disease is characterized by hypersecretion of the glands and blockage of the glottis with viscous secretion.

Symptoms of laryngitis

Diagnostics: research methods and necessary tests

Before starting therapy, it is important to make a correct diagnosis. To detect the disease, the doctor examines the child, evaluates the patient's signs and condition.

In some cases, there is a need for tracheoscopy and. To determine pathogens, they are prescribed. It helps analyze the composition of mucus and identify pathogenic microorganisms.

Treatment

To cope with pathology, it is very important to carry out a number of therapeutic measures. This will help avoid unpleasant consequences.

Dr. Komarovsky talks about the causes of laryngotracheitis:

During therapy, salty and sour foods should be excluded. All food should be warm. Cold and hot dishes provoke irritation of the mucous membranes. Drinking plenty of fluids is important - it is recommended to drink milk, juices or compotes.

Medication

If the disease is of viral origin, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Most often, interferon-based products are recommended - influenza, etc.

To cope with, you can use the latest generation of antihistamines. This category includes and. They can be used from an early age. In difficult situations, it may be necessary to administer drugs intramuscularly.

To eliminate a coughing attack and prevent the risk of stenosis, drugs that relieve spasm are used. These include,. Such drugs are often used in the form of inhalations.

Effective means include alkaline means - for example, mineral water. When coughing and discharge appear, agents are used that relieve inflammation and facilitate the outflow of mucus. This category includes Fluditec and Erespal.

How to treat laryngotracheitis in children, says a pediatrician:

To quickly cure cough, bronchitis, pneumonia and strengthen the immune system, you just need...

The childhood inflammatory process has a tendency to descend into the underlying sections - the larynx and trachea, which makes children more prone to the occurrence of laryngotracheitis due to the short length of the respiratory tract and the characteristics of children's immunity; Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms and treatment of laryngotracheitis in children.

What is laryngotracheitis?

Tracheolaryngitis (or laryngotracheitis) is an inflammatory process that affects both the trachea and larynx (larynx).

The damage to these parts of the respiratory tract is mainly due to viruses that enter the larynx from the pharynx and move lower into the trachea.

Laryngotracheitis develops according to the following scenario:

1. Once on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, viruses suppress local immunity.
2. Bacteria take advantage of decreased immunity and begin to intensively colonize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
3. Ultimately, the bacterial infection causes purulent inflammation and cough with sputum production.

Causes of laryngotracheitis

The main factor in inflammation of the respiratory tract and the occurrence of laryngotracheitis in children is the deterioration of local immunity, which can be caused by viruses. However, often the occurrence of longotracheitis can be of non-viral origin.

Decreased local immunity

The child's immunity is poorly developed and unstable. A weakened upper respiratory tract immune system creates opportunities for pathogenic microbes to spread.

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

• Hypothermia;
• Inhaling cold air through the mouth;
• Passive smoking.

Infection with pathogenic microbes

The inflammatory bacterial process in children develops due to the following factors:

• Imbalance of microflora in the upper respiratory tract;
• The immune system cannot recover.

A factor that significantly disrupts the balance of protective forces and attacking microbes can be an external source of infection - a sick person. In case of sneezing and coughing, pathogenic microorganisms are sprayed in large quantities into the surrounding space.

The child’s body is not able to cope with such a bacterial “attack” and becomes infected with laryngotracheitis.

infectious focus

Not only opportunistic microbes that inhabit the upper respiratory tract and the external environment can act as a source of infection.

Infectious foci already present in the body of children:

• Rhinitis– in the nose;
• Tonsillitis- inflamed tonsils;
• Sinusitis– in the paranasal sinuses;
• Pharyngitis- sore throat.

All these diseases lead to the spread of infection further down the child's respiratory tract.

Allergic laryngotracheitis in children

Laryngeal edema, caused by a non-infectious nature, appears in children as an allergic reaction to the action of, for example, aerosol medications.

Signs of laryngotracheitis

Inflammation of the trachea and larynx does not occur unexpectedly, and it often appears as a result of an inflammatory process occurring in the upper respiratory tract: in the nose and throat.

The initial symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children are manifested by signs characteristic of pharyngitis and rhinitis:

• Fever;
• Cough;
• Runny nose, stuffiness;
• Sore throat, sore throat, irritation.

Types of childhood laryngotracheitis

Laryngotracheitis manifests itself in 2 forms: an acute uncomplicated form of laryngotracheitis and a complicated stenotic form of laryngotracheitis.

The treatment process for childhood laryngotracheitis does not depend on the form, however, significant stenosis of the trachea or larynx always requires the use of more radical methods that involve the child staying in the hospital.

Acute laryngotracheitis

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

• Change in voice, hoarseness;
• The cough takes on a sharp and “dry” sound;
• Pain in the center of the upper chest when coughing;
• Coughing attacks at night;
• Paroxysmal cough;
• Sputum separation;
• Cough that occurs when taking a deep breath;
• Fever;
• The sputum becomes purulent over time.

A possible complication of laryngotracheitis in the form of significant stenosis of the larynx.

Stenosing laryngotracheitis

Stenosis– this is a narrowing of the lumen of a cavity, organ, etc. Edema (swelling) of the mucous membrane and, as a consequence, slight stenosis is observed with any inflammation, including tracheitis and acute laryngitis. Laryngotracheitis in children is accompanied by symptoms such as hoarseness, change in voice and ringing of the cough.

However, sometimes the stenosis is so strong that such conditions are classified as a separate form of the disease - stenotic laryngotracheitis.

Significant narrowing of the lumen creates obstacles to air movement, and the general symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children can be supplemented .

The following signs:

• Labored breathing;
• Noisy inhalation/exhalation;
• Increased heart rate;
• Attacks of shortness of breath.

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

Diagnostics

Initial diagnosis of laryngotracheitis in children includes:

• Inspection;
• Listening to the lungs;
• Analysis of the patient's condition based on complaints about well-being.

Diagnosis of laryngotracheitis in general is not difficult. In the case of a frequently recurring disease, it is necessary to take a throat smear (analysis of the throat microflora) to prescribe more effective antibacterial therapy.

How to cure laryngotracheitis at home?

Any measures for the treatment of laryngotracheitis must be agreed upon with the attending physician, who will be able to develop a treatment regimen for laryngotracheitis and select the most appropriate medications, taking into account the individual characteristics of the child and the course of the disease.

There are several methods for treating laryngotracheitis.

Immunostimulating therapy for laryngotracheitis

This type of therapy for laryngotracheitis may include:

• Antibacterial immunomodulators;
• Antiviral immunomodulators.

Drugs of the second group are taken to increase the body's immune response by increasing the release of interferon.

Among those acceptable for use by children over 3 years of age are:

Cycloferon

Anaferon (children)

Grippferon

Preparations of the first group contain deactivated parts of bacteria, which most often cause inflammatory processes occurring in the respiratory tract. The use of such drugs increases the number of immunocompetent cells and activates the capture and destruction of microorganisms.

Topical preparations:

Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis

Local administration of antibiotics using spray sprays is quite effective. The traditional remedy for children in case of larotracheitis is Bioparox aerosol.

Children over 3 years of age are inhaled 4 times a day, 1 or 2 sprays. The first use requires special caution, since in young children aerosols can provoke spasms of the respiratory tract.

For children with fever and severe inflammation, general antibiotics may be recommended for the treatment of laryngotracheitis:

• Macrolides (Azithromycin - suspension intended for children over 6 months of age);
• Protected penicillins (Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Flemoxin, etc.);
• Cephalosporins (Fortum, Suprax, Zinatsev, etc.).

As a general rule, antibiotics should not be taken for more than 7 days. Antibiotics are taken routinely, that is, with equal intervals between doses.

Symptomatic treatment of laryngotracheitis

To eliminate painful symptoms in children, take:

• To relieve swelling, itching, irritation - Erius (syrup), Xyzal, Zyrtec, etc.;
• To relieve dry cough – Sinekod, Tussin, Tusuprex, etc.;
• For improved sputum discharge - Bromhexine, ACC, Mucoltin, Ambroxol, terpopsis preparations, etc.

special instructions

To achieve effective treatment of laryngotracheobronchitis, it is important to provide children with the necessary external conditions:

• The child should talk less;
• Humidify the air in the room (put containers of water, hang wet towels);
• Give warm drinks to drink - milk with honey, tea, compotes;
• If there is no fever during the recovery phase, heat on the chest and neck is recommended.

First aid

Stenotic laryngotracheitis requires emergency medical care.

The actions that parents can take are quite limited:

1. Take 0.3-0.5 milliliters of 0.05% naphthyzine solution (the amount depends on the age of the patient).
2. Add 2 to 5 milliliters of water to naphthyzin (depending on age).
3. It is necessary to bring the child in a sitting position with his head thrown back.
4. The solution is quickly injected into one of the nostrils using a syringe (without a needle).
5. If everything was done correctly, the child should cough.

The above procedure is a one-time procedure, and if the child does not cough and if breathing does not improve, you can repeat the procedure in the other nasal passage.

In the acute form of stenosing laryngotracheitis, it is also recommended to give the child an antihistamine tablet.

How to treat allergic laryngotracheitis?

In this case, the stenosis is very strong. The above characteristics of the stenotic form of laryngotracheitis also apply to swelling of the trachea and larynx of non-inflammatory causes.

In this case, you can take Pulmicort – glucocorticosteroid drug. For childhood laryngitisotracheitis, this remedy is effective in relieving swelling of the airways.

It is used to relieve attacks in cases of chronic pulmonary obstruction and bronchial asthma. Method of administration: inhalation.

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

Video

Folk remedies

First of all, it should be noted that traditional methods are only an adjuvant in the treatment of laryngotracheitis, an addition to drug therapy. Moreover, the use of most traditional medicine recipes requires extreme caution, since their components can increase the symptoms of laryngotracheitis.

Before giving your child homemade medications, you need to make sure that there is no allergy to their components.

The following folk recipes are most effective for laryngotracheitis:

1. Honey. Any of the recipes prepared with honey is good for children. The most successful remedies: honey with aloe juice (in a ratio of 1 to 1, take a teaspoon 3 times a day) and honey with black radish juice (take in the same way as the previous one).
2. Steam inhalations. Inhalations are, in principle, a mandatory procedure for this disease. Inhalation should be carried out 2 or 3 times a day, and one of them must be before bedtime. The easiest way is inhalation from a container with potatoes and a few drops of essential oils.
3. Herbal tinctures and decoctions. These drugs must be used very carefully, as they can aggravate the symptoms by irritating the mucous membrane of the throat, larynx and trachea.
4. Milk with garlic. Crush 5 cloves of garlic and mix with a glass of milk. Then bring the resulting mixture to a boil, stir and cool. It is important to take a glass of medicine in several doses in one day.
5. Rinsing potato juice. To prepare this remedy, you must first get the juice of one potato. Then add this juice with a rinse solution (a teaspoon of soda to 200 ml of water) and mix. Repeat the gargling procedure for your child several times a day.

Laryngotracheitis in infants

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children under 1 year old is a big responsibility, since many drugs are undesirable or completely contraindicated for them. The situation is complicated by the defenselessness of infants against viruses and bacteria.

The inflammatory process always proceeds rapidly. Professional help required.

Prevention

The diet for laryngotracheitis involves the exclusion from the diet of spicy, pickled, salty and sour foods, spices, alcohol, carbonated drinks, nuts, seeds, cold or hot foods, mustard, horseradish.

• Tea with honey
• Porridge with milk
• Kissels, compotes
• Borscht
• Chicken broth soups

To prevent laryngotracheitis, children need:

1. Strengthen the immune system with vitamins, fresh berries and vegetables, and natural juices.
2. Temper the body, do breathing exercises.
3. Dress for the weather.
4. Protect your vocal cords.

If the inflammation affects the larynx and upper parts of the trachea, then doctors make a diagnosis: “laryngotracheitis”. This disease mainly affects the body of children under the age of five, which is associated with the anatomical features of the structure of these organs. Moreover, the smaller the child, the more severe the disease. This pathology is otherwise called false croup.

The most common consequence of ARVI is laryngotracheitis in children. Symptoms usually include a barking cough, stenotic breathing in which the gap between exhalation and inhalation practically disappears, and loss of voice occurs. All these manifestations are associated, first of all, with the fact that there is a fairly strong narrowing of the airway, which develops due to swelling of the larynx. Depending on the severity of the disease, the temperature can be either slightly elevated or high. If acute respiratory distress occurs, the child must be hospitalized as quickly as possible.

The difference between laryngotracheitis and similar diseases

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children cannot be started unless there is confidence in the correct

Diagnosis. The fact is that a number of other diseases and conditions have similar symptoms: diphtheria, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, retropharyngeal abscess, foreign body. Therefore, it is worth knowing that acute laryngotracheitis in children is expressed by an attack of hard cough and stenotic breathing, most often at night and suddenly. And, for example, with diphtheria, symptoms develop gradually and are not associated with swelling of the mucous membrane.

First aid

If the symptoms described above appear at night, then the baby must be picked up, changing the position of the body, calmed down (excitement can only worsen his condition). If the attack subsides, then there is a high probability that it will happen again. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately call a doctor. Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children includes procedures aimed at reducing seizures. This requires moist air, warm drinks and a hot foot bath. During an attack, you can bring the child into the bathroom, close the door and turn on the hot water faucet at full power. Then you should breathe in the steam. This will help stabilize the baby’s condition before the ambulance arrives. An air humidifier will also be indispensable in this case. For older children, treatment includes silence or the use of a whisper that does not cause tension in the ligaments.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children also includes traditional methods. The most effective of them are inhalations, which must be done at least twice a day. For their implementation, both special devices (inhalers) and any other options are suitable: cover your head with a towel and bend over the pelvis, for example. However, remember that if the baby has a high temperature, then inhalation with hot steam is not recommended. In addition, this procedure can be carried out using alkaline-oil inhalations. To do this, mix mineral water with a drop of essential oil. This method is suitable for older children, as babies may develop even more swelling due to allergies.

It should not be forgotten that the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is to maintain immunity. Immunostimulants, such as echinacea, and vitamins are suitable for this purpose.

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 acute respiratory viral infections 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 inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and the initial parts of the trachea. This disease most often occurs in children from 3 months to 6 years (in most cases in children 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 trigger point of the disease is most often viral infections (parainfluenza, adenoviral and rhino-syncytial infection, influenza), and acute inflammation caused by viruses against the background of an immature or weakened immune system is complicated by the layering of bacterial flora (pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci and other microorganisms). The inflammatory process becomes more aggressive 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 caused by:

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

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

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

Signs of illness

Symptoms accompanying laryngotracheitis differ in children of different age groups.

Infants and children under 5 years of age

Inflammation of the larynx and trachea in a young child (infants and children 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 rise; weakness, lethargy, malaise; moodiness and decreased 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 increases.

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 discoloration of the 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 immediate consultation with a pediatrician - it is necessary to begin treating this complex disease as early as possible.

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

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

Children over 5 years old and teenagers

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in school-age children and adolescents:

painful, unproductive cough, often at night; hoarseness of voice; pain when coughing in the upper chest; lethargy, weakness, malaise; headache; increased body temperature; worsening dry cough when talking, coughing attacks with difficult coughing up of sputum, which after a few days becomes purulent in nature.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

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

creating a gentle regime and comfortable conditions in the room (temperature and humidity); drinking plenty of water; good nutrition; medications; physiotherapy (as prescribed by a doctor); methods of traditional medicine (herbs, medicinal mixtures, compresses, inhalations).

Drug treatment of laryngotracheitis in children should be prescribed only by a specialist - a pediatrician or otolaryngologist after examining the child and clarifying the diagnosis. The diet should be fortified and gentle; 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 of age - at this age there is a high risk of false croup (the smaller the child, the higher the probability). Therefore, parents should be attentive and any alarming symptoms should be a reason to immediately seek medical help.

Treating children independently when signs of laryngeal stenosis appear (“barking” cough, moodiness, whistling or wheezing when breathing, shortness of breath) and when these symptoms worsen is a big risk: swelling of the larynx increases very quickly and in a few minutes their complete closure and crumbling may occur won't be able to breathe.

It is important to know that steam inhalation during an active inflammatory process of the larynx increases swelling of the mucous membrane, and the signs of the disease worsen - coughing becomes more frequent and painful, coughing is noted, especially at night, difficulty breathing and restlessness of the child appear. Inhalations in the acute period of laryngotracheitis are carried out with medications (antispasmodics or local hormonal agents) only using special children's inhalers (ultrasonic or compressor) - the dose, frequency and duration of the procedure are 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 that have anti-inflammatory, softening, antitussive, and soothing effects; products with lemon and honey; compresses; inhalation (no earlier than 3-4 days after the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease in schoolchildren and adolescents).

Treatment with medicinal herbs

The following are most often used as part of medicinal preparations:

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

Collection No. 1

Take coltsfoot herb (1 part), chamomile flowers (2 parts) and oregano herb (1 part), mix and pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of the mixture. Infuse in a thermos and drink as tea (1/4 cup) throughout the day in small sips.

Collection No. 2

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

Treatment of laryngotracheitis with lemon and honey

An effective antitussive for painful coughs is a syrup made from lemon, honey and food grade glycerin. 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 pulp (in a 1:1 ratio). Add a tablespoon of food grade glycerin (buy at a pharmacy) to the resulting mixture. Mix well and take depending on age:

children 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.

Fig infusion with milk for cough

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

Inhalations with herbal decoctions and essential oils

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

The healing remedy for inhalation is prepared in advance (for the decoction, take a tablespoon of plant material - one plant or different herbs mixed in equal quantities) and brewed in a glass of water.

Essential oils can 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 causes severe discomfort and painful frequent coughing for the child. But it is impossible to treat this pathology on your own, especially in children under 6 years of age - only a doctor can correctly prescribe treatment and promptly adjust therapy with minimal deterioration in the child’s condition.