Other

A child develops laryngitis, what should I do? Treatment of laryngitis in children: immediate action only

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx in children leads to laryngitis, a very unpleasant disease that occurs due to colds or infection. With laryngitis, a lot of unpleasant symptoms are observed: fever, severe dry cough, voice disturbances, discomfort in the throat, swelling, headache and a noticeable deterioration in general condition. Sometimes, this disease catches parents suddenly and then they need to know what measures to take first.

Danger to child

A child's body is much more fragile than an adult's, and for children, laryngitis can have truly dangerous consequences.

For adults, this disease is fraught with a minimum of inconvenience - cough, partial or complete temporary loss of voice. Unlike mature parents, the baby’s microflora has not yet fully developed, the respiratory tract is still very narrow, immunity is often lowered, and the tendency to allergic reactions is, on the contrary, increased. All these factors work against the child in the fight against laryngitis, because loose mucous swelling can form very quickly and, even faster, block access to air. In such cases, quick help is worth its weight in gold. And here it may come to the opening of tissues or the child will simply suffocate.

Laryngitis is especially dangerous because in children it can develop extremely rapidly. It happens that a child goes to bed absolutely healthy, and in the middle of the night he wakes up, choking from coughing. The latter can increase the fear that occurs in a child when it is impossible to breathe normally. This makes the lungs work even more frequently, aggravating the situation. This requires immediate first aid and the best solution to take the baby to the hospital without waiting for the morning.

The occurrence of laryngitis at an early age in children is fraught with the fact that the disease may begin to recur again and again. And this means a constant hysterical cough, painful sensations and the incessant use of medications, which in large quantities do not have the best effect on the young body. That is why it is better to treat laryngitis once and for all in an acute form, rather than to resume treatment again and again.

What to do in case of acute form

The main symptom of acute laryngitis in children is hoarseness, sometimes to the point of complete loss of voice. There may be a barking cough, dry throat, neck pain, swollen lymph nodes, runny nose and fever. In order to provide the fastest relief in the initial stages, the following assistance should be provided:

First, the child needs complete vocal rest - the baby should not strain the vocal cords. However, if necessary, you need to speak not in a whisper, but in a quiet voice, because when you whisper, the load on the larynx only increases;
the air in the room needs to be humidified as much as possible and the window should be opened;
the child should be placed in a sitting position - this way the lungs will be in an optimal position;
alkaline inhalation is recommended. Simply put, the child needs to be allowed to breathe over the steam of water with one tablespoon of soda diluted in it. This brings noticeable relief from acute cough;
if swelling is already noticeable in the neck area, you need to heat the water and place the child’s legs there - then the blood will rush to the lower part of the body. This will reduce the swelling slightly;
These procedures are relevant in the period of time before calling a doctor or ambulance. And in order not to waste precious minutes, it is best to immediately take the child to the hospital yourself, because he may need prompt assistance in an intensive care unit.

The situation with chronic laryngitis is a little simpler. If you have already encountered this disease in your baby, it will not be able to scare you.

What to do with chronic form

For chronic laryngitis in children, various medications are required, and such that there really is an effect. Therapy is needed not at home, but in a hospital setting.

At the same time, infusion of various solutions - antibiotics and oils - into children's throats is actively practiced. The child is asked to pronounce the sound “and” and at this moment the medicine appears on the vocal cords, a cough begins, which evenly distributes the solution throughout the mucous membrane of the larynx;
For children, inhalations are carried out, for which you need to use peach oil. In addition, it is very useful to use 1% menthol oil, as it reduces secretion well. Lavender, cedar, bergamot, pine, cypress and sandalwood oils work well as inhalations. From available means, for inhalation you can use a mixture of table salt with iodine or oil;
rinsing is also a good way to have a positive effect on an inflamed larynx. Essential oils of oak bark, St. John's wort, and immortelle are useful for this. To prepare a decoction, you need to pour in the leaves or dry mixture, carefully strain the contents and rinse several times a day.

All of the above procedures are aimed at removing crusts from the affected areas, moisturizing the inflamed larynx, and stimulating secretions in children. The main treatment is carried out using medications: antihistamines, antitussives and expectorants, aerosols, antipyretics, and so on.

Zyrtec, Claritin, Clarisens are used as antiallergenic (antihistamine) drugs for children;
to suppress coughing attacks and ensure a restful sleep at night, Sinecod, Gerbion, Stoptusin, Libexin and other medications may be prescribed for the baby;
in order for a wet cough to be more productive, you can use Althea, Thermopsis, chest preparations, as well as any medications containing bromhexine;
Lugol, Hexarol and Miramistin are considered effective aerosols;
It happens that a child has a very difficult time with temperature fluctuations, and then it is better for the mother to stock up on an antipyretic drug for quick relief. Panadol, Paracetamol, Cifecon - these medications will help reduce the temperature;
During inpatient treatment, various procedures may be prescribed for children: ultraviolet irradiation, electrophoresis, microwave temperature. If voice disorders do not improve during therapy, it is better to have several sessions with a speech therapist;
Antibiotics can be used only if a bacterial environment of inflammation or intoxication is detected in the body.

However, only a qualified doctor has the right to prescribe treatment with certain medications.

Remember that acute and chronic laryngitis in children require individual treatment and timely assistance. It is better not to delay going to the clinic. Thus, you will have the opportunity to cure sudden inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa once and for all.

Video “Laryngitis and false croup”

In the video you will learn what laryngitis is and why it is dangerous, how to prevent it and provide first aid.

Despite the fact that inflammation during laryngitis may not be very pronounced, this disease poses a danger to humans. It can cause sudden suffocation and then death.

Often this complication occurs in children, so parents should know how first aid is provided for children.

At the first signs of a “barking cough,” and even more so if the child begins to choke, you must immediately call an ambulance!

While doctors are on their way to a call, you need to:

Place the child so that his position is “half-sitting”.
Open the window to allow fresh air into the room.
Free the baby's chest from tight clothing.
Carry out alkaline inhalation. To do this, dilute 1 tablespoon of soda in one liter of boiling water and let the child breathe over the resulting steam.
Pour hot water into a basin (as much as the child can tolerate) and place the baby’s feet there. This procedure will help the blood move away from the inflamed area of the larynx and vocal cords and flow to the legs, thereby relieving the swelling.

Quickly completing the above steps will help save the baby.

Causes and types of laryngitis

Fever is the main symptom of the disease

Laryngitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the vocal cords and larynx. It can be both chronic and acute.

Acute laryngitis appears in children after severe hypothermia, as a result of which it weakens. Plus, a viral infection is added to everything. In addition, often the causes of laryngitis are recent burns or injuries.

The chronic form of laryngitis occurs due to untreated diseases, allergic reactions to external irritants and various harmful substances in the enterprise (dust, chemical components of the air, voice strain).

As a rule, the occurrence of an acute form of laryngitis begins with the appearance of a viral infection. First, the child begins to be bothered by a sore throat, severe dryness in the throat, etc. After this, his voice gradually becomes rougher, hoarse, and in some cases disappears completely. As for the vocal cords, at this time they begin to resemble red ridges.

In young children, this disease is usually very severe. This is due to the fact that the lumen of the respiratory tract in such children is still very narrow.

This may develop into a narrowing of the larynx (acute stenosis) or false croup. In addition, the child may develop symptoms of a respiratory disorder; in other words, the baby begins to choke. Some of the children have a genetic predisposition to this disease. Also, in most of them, laryngitis may recur.

How the disease progresses: symptoms

The disease appears from acute tissue (most often in children from 2 to 5 years old) in the area of the glottis. It begins to narrow and at the same time does not allow air to pass further. At this time, the baby develops a specific cough that looks like barking. Also, shortness of breath occurs, which makes it difficult to breathe. The baby's nose wings begin to swell. At this time, the child prefers to stand or sit.

After this, the baby begins to wake up at night screaming, and then he develops severe weakness, which can lead to death. Such awakenings at night can be repeated again and again.

The chronic form of laryngitis is divided into atrophic, hypertrophic and catarrhal. This type of disease develops very slowly. In some cases, one of the forms can smoothly transition into another.

Catarrhal is characterized by thickening and redness of the mucous membrane on the vocal cords and larynx. There is soreness, dryness, cough and a sensation of a foreign body in the larynx. Also, the baby's voice becomes hoarse.

The hypertrophic type of laryngitis appears independently, but can also form from catarrhal. It is characterized by the proliferation of the mucous membrane, most pronounced in the area where the vocal cords are located. In the larynx itself, mucus of a viscous consistency appears, since laryngitis disrupts the functions of its glands.

The atrophic form is characterized by symptoms such as cough, in which it is very difficult to pass. In addition, there is a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, soreness and dryness.

Any of the above forms of laryngitis requires mandatory treatment.

Correct treatment

It is best to treat acute laryngitis with alkaline drinks, which should be supplied to the child’s body in large quantities.

You can take foot baths and take a course of drugs with an anti-inflammatory effect, for example, but only if they are prescribed by a doctor. A medical facility may prescribe antihistamines that will effectively relieve tissue swelling, for example, Suprastin or Diphenhydramine.

In some cases, it is advisable to prescribe inhalations and other physiotherapeutic procedures. Patients must strictly follow the vocal regime; they should not strain their vocal cords.

Chronic laryngitis has more complex treatment. For this disease, local and restorative treatment is prescribed, as well as physiotherapy that has a beneficial effect on the ligaments and larynx.

This video is for all parents:

19 Feb 2017 408

Good afternoon, my dear readers! Today I am writing about a very scary topic: the threat of laryngitis. Do you know why this is dangerous? Unfortunately, even death... so you need to know everything about the disease. Its signs, prevention, why it appears. And the most important thing is to figure out how to treat laryngitis in a child. Let's start with the signs.

Answer the question: “How often do your children have a barking, paroxysmal cough?” And did you have to call an ambulance? According to statistics, if a child has been ill at least once before the age of 2, this will affect him for another 8 years, and more than once. The phenomenon is very scary, according to the stories of one of my friends. The child has a hard time trying to clear his throat, and attacks of suffocation occur! The baby is dying before our eyes. And the sooner you take the necessary measures, the milder the course of the disease will be. But how to distinguish such a serious nuisance?

Cough-like attack, as if barking.
The baby is suffocating.
The voice is hoarse.
Redness and swelling of the throat.
A runny nose appears.
An increase in temperature is typical, but not strong. Around 37 and a kopeck. It happens higher, but very rarely.
I feel thirsty all the time.
Headache.
Sputum production.

At the first signs, check the baby’s neck; inflammation will be noticeable there with the naked eye. As you can see, it affects the vocal cords. Up to 3 years of age, this is especially dangerous, since the already small lumen of the larynx narrows even more. It becomes extremely difficult for the child to breathe... Sometimes we can’t handle it ourselves, we have to call an ambulance. This must be done when severe breathing problems occur and the temperature rises. I believe that in any case, at the first signs, you need to consult a doctor. It is unknown how this will turn out, how the disease will develop further. Perhaps at night it will take an acute form, then hospitalization will be necessary.

Where does the disease come from?

Strictly speaking, where does this enemy come from? Where can I meet him? It turns out that a banal ODS can lead to such consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to fully treat the toddler, and this, as a rule, takes more than one week. I have heard more than once that there is a danger of getting infected again for at least 3 weeks after just having an infection. But laryngitis is much more insidious. Even an allergic reaction can trigger the appearance of dangerous symptoms.

Flu, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections. The immature immunity of young children may be affected by such consequences after these diseases.
Allergies to paint, dust, pet hair and more. In general, everything that occurs makes breathing difficult.
A long and loud scream.
Long stay in the cold. My feet are frozen - my throat is first in line for infections.
Excessively dry air can also cause illness.
Foreign object. This is even a separate topic, not only irritation of the larynx occurs. Anything here: you can choke, or damage to the gastrointestinal tract...

But the most common causes, of course, are colds in the body. Children's immunity is so weak that they can catch any disease. That’s why it takes so long to get used to kindergarten. The child produces antibodies to various viruses, and while it does so, the parents may turn gray from so many diseases.

Varieties

Depending on the occurrence of the disease, there are 2 types:

Acute, which occurs from past infections.
And chronic, occurs when the acute type begins to bother you more and more often.

And these types are divided into subtypes. Difficult? Well, this is the kind of illness that grabs you, as they say, by the throat. Literally... So, subtypes.

Catarrhal, more common. The easiest of all, it most often sticks to children. Perhaps this will not require hospitalization. The symptoms are the same, but less pronounced.
Hypertrophic, the name speaks for itself. Improved catarrhal subtype. This one penetrates the trachea.
Atrophic. The most rare species in children. Doctors say that the cause is excessive consumption of spicy food, which causes the lining of the larynx to become thin. It's like it's erased.

Whatever one may say, it is sometimes difficult to make a diagnosis ourselves. And let’s determine the variety! But a child can become very frightened under such circumstances. So be sure to try to maintain your composure yourself.

Difference from pharyngitis

In the commotion, any disease can easily be confused with similar symptoms. So, pharyngitis is very similar to laryngitis. I'll tell you a little about the symptoms.

Swallowing is very painful, any food causes irritation, but you still need to eat. Refuse only cold, hot and any irritating products.
Soreness, and also severe dryness in the mouth.
Accompanied by an increase in temperature.

Have you noticed that there is no cough? But this is not always the case. Sometimes this problem also affects the patient. But the most important difference between pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, or more precisely, its mucous membrane. And with laryngitis, the larynx is affected. But it’s better to trust a specialist to determine this.

How dangerous is the course of the disease?

Any disease has consequences if it is not treated. Likewise, laryngitis requires immediate medical attention. You understand what’s the matter... In children, the vocal cords are just forming, and during the course of this sore they may form incorrectly. But that's not so bad.

It’s much worse when your child begins to choke! And this happens due to swelling of the mucous membrane, a large amount of blood flows there. So if you look closely, you can see the veins in her throat. Pus may go into the lungs and an abscess will develop. The likelihood of infection entering the blood...

This happens especially hard in children. Due to the strong narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, air access becomes difficult. It won't take long to suffocate. The baby gets scared, which makes the attacks even stronger. The picture, I tell you, is terrible. Especially when you realize that every minute counts, and you don’t know what to do until the ambulance arrives.

Emergency measures

Of course, the main thing to do is call an ambulance. But while she is traveling, help your baby relieve inflammation and ease her breathing at home.

Place her on your knees, unfastening the buttons so that the baby's chest is free.
Humidify the air. Here it is good to use a spray bottle, put a bowl of water, and hang wet rags.
Be sure to drink. Well, of course, water like Borjomi. But if you don’t have one, you can add a teaspoon of soda to 1 liter of boiled and cooled water. How much to drink? Small sips, but often. This composition will help relieve inflammation and swelling. Soda is an excellent antiseptic. It will ease suffering.
Use of an antihistamine. This point is also used in treatment; drugs of this series help relieve swelling.

You can also make a warm foot bath, but provided there is no temperature. The rules are simple, but valid. By doing this you will help your little one relieve his suffering before the ambulance arrives.

Features of the course of the disease in children of different ages

Having studied the information, I learned that the main flow of patients comes to us for this issue from 2 to 3.5 years. In general, infants from 6 months of age have a very loose consistency of the ligaments. And the gap in the ligaments is narrow. This feature is observed up to 3 years old. But since it is a little easier to keep track of a child under one year old than a tomboy at 2 years old, it is easier to catch such a sore from 2 years old.

As you can see, the physiology of the body itself is designed for illness. They caught ODS and caught a cold on their feet, and this is the result. 4 years is an intermediate stage, when the gap becomes wider, and the baby begins to understand more than a couple of years ago. At the age of 5 - 6 years, at least patients are susceptible to this problem.

It is very difficult to determine the disease in a one-year-old baby. After all, they do not know how to tell about the cause of concern. Shortness of breath and blue discoloration of the nasolabial triangle are very serious symptoms. In addition, the little man begins to worry, he is scared. Crying, or rather, choking! Go to the hospital immediately!

And do not forget to provide the baby with conditions that will ease the suffering. This includes the humidity in the room and drinking. Just do not use compotes, juices, tea. Leave this menu for later. For an attack, you need a warm drink containing natural alkali.

Treatment

So we got to the main thing: what medications can help? I said a little earlier that the use of anti-allergy drugs is mandatory. But that's not all. Let's go through the list.

It is imperative to relieve swelling and inflammation. Antihistamines are just suitable for this.
At high temperatures, but more than 38, antipyretic.
Cough remedies. You know, some experts recommend expectorants. But Dr. Komarovsky believes that this will provoke sedimentation of sputum in the larynx, due to the narrow lumen. This is especially true for those children who do not know how to cough. So here, according to the famous pediatrician, it is necessary to make do with ordinary antitussives.
For a sore throat, use syrups. According to Komarovsky, aerosols can cause muscle spasms.
It is better not to use inhalations; hot steam tends to narrow the lumen. But a nebulizer will work perfectly. But watch the baby's reaction. A friend of mine had a 6-month-old girl who was breathing happily. Of course, in front of her, her grandmother danced with rattles, and her mother held them. Well, at the age of 1, it was no longer possible to hold her, and no amount of dancing helped. They showed the example of toys, persuaded...

I know that many people immediately rush to use antibiotics. But this is wrong. They are used only in the presence of a bacterial infection, and only a doctor will determine this. Diagnosis, by the way, is carried out by taking a smear. This is the most accurate method.

Folk remedies

We discussed medications, because you can’t live without them. But no one forbade using folk remedies along with them.

In the absence of fever, mustard plasters and compresses are applied to the back of the neck.
Foot baths.
A nebulizer is a very useful purchase. The right thing to do is to breathe over it. Dominic breathes without any problems, but Yvonka doesn’t agree yet. Previously, we had steam over potatoes. But for very young children this will be wrong. Better consult your doctor.
Gargling is a very effective remedy. I read that boiled beet juice is beneficial. And dissolve another 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of water, let it simmer for a minute. Cool, let's rinse 3 times a day.

And don’t forget to give the little one fluids to drink. When the attack is over, it is permissible to give fruit drinks, but without pulp.

Regarding walks: look at the baby’s condition. It’s better not to walk in the slush and heat. You will provoke an attack. Yes, and take him outside only when there is a significant improvement in his condition. Because in the first days it is necessary to observe bed rest. And do not neglect if you are offered hospitalization. They will hold it for 4 days. But in this way you will save your child from negative consequences!

Prevention

I would like to end my story with preventative measures. Especially when there are predispositions. These measures will depend on the reasons to which your baby’s body reacts. Everyone gets sick for different reasons. Be sure to analyze them to avoid them in the future. And I will highlight the most common ones.

A completely cured cold is a guarantee of future health.
Monitor for possible hypothermia. Protect the child’s immature body from this.
If you are allergic to dust, ventilate the room and wash the floors more often.
Avoid freshly painted areas.
If there is a negative reaction to animal fur, it is better to abandon them. Perhaps over time the child will outgrow this.
Do not strain your vocal cords too much, this is also a prerequisite for illness.

The rules are simple. It is better to comply with them than to deal with the consequences later. What do you think?

With this, let me say goodbye. I hope that your home will avoid this trouble. Well, if for some reason your child gets sick, you will know how to deal with it correctly!

Panic grips parents when a healthy-looking baby, who has been playing carefree all day, suddenly wakes up due to suffocation: he coughs, cries, and gasps for air. And no less suffering mom and dad either freeze in horror or are vainly looking for a “magic pill” in the medicine cabinet. But knowledgeable adults do not go to extremes, but methodically and consistently carry out the necessary manipulations - after all, they know exactly how to relieve an attack of laryngitis in a child.

Often laryngitis, an inflammation of the vocal cords provoked by viruses or bacteria, takes on an obstructive form in children. It is dangerous because it causes closure of the swollen vocal cords and terrible attacks of asphyxia and suffocation. To understand how to relieve an attack of laryngitis in a child, you need to know the causes that provoke the disease. These include:

viral pathogens - if a baby suffers from laryngitis more than 1-2 times a year, most often it is of viral origin. Children who regularly suffer from diseases of the oropharynx and nasopharynx are at “risk group” for laryngitis;
allergic effects - provocateurs are both products and external irritants (poplar fluff, ragweed, animal hair, house dust);
bacterial and fungal microorganisms;
constitutional features of the child’s body - the tendency of the mucous membranes to hyperemia in children is more pronounced than in adults, and the heterogeneity of the integuments themselves contributes to the rapid spread of the disease;
imperfection of the nervous system - stress, psychological pressure or fear cause a spasm that blocks breathing;
use of nasopharyngeal irrigation means - when drugs get onto the back wall of the larynx, they cause a coughing attack during laryngitis;
cold drinks, deep breaths of cold air, hypothermia.

Inexperienced parents are frightened by the clinical picture they observe in a child during an attack of laryngitis. Firstly, one should not panic in the situation, and secondly, it is necessary to accurately understand what kind of disease they are faced with, because diseases of the ENT organs have identical symptoms. To decide what to do with an attack of laryngitis and shortness of breath, we will determine what symptoms indicate the onset of the disease.

The first symptoms of laryngitis in children

A “barking” cough and an attack of suffocation during laryngitis occurs in a child at night and unexpectedly. These symptoms are considered to be the main manifestations of laryngitis. But if you analyze the previous 1-2 days, parents will notice atypical signs, which are the first symptoms of the disease:

weak wheezing in the voice when breathing;
uncharacteristic lethargy and fatigue at the end of the day;
restless sleep;

If these signs preceded an attack of night suffocation, children are diagnosed with the onset of laryngitis. At this point, swelling of the soft tissues of the larynx and inflammation of the vocal cords close the lumen - the baby begins to choke and cough with “barking” intonations. The need for oxygen increases due to an objective shortage, the baby’s breathing becomes frequent (accelerates 2 times), and the temperature rises to a low-grade fever. The intensity of the cough increases, the child cannot clear his throat, which makes him restless and tearful. The skin turns pale and acquires a bluish tint in the nose area. In children 2-5 years old, an attack of laryngitis can occur while sleeping, but more often the baby wakes up from a hysterical cough, which turns into asphyxia.

So, a patient has laryngitis if a complex of symptoms is observed:

wheezing in the voice and its change - indicate hyperemia of the tissues of the larynx, vocal cords and closure of the lumen of the larynx;
constant dry, unproductive cough, which gets worse in the evening and prevents you from falling asleep;
feeling of heat and sore throat, slight pain that becomes stronger when swallowing food;
temperature rise to 38-39.5 degrees; in the case of viral laryngitis - up to 40 degrees;
rapid breathing and shortness of breath;
lethargy, irritability, refusal to eat.

If parents have an idea of what to do if a child suffocates with laryngitis, they begin manipulations on time - the attack ends as quickly as it began. In the morning he will be irritable and hoarse, but his child's activity will be at normal levels. A coughing attack during laryngitis may recur in the evening of the following days, but this does not mean that the child will experience painful suffocation every night. In some children, the pathology occurs several times in their lives, but if the baby has difficulty breathing from laryngitis of allergic origin, attacks will follow with each contact with the provocateur.

There are 4 degrees of severity of laryngitis:

first: the narrowing of the lumen in the larynx is small, while the child is not active - breathing is stable and continuous; wheezing occurs with increased physical activity;
second: increased breathing, shortness of breath, heart rate increases, when breathing there is a noticeable retraction of the intercostal spaces and the abdominal area;
third: the gap closes significantly, breathing problems are observed both during exercise and at rest; with untimely assistance at this stage of laryngitis, the child may suffocate;
fourth: the most severe and critical situation, in which breathing stops completely due to 100% closure of the lumen in the larynx; requires urgent hospitalization and intubation.

First aid for an attack of laryngitis in a child

Laryngitis is a common disease among children and primary schoolchildren, so parents should be prepared to quickly carry out the necessary manipulations in the event of an attack. If a child has an attack of laryngitis at night, the baby should be reassured, since excitement and stress themselves are provocateurs of asphyxia. Next, follow the instructions:

give the patient’s body a vertical position with the help of pillows and blankets, thereby facilitating breathing; It is recommended to remove from the baby things that limit the diaphragm; if he is able to stand on his feet, it is recommended to walk him around the room to restore breathing and calm him down;
if persistent choking is observed, insert a clean spoon into the mouth and press on the base of the tongue (as is done to induce a gag reflex); the meaning of the manipulation is that the vomiting center is located in the vicinity of the respiratory center and the excitation of one leads to the activation of the second;
ensure intensive humidification of the air in the room: for this purpose, factory-made humidifiers are used, but if there are none at home, it is recommended to transfer the baby to the bathtub, first opening the hot water tap to full power and closing the door. The humidification effect can be achieved by heating ordinary water on a gas stove to the state of steam; in winter, hanging wet towels on heating radiators, emergency wet cleaning, and placing bowls of water in the room near the radiators helps; required humidity - at least 60%;
at normal temperatures, foot baths and mustard applications on the calves help: the procedures provoke blood flow to the lower part of the body and make breathing easier;
if there is a nebulizer in the house, do an urgent inhalation using essential oils of medicinal plants, saline, Berodural or Naphthyzin;
at elevated temperatures, inhalations and hot baths are contraindicated; antipyretic drugs Nurofen and Paracetamol are used in a dosage acceptable for the patient’s age;
A cough attack with laryngitis is relieved both with absorbable tablets (Strepsils, Faringosept) and with aerosols and syrups (Alteyka, Gerbion, Bronchomunal). The first relieves a sore throat, the second is useful for a productive cough
provide plenty of alkaline drink - Borjomi, soda, chamomile decoction - warmed to room temperature. It is not permissible to use milk with honey, juice, or coffee during an attack of laryngitis, since the components of the drink are allergens and can provoke a worsening of the condition;
if the attack is allergic in nature, give the patient an antihistamine such as Zodak, Parlazin, Loratadine to relieve hyperemia of the mucous membrane and improve mouth breathing;

When the disease is mild, the first aid described for an attack of laryngitis in a child will be enough to calm him down, fall asleep, and feel kind and cheerful in the morning. But it is not always possible to stop an attack on your own, especially if we are talking about the 3rd and 4th degree of severity of laryngitis. Here you should call emergency services, which will determine the degree of threat and decide whether the patient needs hospitalization or not.

Therapy

Today there is no specific drug that can stop all manifestations of the disease. For successful treatment, a complex of medication and therapeutic prescriptions is used depending on the patient’s condition. If stages 1 and 2 of laryngitis are diagnosed, treatment occurs at home; in stages 3 and 4, hospitalization is recommended.

Medicines prescribed by otolaryngologists for children with laryngitis are divided into 6 categories:

those that relieve hyperemia of the mucous membranes (antihistamines) in the form of tablets (Cetrin, Parlazin, Tavegil), if necessary, intramuscular injections of prednisolone or Eufillin;
eliminating discomfort in the larynx - absorbable tablets Linkas, Travesil, Faringosept, Septolete);
effectively fighting phlegm (mucolytics) - Alteyka, Bronchosan, Gerbion, and reducing cough syndrome - Libexin, Sinekod;
normalizing temperature (antipyretics), used when the temperature rises to subfebrile - Panadol, Ibuprofen, Efferalgan;
physiotherapeutic, carried out in a hospital for severe forms of the disease or as preventive measures - ultraviolet irradiation, electrophoresis, microwave therapy;
gargling preparations - saline solution, Evcarom, Naphthyzin.

What to do if an attack of laryngitis in a child is caused by a bacterial pathogen? ENT specialists prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics Suprax, Amoxicillin, Azicin in order to protect the baby from complications. If the disease is caused by a virus, the use of antibiotics is unjustified.

Drugs for treatment of 1st degree of severity

The first degree of severity of laryngitis can be cured without hospitalization. The principles of therapy are as follows:

peace and absence of external stimuli for the patient;
inhalations using a nebulizer (effective solutions - mineral water, Eufillin solution) - 2-3 inhalations per day;
tablets that relieve throat irritation (Strepsils, Septolete) - no more than 4-6 pieces per day;
regular exposure to fresh air.

Prednisolone effectively relieves swelling of the mucous membrane. But otolaryngologists are wary of prescribing this hormonal drug in the 1st stage of laryngitis, since along with its rapid effectiveness, the drug has serious side effects.

Treatment 2 3 degrees of severity

Laryngitis of 2-3 degrees of severity cannot be treated at home due to the progressive transition to stage 4 and complications. Hospitalization and specialist observation are recommended. Therapy consists of:

inhalations with prednisolone and aminophylline, if necessary, drugs are administered intramuscularly or intravenously through a drip;
antipyretics in case of pyretic temperature;
anti-inflammatory protocol with drugs Orasept, Hexoral, Grammicidin;
tablets for a sore throat - Septefril, Carmolis, Homeovox;

Children under 3 years of age are hospitalized with their mother.

Treatment of 4th degree of severity

The most severe form of laryngitis is the fourth, in which the glottis closes completely and breathing stops. Hospitalization is immediate, home methods of help are ineffective, because... A tracheotomy is necessary to restore breathing.

After resuscitation procedures in the hospital, which amount to an incision of the trachea and the introduction of a tracheosome into it, the following treatment protocol is prescribed:

antibiotics of the penicillin and cephalosporin group (Augmentin, Bioparox, Cephalexin); with a correctly selected drug, positive dynamics are noticeable from 3-4 days of therapy;
inhalation with solutions of mucolytics (Mukolvan, Ambroxol), antihistamine hormonal drugs (Pulmicort, Prednisolone), alkaline solutions (soda, saline), antiseptics (Miramistin, Furacillin);
antipyretic drugs according to age;
physiotherapy (infrared lamp, wave therapy).

After completing the treatment protocol, the tracheosoma is removed and the child begins to breathe on his own.

Attacks of laryngitis plague a child until he is 5-6 years old, until the mucous membrane of the larynx and the respiratory system are finally formed. The older the baby gets, the faster the risk of a recurrence of the attack decreases.

Possible complications

Pathology not noticed in time or an incorrectly selected treatment protocol leads to serious complications of laryngitis in children:

transition of the disease to a chronic form;
closure of the lumen of the larynx (stenosis) and the development of breathing defects;
pathology of the vocal cords up to complete aphonia;
inflammatory processes in the chest area;
sepsis and phlegmon;
polyps and other neoplasms of various types on the mucous membranes;
tumors of the larynx, with malignancy - laryngeal cancer.

Fortunately, the latter complication is rarely diagnosed in children.

The pediatrician’s main advice is to make every effort to ensure that the disease is cured completely and does not become chronic. To do this, you must follow a number of rules:

the air temperature in the patient's room drops to 18 degrees, ventilation is carried out at least 2-3 times a day. In this case, the baby should be removed from the room to avoid hypothermia; optimally - use special air purifiers during illness;
indoor humidity is at least 60%; it is recommended to use factory-made humidifiers, as well as independently spraying water on window tulle, hanging wet laundry on radiators, placing aquariums and other water reservoirs in the room;
regular wet cleaning of the patient’s room, if necessary, using a washing vacuum cleaner;
exclusion of allergenic provocateurs: removal of fur toys from the baby’s room and crib; temporary transfer of living plants to other rooms (colonies of mold provocateurs settle in pots); treat favorite toys with chemical antiseptics, store textile ones in the freezer at night; to protect the patient as much as possible from contact with household chemicals;
During the illness of a younger family member, parents exclude perfumes, deodorants, eau de toilettes and other odorous products from use;
the treatment protocol is developed based on the pediatrician’s recommendations; self-medication and self-prescription are unacceptable, especially in children under 3 years of age;
frequent and plentiful intake of liquid is mandatory, preference is given to alkaline mineral water, soda, boiled, unsweetened teas;

How to avoid getting laryngitis

The main preventive measures include:

prevent hypothermia, dress the baby according to the season;
exclude communication and visiting the baby with a friend who has laryngitis;
harden the child in warm weather with outdoor activities, switching to contrast showers in cold weather;
strengthen the immune system with vitamin preparations along with annual visits to seaside resorts and consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Despite the fact that an attack of laryngitis in children is not common and looks scary, parents should always have experience with surgical manipulations. It will allow you to calm the baby, relieve spasms, restore breathing and wait for emergency help to arrive.

– inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat and vocal cords. According to statistics, all age categories are susceptible to infection, but children from 3 months to 7 years are most often affected. It can occur in acute and chronic forms. Adults often take false croup lightly, but its complications can cause suffocation and death. Therefore, correctly provided first aid for laryngitis is a chance to save a person’s life.

Symptoms

Among the most common causes of infection are:

hypothermia of the body;
complications of influenza, ARVI;
overstrain of the vocal cords;
excessive smoking and alcohol consumption;
air pollution, as well as its excessive dryness.

The patient's temperature gradually begins to rise (slightly above 38C°), a dry cough appears, the voice hoarses, and it is likely to disappear completely (aphonia). Without the right actions, breathing becomes difficult and suffocation occurs (). The disease lasts about a week, but if ignored, it quickly develops into a chronic disease.

It is possible to resist laryngitis and treat it at home, the main thing is not to let the disease progress and contact an otolaryngologist as soon as possible.

Emergency care for acute laryngitis

If you do get laryngitis, then you need to act quickly, competently, and most importantly, do not panic. Correctly provided care at home will alleviate the patient’s condition until contacting an otolaryngologist.

Stop talking, even in a whisper. Any throat irritation will only make the situation worse.
Eat warm food. Forget about hot and spicy foods, as well as carbonated drinks.
Drink plenty of fluids - teas, alkaline water. Coffee, juices (especially store-bought ones), fruit compotes are contraindicated.
During the cold season, spend less time outside.
Regularly humidify the air (if you don’t have a humidifier, you can open hot water in the bathroom and breathe in its vapor).
Do not smoke under any circumstances.
Carry out warm inhalations based on soda (1 tablespoon of soda per 1 liter of water) or oils (for example, eucalyptus).
Gargle with herbal remedies recommended for colds.
It is useful to steam your feet using dry mustard.
You can do it.

It is advisable to carry out comprehensive treatment, especially if laryngitis is a consequence of another viral respiratory disease.

Providing first aid to a child

A child endures the disease much more difficultly than an adult. You can help him at home only if you have repeatedly encountered this disease and it is mild.

Emergency assistance is as follows:

be sure to humidify and ventilate the room;
during a coughing attack, calm the child, because with excitement the cough only increases;
if there is a “barking” cough, sit the child down - this will make his breathing easier;
take warm foot baths (the blood will drain from the throat, the swelling will subside);
drink plenty of water, but not a lot at once, but several spoons every 10-15 minutes (you can add a pinch of soda to the drink);
You can give your child antispasmodic and antihistamines;
Be sure to consult a doctor and carry out proper treatment for laryngitis.