Laryngotracheitis In Children - The First Symptoms And Treatment

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Laryngotracheitis in children

In most cases, the narrowing of the lumen of the larynx in young children is due to laryngotracheitis, a disease in which the larynx and the initial sections of the trachea become inflamed. This pathology is usually called different medical terms: false croup, acute laryngitis or obstructing stenosing laryngotracheobronchitis.

Laryngitis laryngitis (false croup) is called non-inflammatory laryngeal edema. Acute laryngotracheitis is a consequence of acute respiratory viral infections, leading to difficulty in children breathing through the larynx. When acute laryngotracheitis is not subject to adequate treatment, or with injuries of the laryngeal mucosa, a complication occurs, which is called "obstructing stenosing laryngotracheobronchitis".

Why do children have a narrowing of the lumen of the larynx and trachea? The reason for this is edema and infiltration of the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea, as well as spasm of their muscles. When air is exhaled through the narrowed lumen of the larynx, the characteristic cough is called "barking". With inflammatory lesions of the vocal cords, voice formation is impaired and the sick child stops speaking.

Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children

In children, the leading symptoms of laryngotracheitis are shortness of breath, cough and hoarseness. Most often, the onset of the disease is sudden. The first symptoms appear at night, when the child wakes up from a "barking cough", his breathing becomes hysterical due to the incipient laryngeal edema. Sometimes warm milk and hot foot baths can help relieve the condition of the child, but more often it is necessary to take special medications and inpatient treatment. It is very important to differentiate laryngotracheitis from other diseases, the symptom of which is a narrowing of the larynx.

False croup, which occurs in young children, is usually manifested by coughing fits, retraction of the epigastric region, sore throat, and fever. The attacks can last up to 30 minutes, after which the child is sweating and weak, drowsy.

Treatment of laryngotracheitis in children

In severe cases, the treatment of laryngotracheitis in children should be carried out in a hospital setting, because stenosis of the larynx can lead to asthma attacks. In rare cases, a tracheotomy may even be necessary.

In general, treatment of acute laryngotracheitis in compliance with all standards takes no more than two weeks. The child must observe the voice mode: be silent more, and if necessary, say something - point with a finger or draw. Play a game with him, explain that according to the rules, he should not talk - for kids this will be more effective than simple explanations.

Do not forget also that laryngotracheitis requires adherence to a special gentle diet.

Eliminate cold, hot, spicy, salty foods and any foods that can damage an inflamed larynx from your baby's diet. It is recommended to give the child alkaline-oil inhalations with mineral water and essential oils (especially peach), to give antihistamines. All medications must be prescribed by a doctor.

Do not forget that a sick child needs a favorable microclimate: the air in the room should be made warm and humid. How can this be done without special equipment? Hang towels or sheets soaked in warm water on the batteries; take the baby in your arms and sit with him in the bathroom, having first turned on the hot water tap. Warm steam will significantly improve the condition of a sick child, ease breathing and soothe coughing attacks.

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".