Simultaneous damage to the larynx and upper trachea by the disease is called laryngotracheitis. This disease most often affects children, but also occurs in adults.
Clinical manifestations of laryngotracheitis:
- Cough: hysterical, dry or with mucopurulent sputum.
- Pain in the larynx and behind the sternum.
- Redness and swelling of the larynx.
- Labored breathing.
- Hoarseness or loss of voice.
Laryngotracheitis has acute and chronic forms of the disease.
Laryngotracheitis is a variant of the development of laryngitis. The ICD-10 code for acute laryngitis is J04.0, for the chronic form it is J37.0. Code of acute laryngotracheitis J04.2, chronic J37.1.
There are types of laryngotracheitis according to the following indicators:
Obstructive laryngotracheitis. The most common type is stenosing laryngotracheitis. It is also called false croup, as it has symptoms similar to this disease. Obstructive laryngotracheitis mainly affects children from 6 months to 6 years, but more often up to 3 years.
This is due to the structural features of the respiratory tract in children of this age category:
- funnel-shaped larynx;
- narrow lumen of the larynx;
- loose connective and adipose tissue of the subglottic space;
- weakness of the respiratory muscles.
Obstructive laryngotracheitis occurs against the background of an infectious or bacterial infection, but can also be allergic. Since the disease occurs in young children and is dangerous, the disease should be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
False croup manifests itself in stages:
- Difficulty noisy breathing occurs.
- A whistling sound appears during breathing.
- Breathing becomes hoarse and bubbling.
It should be remembered
Noisy breathing only becomes quieter as the disease progresses. This is due to the fact that the lumen in the larynx becomes smaller. Consequently, the volume of air passing through the respiratory tract decreases. Therefore, if a child begins to breathe more quietly, this does not mean that he has become better. At the first symptoms of the disease, you should immediately call a doctor.
Allergic laryngotracheitis. It develops against the background of an allergic reaction and is not of inflammatory origin. The causes of laryngotracheitis in this case are various allergens in the air: dust, tobacco smoke, chemicals. During an allergic reaction, swelling of the larynx and upper trachea occurs and symptoms similar to other types of laryngotracheitis appear. In this case, swelling can develop rapidly.
Chronic laryngotracheitis. Develops as a consequence of an untreated acute phase of the disease. It can occur against the background of constant irritation of the mucous membrane of the larynx due to a person’s professional activities. For example, in people of such professions as miners (air dustiness), singers, teachers (vocal cord tension). Smoking may be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
This type of disease has three forms of impact on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract:
- Catarrhal. Persistent redness, swelling and congestion in the tissues, injuries to the vascular walls.
- Atrophic. Atrophy of the mucous membranes and glands, characterized by loss of the ability to expel mucus and foreign particles, as well as insufficient moistening of the surface of the respiratory tract and thinning of the vocal cords.
- Hypertrophic. Pathological proliferation of tissues, thickening of the mucous membranes, the occurrence of cysts, ulcers and the appearance of nodules on the vocal cords.
Exacerbation of chronic laryngotracheitis occurs with hypothermia, weakened immunity, tension of the vocal cords or stress. May be aggravated by unfavorable climatic conditions. In women, exacerbation occurs during hormonal changes in the body: pregnancy, menstruation, menopause.
Viral or infectious laryngotracheitis. Develops against the background of infectious diseases: ARVI, influenza, adenovirus infection.
To this list you can add diseases such as:
- scarlet fever;
- rubella;
- measles;
- chicken pox.
This type of laryngotracheitis is characterized by an acute course of the disease. The mucous membrane of the larynx becomes bright red. A large amount of purulent exudate accumulates on the surface of the larynx and trachea, which, penetrating into the tissue, causes its thickening.
As the disease progresses, it becomes more viscous and fibrinous films may appear on the mucous membrane.
Symptoms of acute laryngotracheitis appear against the background of existing infectious diseases, which are characterized by painful sensations in the throat, runny nose, cough, and elevated body temperature. Sometimes viral laryngotracheitis can manifest itself after the patient’s condition has stabilized and the temperature has dropped to normal.
Bacterial laryngotracheitis. The cause of this type of tracheitis is a bacterial infection, which is transmitted through close contact with a patient.
The following pathogenic microorganisms affect the larynx and trachea:
- Pneumococcus;
- staphylococcus;
- beta-hemolytic streptococcus;
- treponema pallidum (rare);
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (rare);
- mycoplasma or chlamydial fungal infection.
Bacterial laryngotracheitis develops against a background of weakened immunity. It can be caused by various bacterial diseases of the respiratory tract: laryngitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and others.
Symptoms of laryngotracheitis
In the initial stages of laryngotracheitis, symptoms appear in the same way as with a cold. But since the acute form of the disease develops rapidly, the patient soon begins to complain of the following ailments:
- persistent sensations of soreness and tickling in the throat;
- inability to cough;
- hoarseness, inability to speak loudly or in high tones;
- increased body temperature;
- pain when swallowing;
- the appearance of shortness of breath, difficulty breathing.
Associated symptoms with laryngotracheitis:
- insomnia;
- fatigue and weakness;
- headache;
- lack of appetite;
- sweating
Cough with laryngotracheitis is one of the main symptoms. At the initial stage it is dry and continuous. People describe him as barking. The person cannot clear his throat. Constant spasms in the throat, an unbearable sensation of tickling and tickling exhaust the patient physically and emotionally.
- Coughing attacks are especially severe at night and in the morning. May be accompanied by the release of a small amount of sputum. As the disease progresses, sputum becomes more abundant and the sore throat subsides. If laryngotracheitis is infectious in nature, then the discharge when coughing becomes mucopurulent. At the same time, the spread of infection provokes the development of diseases such as laryngotracheobronchitis and pneumonia.
- Coughing attacks in young children can cause a reflex spasm of the laryngeal muscles, which is characterized as false croup. Obstruction can cause asphyxia, which threatens the life of the child.
- Laryngotracheitis without cough is extremely rare, as this is its main symptom. This condition may result from atrophy of the mucous membranes and weakness of the laryngeal muscles, which become unable to remove mucus and foreign particles.
Another pronounced symptom of the disease is a rise in body temperature; it can reach 38-39 degrees Celsius. Laryngotracheitis without fever occurs after a cold, when the temperature has already dropped to normal, with a chronic form of manifestation and with an allergic etiology of the disease.
Important
Young children often suffer from colds. Parents may not immediately consult a doctor using already familiar treatment. But if symptoms characteristic of laryngotracheitis appear, then contacting a specialist is necessary.
How long does the temperature last for laryngotracheitis?
The acute form of the disease lasts about 2 weeks. The temperature lasts for 3-5 days. This depends on the severity of the infectious disease and the timeliness of proper treatment.
The most dangerous symptom of laryngotracheitis is narrowing of the larynx. If help is not given in a timely manner, the access of oxygen to the lungs can be completely blocked.
Stages of stenosis (narrowing of the larynx):
- Compensated.
- Not fully compensated.
- Decompensated.
- Asphyxia (suffocation).
At stages 1 and 2, drug treatment is carried out; at stages 3 and 4, surgical intervention may be required.
What symptoms of laryngotracheitis require emergency medical care for a child:
- pale skin;
- a whistling sound is heard when breathing;
- severe shortness of breath;
- retraction of the fossa on the child’s neck.
Features of treatment of laryngotracheitis
To diagnose laryngotracheitis, the doctor listens to the patient's complaints and conducts a visual examination. Depending on the medical history, in order to clarify the diagnosis, additional studies are carried out: identifying the pathogen (bacterial culture), studying changes in the membranes of the larynx and trachea (X-ray or computer diagnostics).
Depending on the pathogen, form and stage of laryngotracheitis, symptoms and treatment vary. After making a diagnosis, the doctor gives recommendations and prescribes medications appropriate to the specific case.
During treatment, it is important to follow the following rules:
- exclude spicy, hot and cold foods;
- stop smoking;
- do daily wet cleaning;
- Ventilate the room frequently.
Home treatment includes inhalations. Inhalation with a nebulizer with the addition of the drug Pulmicort helps to cope well with the disease. Inhalations with essential oils from juniper, fir, eucalyptus, and tea tree have a beneficial effect on the inflamed mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea.
Drug treatment includes the following drugs:
- against cough: berodual, erespal, ACC-long, codelac-broncho;
- antipyretics: paracetamol, tera-flu;
- antiviral: ergoferon, anaferon;
- antibiotics: amoxiclav, sumamed, ceftriaxone;
- drugs that improve microcirculation and increase muscle tone.
In the absence of fever, you can do procedures according to traditional recipes, for example, inhalation with potatoes. It should be remembered that the steam should not be too hot, otherwise it may burn the larynx.
Traditional medicine suggests using decoctions of medicinal plants that have an anti-inflammatory effect as warm drinks.
How long does laryngotracheitis last?
The acute form of the disease lasts up to 20 days. Chronic laryngotracheitis is episodic.
On forums, people often leave positive reviews about the Komarovsky treatment.
A well-known doctor in Russia says that laryngotracheitis should be treated not with antibiotics, but with an appropriate regimen.
To quickly cure acute laryngotracheitis, Komarovsky gives the following recommendations:
- strict bed rest;
- Fresh air;
- drinking plenty of water;
- timely use of antitussives.
For the treatment of chronic laryngotracheitis, Komarovsky considers alkaline inhalations and physiotherapy to be the most effective.
Complications and prevention of laryngotracheitis
If the disease is not treated, it can lead to the development of other diseases. Complications of laryngotracheitis caused by bacteria and viruses can include tonsillitis, tonsillitis, and bronchitis.
To avoid serious diseases and long-term treatment, it is better to carry out prevention.
Prevention of laryngotracheitis in adults:
- strengthening immunity;
- healthy and timely nutrition;
- to give up smoking;
- control of cleanliness and sufficient humidity in the room;
- timely treatment of colds and other respiratory diseases;
- playing sports.
Prevention of laryngotracheitis in children:
- Up to a year. Avoid colds (avoid contact with sick people, wet clean the house, ventilate the room, promptly clear mucus from the nose).
- Up to three years. Always dress your child according to weather conditions to prevent overheating or hypothermia. Provide proper and nutritious nutrition. Treat colds in a timely manner.
- School age. Make sure that the child follows a certain daily routine. Strengthen your immune system with vitamins and exercise. If a child often gets colds, perform hardening procedures.
Laryngotracheitis is an infectious disease that simultaneously affects the larynx and trachea. Inflammatory processes are caused by the penetration of bacteria or viruses into the body. Therefore, treatment of laryngotracheitis in children and adults necessarily includes etiotropic drugs (that is, a set of antiviral drugs and/or antibiotics). Perhaps the most noticeable indicator is a cough with laryngotracheitis, which cannot be confused with anything, as well as a change in voice. At first the cough may be dry, without phlegm, and barking. The voice “sits down”, hoarsely. As the disease develops, the cough softens due to the appearance of sputum, which over time becomes abundant, mucopurulent in color.
Causes of laryngotracheitis in children and adults
The causes of laryngotracheitis are varied. This may be the consequences of an acute respiratory viral infection, a complication from tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, adenoids, sinusitis. It is necessary to distinguish viral laryngotrachenitis from bacterial ones, since depending on their nature, treatment is prescribed.
Viral laryngotracheitis is observed with influenza, adenovirus infection, measles, rubella, scarlet fever, and chickenpox.
Bacterial laryngotracheitis is caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, chlamydial infection, treponema pallidum (with syphilis), and tuberculosis bacteria.
People with low immunity are susceptible to infection, primarily children from several months to 7 years old. Infection occurs through airborne droplets from a sick person, especially when he sneezes or coughs.
Among the patients most susceptible to the disease, the following groups can be distinguished:
- patients with chronic respiratory diseases, including allergic manifestations;
- patients in whose lungs there are congestive processes;
- people who often have impaired nasal breathing (cysts, polyps, deviated nasal septums);
- suffering from cardiovascular, nervous diseases and kidney pathologies;
- those suffering from gastritis;
- recovered from hepatitis;
- patients with diabetes mellitus.
Laryngotracheitis in children: symptoms and classification
In childhood, the disease is most severe and lasts for a long time and has its own characteristics. Pediatric laryngotracheitis is divided into three types:
- acute stenotic laryngotracheitis (subglottic, stenotic laryngotracheitis or false croup) this type is deadly for children, an ambulance is required and the child must be hospitalized;
- simple acute laryngotracheitis in children (without laryngeal edema);
- stenotic obstructive laryngotracheitis (complications arising from injuries to the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea).
Swelling and stenosis of the larynx can be observed both with ordinary infectious laryngotracheitis and with allergic laryngotracheitis, when all kinds of irritants and allergens enter the body.
In children and adults, the general symptoms of larygnotracheitis in a simple acute form are similar:
- irritation, discomfort in the throat;
- the throat is constantly sore, which causes a frequent dry cough;
- sore throat;
- the voice becomes rougher, changes to hoarseness, partial or complete loss of voice;
- body temperature - elevated, usually up to 38 degrees, but not necessarily;
- severe barking cough;
- breathing is impaired, accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, hissing;
- general intoxication of the body (loss of appetite, general weakness, constant headache).
The recovery time from the disease for acute laryngotracheitis is up to three weeks (21 days), for chronic laryngotracheitis - more than 21 days, after which the deterioration of health depends on the influence of unfavorable factors.
Parents who want to learn more about the manifestations and treatment of the disease can find programs on this topic on television. Komarovsky competently describes laryngotracheitis in his video tips.
Symptoms of false croup in children
Every parent should know the symptoms of acute stenosing laryngotracheitis in children, because sometimes not only the health, but also the life of your child may depend on this knowledge. Children from several months to 8 years are susceptible to false croup; the peak incidence occurs at a very difficult age for the child - 3 years. The disease strikes suddenly, usually at night. The child wakes up scared. He shows anxiety, his breathing is accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing in his throat, turning into sharp bouts of barking cough. The area of the nasolabial triangle and lips turn blue. Sometimes pallor, cold sweat appears, and it is impossible to assume a horizontal position. An attack of false croup can result in the child suffocating (asphyxia), so it is very important to take measures to save the baby and call an ambulance.
What to do with spasm during false croup in children
Articles like ours can tell you how to treat laryngotracheitis in children and adults, as well as doctors to whom you take your child or go yourself. But with laryngospasm, you need to act with lightning speed, and before the ambulance arrives, do everything possible to prevent the negative development of the disease and provide first aid to the baby on the spot.
While providing assistance, try to calm the child.
- Open a window to provide fresh air into the room, turn on the air conditioner or humidifier.
- Place your baby in a comfortable chair or on his feet; under no circumstances place him horizontally!
- Ask him to open his mouth or do it yourself and press on the back of his tongue with a spoon to prevent choking.
- Give your baby mineral water or another alkaline drink. You can dilute milk with soda.
- Give your child some antihistamine (can be injected), for example Tavegil or Suprastin.
Attention! You need to know that after an attack of spasm of stenosing laryngotracheitis, another spasm may begin again, so under no circumstances try to leave your baby at home, only in a hospital setting they can help him properly!
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in adults and children
As you can see, depending on the type, laryngotracheitis has different symptoms and treatment in children and adults. But there is also something in common. The basic rule is to exclude food at maximum temperatures, that is, too hot or too cold. Irritating seasonings are also prohibited. Reduce exposure to cold to a minimum, and, if possible, create a “silence mode” so that the patient puts as little strain on the vocal cords as possible.
Inhalations to cure laryngotracheitis
Inhalations for laryngotracheitis cause a good effect at home. To do this, the nebulizer must be filled with aseptic, anti-inflammatory drugs, or at least mineral water. Moisturize the mucous membrane by inhalation with the mucolytic lazolvan, although in most cases it will be sufficient to use ordinary saline solution for inhalation. If the mucous membrane has severe swelling, inhale a suspension of pulmicort, having previously diluted it with saline 50/50. After inhalation, rinsing the mouth is necessary.
Prescription aerosols and sprays with antibacterial and mucolytic effects, including those containing hormonal agents, are also used.
Attention! Steam inhalation is prohibited for this type of disease! Inhalations should also not be carried out at elevated temperatures!
Treatment of laryngotracheitis with drugs and procedures
Laryngotracheitis in adults has symptoms and treatment both similar and different from childhood manifestations. But physiotherapeutic procedures can be prescribed to all patients, regardless of age. The most effective include:
- microwave therapy;
- laser treatment;
- endolaryngeal phonophoresis;
- laryngeal electrophoresis of calcium chloride, potassium iodide, hyaluronidase.
Warm foot baths (35-40 degrees) for 15-20 minutes every 6 hours will be useful for the patient.
Drinking plenty of fluids also promotes healing. Consume dried fruit compotes, fruit drinks and juices.
Drugs for laryngotracheitis:
- anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects Paracetamol, Nurofen;
- antihistamine action Zodak, Zirtec, Suprastin, Telfast;
- for non-productive cough - antitussive drugs Sinecod and Codelac;
- natural mucolytics Doctor Mom, Gerbion, Mucaltin, Gedelix;
- expectorant drugs Lazolvan and Ambrobene (including for nebulizer);
- homeopathic medicines to improve immunity - Bronchipret and Tonsilgon;
- preparations for rinsing the mouth - sage, chamomile, Rotokan, various herbal infusions, as well as a solution of sea salt.
Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis
A simple form of laryngotracheitis can be cured with drugs that eliminate the causative agents of the disease. First of all, antiviral drugs, interferon derivatives Cytovir, Cycloferon, Ingavirin and others are used. Antibiotics are NOT mandatory means of treatment; they are introduced into the course of therapy ONLY in case of complications, that is, when in addition to a viral infection there is also a bacterial infection. As a rule, the doctor prescribes antibiotics if, during the improvement stage, signs of the disease suddenly begin to appear again. What antibiotics are used for laryngotracheitis - the analysis will answer this. Among the effective ones are Azithromycin, Flemoklav, for severe complications - Cephalosporins, Fluimucil.
To restore your voice, reduce cough, pain and sore throat, you can use traditional methods. But you must remember that you can quickly and completely get rid of the disease only under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate!
- Homemade onion inhalation. Take an onion, grate it on a fine grater or chop it in a blender. Cover your head with a towel and inhale onion vapors for 5 to 10 minutes every 2-3 hours.
- Finely grate the ginger, pour in honey (100 g ginger, 200 g honey). Heat the resulting mixture over low heat for about 7 minutes. Take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals, three times a day.
- Make a collection of equal parts of coltsfoot, licorice, marshmallow root and fennel. Brew a spoonful of the mixture into 350 ml of boiling water. Drink 70 ml five times a day.
The inflammatory process, localized in the larynx and trachea, in medical practice is called laryngotracheitis. According to statistics, more than half a million children around the world are diagnosed with this disease every year. This is a serious disease, dangerous for its complications, especially when it comes to its stenotic form. And in order to protect the child from serious consequences, it is necessary to recognize the disease in time. Therefore, today we will talk about the symptoms and treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, as well as the possible causes of a complex disease.
The main reasons for the development of laryngotracheitis in children
People of any age are susceptible to the development of laryngotracheitis, but more often this diagnosis still occurs in preschool children. The main causes of the inflammatory process include infections of viral and bacterial origin. Accordingly, infection occurs in large groups where a carrier of one of these infections is present.
Another common cause of laryngotracheitis, according to doctors, is the lack of adequate drug therapy for various diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Frequent or chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx leads to the spread of the inflammatory process further down the respiratory organs. The most likely development of laryngotracheitis is as a complication of sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis or chronic runny nose.
Separately, it is worth paying attention to unfavorable environmental factors that provoke drying of the mucous membrane and a decrease in its protective functions. These factors include:
- allergic reactions;
- dry and hot air in the child’s room;
- parental smoking in the presence of the child (inhalation of tobacco smoke);
- high concentration of dust in the apartment or in places where children are;
- unfavorable environmental situation in the region of residence (air polluted with chemicals, car exhaust, industrial waste, etc.).
Classification of the disease
Before talking about the manifestations of the disease and the features of its treatment in a child, you need to pay attention to the classification of laryngotracheitis. Depending on the cause, viral, bacterial and allergic laryngotracheitis is distinguished. The disease is classified according to its course and severity:
- Acute laryngotracheitis in children. Inflammation occurs against the background of an existing respiratory infection or develops as a complication after a viral illness. This form is characterized by ARVI symptoms, which are supplemented by impaired vocal function, hoarseness and a debilitating cough. The acute period lasts up to two weeks, after which it is completely cured or becomes chronic.
- Chronic laryngotracheitis. This form of the disease has a similar clinical picture to the acute period, but there is less severity of clinical manifestations. Cough in chronic laryngotracheitis occurs suddenly, most often at night during sleep. Relapses of the disease are observed mainly in the cold season or when immunity decreases during another cold.
- Stenosing laryngotracheitis. False croup or, in medical terminology, stenosing laryngotracheitis fell into a separate category. This is the most dangerous form of the disease, in which there is a sharp narrowing of the lumen of the larynx in a child. Attacks of stenosis are accompanied by severe shortness of breath and a painful cough. Children under 6 years of age are at risk, but the development of laryngeal stenosis at any age cannot be ruled out.
The acute form, in turn, is divided into primary and recurrent laryngotracheitis in a child. But the types of chronic disease are determined by changes in the mucous membrane. Among them:
- catarrhal laryngotracheitis – hyperemia of the mucous membrane, slight swelling in the area of redness is observed;
- atrophic laryngotracheitis - pathological changes in the mucous membrane, which lead to its thinning and decreased protective properties;
- hyperplastic (hypertrophic) laryngotracheitis - the growth of individual areas of the mucous membrane in the larynx, which interfere with normal breathing.
Laryngeal stenosis is a dangerous condition that can develop at any stage of the disease. Therefore, regardless of the type and form of laryngotracheitis, when the first symptoms appear, you must immediately consult a doctor.
Possible complications
- swelling of the larynx and, as a consequence, lack of oxygen, asphyxia (in this regard, laryngotracheitis in infants is the most dangerous);
- acute tonsillitis (purulent tonsillitis);
- meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain);
- pneumonia (pneumonia);
- otitis (ear inflammation).
Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children
Laryngotracheitis is not just a respiratory infection, and accordingly, the manifestations of the disease will be special. The main signs of laryngotracheitis in children:
- Labored breathing. Swelling of the mucous membrane provokes deterioration in breathing and, as a result, a decrease in the amount of air entering the lungs. To compensate for the lack of oxygen, the baby is forced to take a deeper breath. This makes breathing difficult, and whistling may occur.
- Coughing attacks. The cough in children with laryngotracheitis is barking, painful, without sputum production. Attacks can occur at any time of the day, but more often at night. During the day, a cough can be triggered by a deep breath, loud laughter or strong crying, for example, in a newborn.
- Insomnia. Usually sleep disturbance is caused again by coughing. During the next attack, the child wakes up scared, and increased anxiety does not allow the baby to sleep normally again after the attack stops.
- Discomfort in the throat and behind the sternum. The baby may complain of itching in the larynx, burning or sensation of a foreign object.
- Voice change. With tracheolaryngitis, the vocal cords are primarily affected.. At the same time, it is difficult for the baby to talk; the child’s voice becomes hoarse and hoarse. In severe cases of the inflammatory process, the voice may completely disappear.
The most dangerous symptom of laryngotracheitis is blue lips and pale skin. This indicates a lack of oxygen in the body. If the child begins to choke, you must immediately call an ambulance and, before arriving, provide first aid to the little patient yourself.
Features of treatment of laryngotracheitis in children
To choose the right treatment tactics, you need to undergo a full examination, establish the cause of the disease and the causative agent of the infection. That's why It is necessary to treat laryngotracheitis in a child not at home, but under the supervision of a doctor.
Antibiotics
Antibacterial therapy for laryngotracheitis is effective only in cases of bacterial etiology of the disease or the addition of a secondary infection. In all other cases, prescribing antibiotics is not advisable. If inflammation of the larynx and trachea in your child is caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus, pneumococcus or another strain of bacteria, you cannot do without heavy artillery.
When choosing antibiotics for laryngotracheitis in children, doctors give preference to penicillin drugs, preferably with clavulanic acid. Augmentin showed good results in terms of effectiveness and safety. For children, the product is available in the form of a suspension, which is convenient for treating a small child.
In case of intolerance to penicillins, treatment of laryngotracheitis is carried out using antibiotics of a number of macrolides. Drugs approved for pediatric use include Sumamed. The product is also available in powder form for preparing a suspension. Suitable for treating children weighing over 5 kg.
More detailed instructions regarding the frequency of administration, dosage and duration of treatment can be obtained from your doctor. After all, this information will depend on the characteristics of the disease, the severity of symptoms and the sensitivity of bacteria to certain substances.
Antiviral agents
Some specialists practice prescribing antiviral drugs for laryngotracheitis caused by a viral infection. Among them are Anaferon, Viferon and others. It is believed that these drugs activate the immune system, allowing you to effectively resist the disease. But not all pediatricians agree with this prescription. For example, Dr. Komarovsky once again draws attention to the fact that these drugs have no proven effectiveness, and their use is largely useless.
Antihistamines
Allergic laryngotracheitis in children is treated using antihistamines. In this category, pediatricians prefer the latest generation of medicines. Unlike their predecessors, these drugs have a minimum of side effects, do not cause drowsiness and are suitable for use in pediatrics. Depending on the age of the child, medications are prescribed in the form of drops, syrup or tablets (from 6 years). Medicines based on cetirizine, for example, Zodac or Zyrtec, have proven themselves to be effective.
At the discretion of the doctor, antihistamines can be prescribed for other forms of the disease, as a means to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and ease breathing in a child.
Cough remedies
Since cough is the main symptom of laryngotracheitis, the prescription of antitussive drugs is mandatory when drawing up a treatment regimen.. For a dry cough without sputum production, pediatricians prefer drugs such as Sinekod or Stoptussin. These drugs are incompatible with expectorants, and taking them together can lead to stagnation of mucus in the respiratory tract and worsening the child's condition.
If the cough is accompanied by sputum production, even in minimal quantities, medications that act on cough receptors are prohibited. With such a clinical picture, the use of drugs that have an anti-inflammatory and at the same time mucolytic effect is indicated, for example, Lazolvan or Erespal. Erespal for laryngotracheitis in children is prescribed for a course of 10-14 days; in case of relapse, longer use is possible. Suitable for children over 2 years of age.
Inhalations
To moisturize the mucous membrane and relieve inflammation, it is recommended to carry out inhalations with a nebulizer. For this purpose, it is best to use alkaline mineral water (Borjomi, Essentuki) or regular saline solution. In case of a stenotic form of the disease, the use of Eufillin is allowed, but only with the permission of the attending physician.
Steam inhalations for laryngotracheitis with herbal infusions and essential oils are not prescribed. Hot air can provoke new swelling of the larynx, aggravating the child's condition. And the active ingredients (esters and herbs) can complicate the course of the disease with an allergic reaction.
Concomitant treatment
If the disease occurs with an elevated temperature, it must be brought down with children's Panadol or Nurofen. The child should be given antipyretic drugs only if the temperature rises above 38 0.
To create comfortable conditions for a speedy recovery, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient level of air humidity in the room where the child is constantly located. Dry and hot air provokes drying of the mucous membrane, causing new attacks of suffocating cough. Using a humidifier, wet cleaning the room, or just containers filled with water should resolve this problem. It is also necessary to ventilate the room. If the disease occurs in the winter season, dress the child warmly and reduce the ventilation time to 5-10 minutes, keeping the baby occupied with something in another room.
The next important condition is absolute rest for the vocal cords. Until complete recovery, it is necessary to entice the child with games that require prolonged silence. Even a whisper is already a burden that should be avoided.
And the last point is food. During the illness and recovery period, it is necessary to avoid sour or salty foods, which have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane. Hot or cold foods also have adverse effects, so all food should be served warm and at a comfortable temperature for the body.
First aid for stenosing laryngotracheitis
When treating laryngotracheitis in children at home, parents should be prepared for possible complications. The most dangerous of them is laryngeal stenosis.. This is a pathological condition manifested by a narrowing of the lumen of the larynx and trachea due to severe edema. The complication requires immediate medical intervention. Therefore, when the first signs of breathing problems appear, you need to call an ambulance.
Before the doctors arrive, you need to sit the child in your arms and ensure a flow of fresh air. You can offer your baby water or, at a minimum, humidify the air in the room. Excitement and emotional stress of the baby will only intensify the spasm. Therefore, calm down yourself and try to calm the child. You can watch a cartoon with him or read a fairy tale.
The best prevention of laryngotracheitis is a strong immune system and timely treatment of all diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It’s easier to properly cure a cold than to then call an ambulance for a choking child. So next time, think before you refuse to consult a pediatrician.
Laryngotracheitis in children is an inflammatory disease of predominantly viral or bacterial etiology, in which the inflammatory process spreads to the larynx and trachea.
Source: malutka.pro
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.
The respiratory tract is a kind of gateway through which viruses and bacteria enter our bodies. The uppermost section, the nasopharynx, is most often affected.
However, the childhood inflammatory process tends to descend into the underlying sections - into the larynx and then into the trachea.
The characteristics of children's immunity, as well as the relatively short length of the respiratory tract, make a child more predisposed to the disease than an adult. What is laryngotracheitis in children and how to treat it? Let’s take a closer look.
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What is laryngotracheitis
Laryngotracheitis is an inflammatory process affecting both the larynx (larynx) and trachea.
The larynx begins after the pharynx and then passes into the trachea. The diseases of these parts of the upper respiratory tract are mainly to blame for viruses that enter the larynx from the pharynx and move lower into the trachea. 
These can be any respiratory viruses, which are grouped under the group name ARVI, 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 suppress local immunity.
- Bacteria take advantage of decreased immunity and begin to intensively colonize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
- The bacterial infection ultimately leads to purulent inflammation, cough with the release of mucopurulent sputum.
The mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea swells and turns red. These symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children are not visible without a special endoscopic device. However, the disease manifests itself with other obvious signs by which parents can differentiate inflammation of the larynx and trachea from, for example,.
Why does laryngotracheitis occur?
A key factor in airway inflammation is a decrease in local immunity. As shown above, it can be caused by viruses. But often the cause of laryngotracheitis in children is non-viral.
1. Bacterial laryngotracheitis due to decreased local immunity
Various bacteria surround us everywhere: some live on the skin, others are limited in the nose, mouth, and throat. The child's immunity is undeveloped and unstable. Weakened immunity of the upper respiratory tract provides pathogenic microbes with opportunities to spread.
The main factors weakening the immunity of the larynx and trachea:
- Hypothermia;
- inhaling 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 it is necessary:
- Imbalance of the microflora of the upper respiratory tract;
- inability of the immune system to restore the balance of “forces”.
A factor that significantly disrupts the balance of attacking microbes and protective forces is an external source of bacterial infection - a sick person. When coughing and sneezing, pathogenic microorganisms are sprayed into the surrounding space in huge 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 inhabiting the upper respiratory tract, but also existing infectious foci in the body:
- In nose();
- in the paranasal sinuses ();
- inflamed tonsils ();
- sore throat ().
All of these diseases can lead to the spread of infection down the respiratory tract.
4. Allergic laryngotracheitis
Swelling of the larynx due to a non-infectious nature. Occurs as an allergic reaction to exposure to, for example, aerosol medications.
Types of childhood laryngotracheitis
The disease manifests itself in two forms:
- Acute uncomplicated;
- complicated stenosis.
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children does not fundamentally depend on the form. However, significant stenosis of the larynx or trachea always requires more radical remedies, involving the child being 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, stuffiness;
- cough;
- sore throat, irritation, sore throat;
- elevated temperature.
Acute laryngotracheitis
The progression of infection down the respiratory tract shows additional symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children:
- The cough takes on a “dry” and harsh sound;
- change in voice, hoarseness;
- pain when coughing in the upper center of the chest;
- coughing attacks at night;
- cough when taking a deep breath;
- sputum separation;
- Over time it becomes purulent;
- elevated temperature.
Acute laryngotracheitis can be complicated by significant stenosis of the larynx.
Stenosing laryngotracheitis
Stenosis is a narrowing of the lumen of an organ, cavity, etc. To one degree or another, edema (swelling) of the mucous membrane and, therefore, slight stenosis occurs in any inflammatory process, including and. Such obvious symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children as a change in voice, hoarseness, and ringing of the sound of a cough are nothing more than the result of inflammatory swelling of the larynx and glottis. 
However, in some cases the stenosis is so severe that such conditions are classified as stenotic laryngotracheitis. A strong narrowing of the lumen impedes the movement of air. General symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children are supplemented by the following:
- Noisy inhalation and exhalation;
- labored breathing;
- attacks of shortness of breath;
- increased heart rate.
In the extreme, the stenosis can be so strong that it blocks the access of air to the lungs and causes. However, this is an extremely rare development of symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children.
Diagnostic methods
Initial diagnosis involves:
- Inspection;
- listening to the lungs;
- analysis of the patient’s condition based on complaints about well-being.
In general, diagnosis is not difficult. In cases of frequently recurrent disease, an analysis of the throat microflora (throat swab) is required to prescribe more effective antibacterial therapy.
Treatment options for children
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children at home includes:
- Immunomodeling therapy (for children from 3 years of age);
- antibiotic therapy;
- symptomatic therapy.
At home
How to treat laryngotracheitis in a child?
1. Immunostimulating therapy
Immunomodulatory therapy for the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children may include:
- Antiviral immunomodulators;
- antibacterial immunomodulators.
Drugs of the first group are aimed at increasing the overall immune response of the body by increasing the release of interferon. Such means that can be used by children from 3 years of age include:
- Arbidol;
- Cycloferon;
- Grippferon;
- Anaferon (for children).
Preparations of the second group contain deactivated parts of bacteria, which most often cause inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract. They increase the number of immunocompetent cells and 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 significant relief occurs.
2. Antibiotics for laryngotracheitis
Local administration of an antibiotic is effective - spray spraying into the mouth. The traditional treatment for laryngotracheitis in children is Bioparox aerosol. Children from 3 years of age are inhaled 1-2 sprays into the mouth 4 times a day. For the first time you should use it with caution, because... Bioparox, like all aerosols, can cause spasms of the respiratory tract in young children.
In case of severe inflammation and for the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children, general antibiotics may be prescribed:
- Protected penicillins (Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Flemoxin, etc.);
- macrolides (Azithromycin - suspension for children from 6 months);
- cephalosporins (Suprax, Zinatsev, Fortum, etc.).
Antibiotics, as a general rule, are not used for more than 7 days. Antibiotics are taken regularly, i.e. observing equal time intervals between doses.
3. Symptomatic therapy
To eliminate the painful symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children, use:
- To combat dry cough - Tussin, Tusuprex, etc.;
- to improve sputum discharge - Mucoltin, terpopsis preparations, Ambroxol, etc.;
- to relieve swelling, irritation, itching - Erius (syrup), Zyrtec, Xizal, 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, place open containers of water);
- give more warm drinks - tea, milk with honey, compotes;
- In the absence of fever and during the recovery phase, heat on the neck and chest is recommended.
Emergency care for laryngotracheitis
If a child has stenosing laryngotracheitis, it is necessary to seek emergency medical help. 
The scope of assistance that parents can provide is quite limited.
- It is necessary to take 0.3-0.5 ml (depending on the age of the child) of naphthyzine solution (0.05%).
- Add 2-5 ml (depending on age) of water to naphthyzin.
- The child should be in a sitting position with his head thrown back.
- The resulting solution is quickly injected using 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 does not cough after it, and there is not at least a slight relief in breathing, the procedure can be repeated again, but in a different nasal passage.
Also, in case of acute stenosing laryngotracheitis, it is recommended to give the child an antihistamine tablet.
For allergic laryngotracheitis
Stenosis in allergic laryngotracheitis can be very strong. All of the above about the stenotic form fully applies to swelling of the larynx and trachea of non-inflammatory causes.
In this case, a glucocorticosteroid drug can be used. For laryngotracheitis in children, this remedy is effective in relieving excessive swelling of the airways. Initially, it was intended to relieve attacks during and during. Method of administration: inhalation.
Pulmicort is contraindicated for 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 steam.
What can be inhaled:
- Sea salt solution;
- eucalyptus;
- potato steam;
- chamomile;
- sage.
The question of choosing from the given 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 pharmaceutical homeopathic remedy, Aflubin, may be recommended. Recommended dosage for children: 5 drops three times a day.
Laryngotracheitis in children under 1 year of age
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 defenseless against bacteria and viruses. Inflammation always develops rapidly. Professional medical assistance is required.
What should not be done with laryngotracheitis
- Hot inhalations should not be performed.
- You should not give antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
- You should not go outside.
- It is necessary to ventilate the living space.
Prevention methods
Measures to prevent laryngotracheitis involve, mainly, a natural improvement in the body’s protective functions:
- The child should spend more time outdoors;
- the child’s body should experience moderate daily physical activity;
- It’s good to go on vacation to the sea once a year;
- vegetables, fruits, and nuts should be included in the diet.
What to avoid
- Hypothermia is a sure way to reduce immunity;
- staying in kindergarten during seasonal peaks of ARVI;
- 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 affecting two parts of the upper respiratory tract (larynx and trachea).
Pediatric laryngotracheitis has a predominantly bacterial cause.
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children is immunomodulating, antibacterial.
Stenosing laryngotracheitis requires emergency first aid.
To prevent a child from being bothered 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 hypothermic and walks in the fresh air more often.
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