False croup: symptoms and treatment. The disease may occur as a complication. False croup in children: features of the disease

False croup, or acute stenosing laryngotracheitis, is a symptom complex that develops with inflammatory changes in the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea due to edema in the subfold space.

Causes and mechanisms of development of false croup

main reason given state is an acute respiratory viral infection caused (most often) by influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus.

Less often, acute stenosing laryngotracheitis can be caused by bacteria - mainly streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus.
Often false croup is a reaction of the body to the impact of a particular allergen, as well as a consequence of local trauma.

In adults, false croup is practically not found - they only have true croup, which develops with such an infectious disease as diphtheria.

False croup is a common complication in children under 6 years of age. This is due to the anatomical and physiological features of the upper respiratory tract of babies, namely:

small size and narrow lumen of the larynx;
a large number of loose connective and lymphoid tissues in the subglottic space (than younger child, the more this tissue is, and it is highly susceptible to edema);
elongated, loose epiglottis;
softness of the cartilaginous skeleton;
highly developed circulatory and lymphatic systems in the area of the upper respiratory tract.

The above features contribute to the occurrence of stenosis components against the background of inflammation - spasm and edema.

So... Due to inflammatory changes in the mucous membrane of the larynx, manifested by edema and the production of a viscous discharge, the lumen of the larynx narrows, its mucosa dries up, crusts form on it, which makes the lumen of the larynx narrower even more. When the child is anxious, there is also a reflex spasm. smooth muscle larynx.

Manifestations of the disease

Symptoms of false croup: hoarseness, dry barking cough, labored breathing.

Acute stenosing laryngotracheitis is characterized by the presence of 3 symptoms at the same time:

hacking, rough barking cough:
hoarseness, hoarseness of voice - dysphonia;
so-called inspiratory stridor - difficult wheezing, wheezing, bubbling breathing.

In addition to the above symptoms, the patient may also have other signs of the underlying disease: fever body, runny nose, discharge from the conjunctiva (usually - with adeno viral infection), lacrimation.

It should also be noted that the described condition usually develops in the evening or at night during sleep, when the child is in a horizontal position.

In practical medicine, it is customary to distinguish 4 stages of laryngeal stenosis:

I - compensated stenosis. The child's condition is assessed as medium degree gravity. His consciousness is clear. At rest, breathing is free, even, with motor or emotional excitement, shortness of breath appears - when breathing, retraction of the jugular fossa (located above the sternum) and intercostal spaces is noticeable. Heart rate 5-10% faster normal values for this age. Periodically there is a rough barking cough.

II - subcompensated stenosis. The patient's condition is serious. The child is excited, his skin is pale, around the mouth - with a cyanotic tinge. At rest, shortness of breath is noted - a loud breath with retraction of the intercostal spaces, jugular and supraclavicular fossae. The bubbling breath is interrupted by bouts of rough, deep barking cough. The voice is significantly hoarse. The heart rate is 10-15% higher than normal.

III - decompensated stenosis. The child's condition is extremely serious. There is a clouding of consciousness, a pronounced lethargy or, conversely, arousal. Inspiratory dyspnea is noted with extremely difficult inspiration, which is accompanied by a sharp retraction of the supraclavicular and jugular fossae, intercostal spaces, epigastric region (the area under the sternum - between the ribs and the navel). The exhalation is reduced, the skin is pale, cyanosis spreads. The heart beats more than 15% faster than normal. Blood pressure drops.

IV - asphyxia - the child's condition is extremely serious. Consciousness is absent. Skin with a bluish tinge (cyanotic). The pupils are dilated. Breathing is rare or absent altogether. Heart sounds are deaf, their frequency is very difficult to calculate. The pressure is drastically reduced. Seizures are possible.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

Diagnosis is not difficult. The diagnosis is made by an emergency doctor, pediatrician or otorhinolaryngologist based on anamnesis data (the condition developed against the background of SARS), a typical clinical picture of the disease (the triad of symptoms described above), results objective examination sick ( visual inspection, assessment of the nature of breathing, cardiac activity, monitoring of indicators blood pressure). In a hospital, laryngoscopy is performed (for the purpose of visual assessment of the state of the mucosa), taking a swab from the throat, followed by microscopic examination and inoculation on a nutrient medium (to verify the pathogen). For the purpose of assessing the degree oxygen starvation organisms are being tested gas composition blood and acid-base status.

According to the indications for the purpose of diagnosing the underlying disease or possible complications can be carried out:

otoscopy;

False croup must be differentiated from true diphtheria croup, acute epiglottitis, retropharyngeal abscess, foreign body in the larynx, and acute obstructive bronchitis.

True diphtheria croup is accompanied by a low (subfebrile) temperature, in a hoarse voice(the patient, as it were, “talks through his nose”). Runny nose and other catarrhal phenomena are absent. Signs of stenosis develop gradually. On examination oral cavity the tonsils attract attention: they are enlarged, with dirty gray films that are difficult to remove with a spatula. From the mouth of the patient - the smell of rot.

Acute epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis. Signs of stenosis of the larynx increase gradually, are characterized by severe inspiratory dyspnea, dysphagia and general anxiety of the patient. His condition is serious, the position of the body is forced (sitting), the temperature rises to febrile numbers. Examining the oral cavity, you can see the root of the tongue dark cherry color. During laryngoscopy - swelling of the epiglottis and epiglottis.

A retropharyngeal abscess always debuts acutely with an increase in body temperature to febrile numbers, increasing shortness of breath with difficulty in inhaling, turning into suffocation, with a pronounced general anxiety. The position of the patient is forced - with the head thrown back and to the affected side. Breathing is snoring, difficult especially in the position of the patient lying down. Salivation is increased. When examining the pharynx, a protrusion of its posterior wall and a fluctuation symptom are noticeable, indicating the presence of an inflammatory fluid in the study area.

The presence of a foreign body in the larynx, partially covering the lumen of the organ, is evidenced by the sudden onset of the disease, the patient's anxiety, complete absence signs of inflammation and toxicity. In case of complete obstruction, the patient cannot breathe or speak. He points to his neck. There is inspiratory stridor, paroxysmal cough.

If false croup has developed once, parents should keep in mind that it can recur, and, after consulting a doctor, stock up on medications that can be useful in case of an illness.

About the treatment of false croup in the program "School of Dr. Komarovsky":

False croup (acute stenosis of the larynx, laryngotracheitis) - special condition, which develops mainly against the background of acute respiratory infections. It is called false in order to differentiate from true croup, which develops with diphtheria and has similar symptoms (difficulty inhaling, barking cough, hoarseness). Most often, laryngotracheitis affects children 1-5 years old.

The disease can carry a danger to the life of the child, therefore, at its first signs, an urgent qualified help.

Reasons for the appearance

In most cases, the development of false croup is promoted by viral infections:

flu;
adenovirus;
herpes.

Laryngotracheitis bacterial nature is less common, but it occurs in children in more complex forms than viral. Bacteria that can cause false croup:

hemophilic bacillus;
staphylococci;
streptococci;
pneumococci.

The disease can occur as a complication:

tonsillitis;
rhinitis;
adenoiditis;
after vaccination.

A special risk group includes children with overweight and a tendency to allergic reactions. False croup often develops in children who have had:

birth injury;
hypoxia;

The peak incidence of laryngotracheitis in children under 5 years of age is due to the anatomical features of the structure of their respiratory organs. According to statistics, girls suffer false croup less often than boys. After 6-8 years, children "outgrow", false cereals disappear.

Classification and types of disease

By its nature, acute stenosis of the larynx can be viral or bacterial. Downstream - complicated and uncomplicated.

There are 4 degrees of false croup:

compensated (1 degree)- characterized by difficulty in breathing physical activity or experiences;
subcompensated (grade 2)- Difficulty breathing is also observed in a calm state;
decompensated (grade 3)- characterized by heavy paradoxical breathing, severe shortness of breath;
terminal (4 degree)- a severe attack with hypoxia, which can lead to death.

Symptoms

Basically, acute stenosis of the larynx occurs against the background of acute respiratory infections. Symptoms of the disease appear a few days after the onset of acute respiratory infections. This usually happens in the evening. In the daytime, the child may have a fever, runny nose. In the evening, the nature of breathing changes. It becomes bubbling, wheezing and difficult (stridor), the child has difficulty breathing and lacks oxygen.

How more swelling larynx, the louder the noise becomes when inhaling and exhaling. A harbinger of stridor in many cases is a dry, barking cough. Hoarseness can be considered a symptom of laryngotracheitis if it is accompanied by stridor. In other cases, it is considered a sign of laryngitis, which occurs without pronounced swelling of the larynx.

In addition, there are symptoms characteristic of colds:

general weakness;
joint pain;
enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes;
increase in body temperature;
lethargy.

With 4 degrees of stenosis, the symptoms are as follows:

cessation of barking cough;
the disappearance of noise during breathing;
pressure drop;
arrhythmia and weakness of breathing;
There are seizures and bradycardia.

The child's consciousness is confused, he may faint. Without timely first aid measures, asphyxia is possible.

Acute stenosis of the larynx must be differentiated from bronchial asthma. With a false croup, inhalation is very difficult, the noise during exhalation is almost inaudible. Asthma attacks, on the contrary, are accompanied by a free breath and a difficult whistling exhalation.

Diagnostics

To identify false croup and start in a timely manner proper treatment, ENT or pediatrician prescribes a thorough examination of the patient. He examines the child's larynx, listens Airways.

Held:

microlaryngoscopy;
bakposev material from the pharynx;
otoscopy;
x-ray of the lungs and sinuses;
rhinoscopy;
pharyngoscopy;
blood tests (PCR and ELISA, gas composition).

Treatment Methods

It is desirable to carry out treatment in a hospital, attacks of false croup are very dangerous. Be ready to give first aid to the child.

Important! At the first symptoms of acute stenosis of the larynx, it is necessary to call ambulance. Swelling of the larynx can be a danger to the life of the child.

On our site you can learn about other diseases of the ENT organs in children. Read about sinusitis; about catarrhal angina written; about what to do if a child has an earache, find out the articles. About tracheitis written page; about the treatment of the common cold folk remedies we have an article.

First aid during an attack

Before providing qualified medical assistance, parents should take measures to alleviate the condition of the baby:

Reassure the child, put him on the bed. Top part the body should be on a hill. A regular pillow will do.
Open a window, humidify the air in the room (with a humidifier or with wet towels);
Release the child from squeezing clothing that constrains the chest.
Give the child a warm alkaline liquid to drink (2% soda solution or Borjomi). This will help moisturize the mucous membranes and thin the mucus.
Make an inhalation with mineral water. It is good to use a nebulizer. (For more information about inhalation with a nebulizer, read the article).
Drop in the nose vasoconstrictor drops.
To relieve swelling, you can give antihistamine(Erespal, Fenistil).
At temperature and fever, give an antipyretic (Nurofen, Paracetamol).
If breathing stops, induce vomiting. This will excite the respiratory center.

Medical therapy

After the arrival of the ambulance, the doctor will assess the severity of the child's condition and determine his treatment regimen. In severe attacks, you can not risk the health of the child and hospitalize him in a hospital.

Therapeutic measures for 1 degree of false croup:

good air supply;
plentiful frequent drinking in a warm form;
mustard plasters on the calf muscles;
inhalations with a solution of sodium bicarbonate, vitamin A, hydrocortisone, aminophylline;
taking antispastic drugs (Papaverine, Atropine);
reception hyposensitizing and sedatives(Pipolfen, Dimedrol);
vitamin therapy.

If there is no effect of such treatment, it is carried out novocaine blockade into the nose. It reduces swelling of the mucous membranes, relieves reflex spasm. With fever at stage 1 of laryngotracheitis, antibiotics are prescribed.

False croup 2 degrees are treated in the same way as 1. Additionally apply:

humidified oxygen;
administered intravenously hypertonic solutions glucose, calcium gluconate to relieve swelling;
hormone therapy (hydrocortisone, prednisolone);
intravenously prescribed cardiac solutions (Korglikon, Strofantin);
neuroleptic drugs (Promazin, Aminazin).

With stenosis of the 3rd degree, Prednisolone is administered intravenously. The first dose should be ½ daily. Expand the intake of cardiac drugs, give sodium oxybutyrate.

Antibiotics are being introduced a wide range actions:

Tetraolean;
Tseporin.

If there is no result from the treatment, laryngoscopy is done. During the procedure, mucus, blood crusts are sucked off using a polyethylene catheter. Then the mucosa is lubricated with ephedrine, hydrocortisone, vaseline or peach oil. Sometimes bronchoscopy is indicated. With it, the bronchi are washed, pus and mucus are removed, antibiotics are administered intratracheobronially.

If all measures are ineffective or the child has severe progressive grade 4 stenosis, intubation or tracheostomy is indicated.

At the address, read about how to make a gauze diaper for a newborn with your own hands.

Prohibited actions

Laryngotracheitis is especially dangerous for children prone to allergies, overly excitable, with lymphoid growths in the nasopharynx. Therefore, therapy for them must be selected with caution. Tips:

In order not to increase the swelling in allergy sufferers, you can not give citrus juice, honey, raspberry jam.
In order not to cause a spasm of the muscles of the larynx, do not use essential oils, mustard plasters.
No need to rush to give antitussives. Moist cough – protective function organism. When coughing, sputum with harmful toxins is excreted.

Prevention measures

Since false croup in most cases is a consequence of colds and viral diseases, effective preventive measures contributing to their prevention:

harden the child;
strengthen immunity; (Learn articles on how to increase a child's immunity with the help of folk remedies);
provide adequate nutrition;
use natural phytoncides;
carry out vitamin therapy during seasonal colds;
do not overcool the child;
observe the rules of hygiene;
ventilate the child's room more often and moisten it.

False croup is a common condition in children, which is promoted by anatomical structure their respiratory organs. It can occur with any manifestation of ARI. Therefore, parents should be prepared for an attack and provide all the means at hand to stop it. Need to call an ambulance with symptoms of false croup, since there is a risk of complications, up to asphyxia.

A fairly frequent syndrome during a viral or, less commonly, bacterial infection respiratory tract is a false croup in children. Its danger lies in the rapid, and sometimes lightning-fast development, the need to take certain measures even before the arrival of the medical team. The most susceptible to it are children from one to 5 years old, especially those who have undergone birth trauma, hypoxia in childbirth or fed artificially.

But even absolutely healthy, rarely ill children can suffer from false croup: an excessive immune response to the introduction of certain viruses and bacteria into the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs is expected.

False croup is a lack of air intake into the child's body, caused by a narrowing of the glottis due to edema. The child's larynx is narrow (from 0.5 cm), and in case of infection, its walls thicken, swell, which significantly reduces the lumen of the windpipe. Increased mucus production in response to infection also reduces the diameter of the airways. In addition, a reflex spasm of the ligaments often joins, which makes it difficult for air to enter the lungs.

The cause of false croup is catarrhal diseases: SARS, and parainfluenza (most often), scarlet fever,. If microbes from the tonsils with angina penetrate the larynx, then a false croup may develop bacterial origin. It happens less often than viral croup, but is no less difficult to tolerate.

A predisposition to the development of croup during the period of an infectious disease is in children prone to allergies.

Important! Unlike true croup, when dense diphtheria membranes blocking the throat create an obstacle to air movement, false croup occurs precisely because of the narrowing of the glottis.

Most often, false croup in children is an acute and ongoing condition. Subacute (developing gradually) course is observed in children with chronic processes- tonsillitis, adenoids, polyps in the nose, diseases of the oral cavity. In this case, the symptoms of the disease are not detected at once, but appear gradually, the body adapts to new conditions before the condition worsens. Therefore, often stenosis of the larynx is not detected immediately. Children with a clear picture of croup in subacute development feel satisfactory when, with acute course the condition is more severe.

False croup in children symptoms and treatment

Symptoms of false croup and stages of development of the syndrome

The main sign that the likelihood of developing a false croup in a respiratory disease is high is respiratory failure. The slightest signs shortness of breath should alert parents, force them to be on the alert, take preventive measures.

Croup can come on suddenly, develop quickly and short span time to overcome the path from a slight malaise to a severe irreversible condition. But in most cases before terminal stage does not reach, from the vivid manifestations of the disease, the body returns to its original state just as rapidly. But for this you need to know the symptoms and be able to help the child in time.

False croup proceeds in 4 stages. If timely measures are taken, the negative dynamics can be stopped at stages 1-3. Symptoms of the disease are shown in the table.

Stage I. Compensation

Features of breathing: shortness of breath only during emotional or physical exertion. It is expressed not so much by an increase in breathing, but by a lengthening of inhalation, the disappearance of a pause between inhalation and exhalation.

Feeling satisfactory, symptoms of the underlying disease (fever, cough, runny nose, etc.)

Outcome: Recovery or transition to the second stage.

Stage II. subcompensation

Respiratory features: shortness of breath, even at rest, rapid breathing. Breathing is difficult and accompanied by wheezing. To ensure breathing, auxiliary muscles are connected - the muscles of the chest, abdomen, when inhaling, the wings of the nose swell. Cyanosis (cyanosis) of the nasolabial triangle. Rough barking cough.

The child is restless, touches the shirt collar, feels fear, cries.

Outcome: Regression of the syndrome or transition to the stage of decompensation.

Stage III. Decompensation

Features of breathing: suffocation, paradoxical breathing - superficial and infrequent, pallor of the skin.

The child is lethargic, apathetic, there is no activity, consciousness is unstable, confused.

Important! Spontaneous elimination of the syndrome at this stage is rare, urgent help is needed.

Stage IV Terminal

Features of breathing: respiratory arrest and a drop in cardiac activity.

Increased pallor, loss of consciousness, involuntary discharge of urine and feces.

Outcome: Clinical death.

Treatment of false croup syndrome

At the first signs of shortness of breath, it is necessary to take measures to stop the attack and eliminate the conditions for its development. The patient's parents should:

Immediately call an ambulance - if you suspect croup, the child needs medical checkup and, as a result, hospitalization or outpatient treatment;
Create calm atmosphere around the patient - do not shout, do not even talk loudly, express confidence in behavior that the situation is under control;
If the patient is frightened, take the child in his arms, do not leave him alone in the room - nervous tension causes a reflex contraction of the muscles of the ligaments, which aggravates the situation;
Provide an influx of cool moist air - it is best to open the window, even in winter (pre-wrap the child) - cool air reduces the volume of mucous membranes, and moisture dilutes the secret;
You can carry out inhalation with a nebulizer - inhalation of cold vapor will improve the child's condition;
In the absence of an inhaler, the child is brought into a bathroom filled with steam (it cools in the air), where it is useful to carry out distracting foot baths.

These are simple but urgent measures should help stop the development of false croup and wait for the arrival of doctors.

Important! In most cases, doctors offer hospitalization - you should not refuse it: only in a hospital is it possible to provide round-the-clock qualified monitoring of the development of the disease.

Prevention of false croup

False croup is a disease of young children. This condition can occur repeatedly in one child, as a relapse during one illness or with the next illness.

And in adults and children over 6 years of age, croup is extremely rare, as in infants under one year old. By primary school age danger severe development events is very unlikely - the experience of overcoming various childhood illnesses affects.

Since false croup in children occurs during infectious diseases, it is obvious that it is required to ensure that the child is less sick. However, this does not mean that isolation is necessary to prevent infection. In children, whose immunity rarely meets with infection, the body's reaction to accidental contact with the pathogen, even the most banal one, may be excessive. And this is a direct road to cereals.

The most important thing is the hardening of the body. It is necessary to ensure that the change in temperature environment, wind or draft did not become a problem or cause the introduction of infection. From the first days of life, children should breathe clean air, walk a lot every day, and be active. Warm and dry air irritates the respiratory tract more than frosty air. Complete nutrition provide correct exchange substances and development appropriate for age.

Contacts with peers will teach immune system respond correctly to germs and viruses, most of which will not harm the child. These measures, of course, do not guarantee that the child will avoid croup, but it will be easier for the body (and parents) to cope with it.

Remember what to put correct diagnosis only a doctor can, do not self-medicate without consultation and diagnosis by a qualified doctor. Be healthy!

False croup (or stenosing laryngitis) is a dangerous and frightening disease for parents. Attacks of false croup most often develop at night and in the morning against the background of a viral infection. Often, stenosis takes parents by surprise, and they do not know how to act correctly in order to give the baby needed help and do no harm.

Therefore, each parent needs to know the main signs of false croup, how it differs from true croup and from ordinary laryngitis.

Let's try to figure out when a child needs urgent qualified help, as well as what can and cannot be done with false croup.

What is false croup? (VIDEO)

Croup- it's dangerous respiratory disease most common in preschool and toddler children school age and characterized by excessive constriction of the larynx. Any respiratory disease respiratory system a child can lead to this condition - unfortunately, no one is immune from this.

True croup occurs only in such a dangerous disease as diphtheria. With all other diseases (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, influenza), it is precisely false croup. However, it is no less dangerous and unpleasant than the true one.

false croup is an acute attack stenosing laryngitis or laryngotracheitis(depending on the localization of the inflammatory process - in the larynx or in the larynx and). The reason for this complication is swelling of the larynx, her mucous membrane. In young children, the structure of the larynx is such that up to a certain age, the likelihood of such edema is high.

Most often, false croup arises as a result viral infection respiratory tract is a parainfluenza virus, influenza or adenovirus. Due to infection, inflammation is formed, which is usually accompanied by swelling of the tissues of the larynx and tracheal mucosa in the region of the vocal cords.

Aggravation The disease usually occurs at night and often goes away on its own. But in about 10% of cases, a child may need emergency medical care, so it's still best to call a doctor at the first sign of a false croup.

Stenosis of the larynx, as a rule, is observed in children 2-4 years old, sometimes it occurs in children infancy from 6 to 12 months. After 5 years, the frequency of false croup in children decreases markedly, due to age features larynx development.

Predisposition of children younger age to the occurrence of false croup is due to the following anatomical features:

Small diameter cartilaginous skeleton
funnel-shaped larynx
Short vocal folds
Excessive excitability of the muscles near the glottis

The main signs and symptoms of false croup: how to recognize the danger

In the middle of the night, the child was awakened by an attack of characteristic "barking" cough, he is restless and frightened. His breathing is markedly labored and accompanied by wheezing or whistling. When you try to ask him about his well-being, it turns out that the baby's voice is completely hoarse.

That's what they look like main features stenosing laryngitis or false croup. Even during the day, the child might seem completely healthy to you, by the evening he might have a slight cough, runny nose, or rise slightly - characteristics the onset of a viral infection.

So let's try to figure out what signs can certainly point to dangerous disease, how false croup:

Characteristic "barking" ("croaking") cough
Wheezing, stifled breath
Blue coloration of the nasolabial triangle
General state of anxiety and fear in a child
Hoarse voice or no voice
Frequent shallow breathing

False croup important differentiate from the true croup found in diphtheria. With diphtheria, stenosis increases gradually, and not paroxysmal, as with laryngitis.

How to alleviate the condition of the child: what needs to be done before the ambulance arrives?

If you notice any of these signs in your child, you need to act immediately! After all, false croup is dangerous by narrowing the trachea up to suffocation.

First call ambulance team, they will provide medical care child, assess his condition and decide whether he needs urgent hospitalization.

Before the ambulance arrives, try alleviate the condition of the child in the following ways:

What should never be done with a false croup?

However, there are methods, the use of which with false croup is highly undesirable. Remember what should not be done in order to prevent deterioration of the child's condition.

In no case no warm compresses on the throat or mustard plasters - they will only contribute to an increase in edema.
Do not try to feed the child if he does not want to eat and does not ask you for food.
Don't force your baby drink a lot of liquid at once, as this can provoke vomiting. Let him drink as much as he wants, little by little - in small sips.
Before the arrival of a doctor or ambulance do not give your child antibiotics. False croup is most often caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not affect viruses in any way, but they can provoke an allergy that worsens the patient's condition.
Do not use essential oils With a sharp tangible odor - it can provoke an even greater narrowing of the larynx.
Do not give your child cough medicines such as Codeine, Calderpin and the like. After all, the main task with laryngitis and laryngotracheitis is to achieve productive cough rather than suppress it.

Degrees of stenosis in false croup

With false croup, they distinguish 4 degrees of stenosis, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics and characteristics.

Stenosis of the first degree. It is characterized by the above symptoms of false croup. The child is conscious, but is usually frightened or very worried. With anxiety, shortness of breath, hoarseness of voice, noisy breathing appear. Such stenosis, as a rule, can last from several hours to two days.
Stenosis of the second degree. Clinical symptoms exacerbate and cause discomfort in the child. Shortness of breath and characteristic stenotic breathing become constant. The skin turns pale. In this state, children cannot sleep, they are restless and frightened. This condition can last up to five days and worsen in the form of seizures.
Stenosis of the third degree. Against the background of these increasing symptoms, there is an increase in the work of the respiratory muscles. Breathing is disturbed. The feeling of fear and anxiety in the child is replaced by bouts of lethargy and drowsiness - this is a consequence of hypoxia. The child's voice is hoarse. Cough from rough turns into superficial. The lower end of the sternum begins to fall - this sign may appear even in the second stage. Breathing is irregular, from noisy it becomes superficial and quiet. Tachycardia may also begin.
Stenosis of the fourth degree. Extremely heavy and dangerous state, in which the development of coma, suffocation is likely, convulsions may begin. Severe acidosis. Surface and hard breath alternates with sleep apnea(stop breathing). At this stage, there may be serious complications life-threatening.

The listed degrees of stenosis are not intended to scare parents, but to give a clear picture of what the danger is false croup for children, and how important it is to call a doctor in time and take necessary measures. If the doctor insists on hospitalizations- do not refuse it, as it can help keep your child healthy in case of a real threat.

Prevention of false croup: how to prevent complications

It should be remembered that if a child of 2-3 years old has an attack of false croup, then, with a probability of 80%, they will repeat as a complication of a viral infection. Therefore, if this is the first time you have encountered such a disease, it is important to study this issue and know how to provide the child with prompt and adequate assistance.

The disease of acute laryngitis for children is much more dangerous than for adults. This is explained by the fact that the size of the larynx in babies is much smaller, therefore, the risk of extreme narrowing of the glottis increases, and this is fraught with a complete cessation of breathing. The treatment of the disease is complicated by the fact that it is necessary to provide a full larynx for at least a week, and it is extremely difficult to forbid a child to talk for such a long time.

Causes of acute laryngitis in children

Other famous name, which denotes acute laryngitis in children, is a false croup, with this disease the mucous membrane lining the larynx becomes inflamed. in spring and winter periods the frequency of the disease is slightly increased. The results of statistical studies suggest that children aged 3 months to 7 years are most susceptible to this disease, and boys suffer from laryngitis more often than girls.

The main cause of false croup in children is the effect on the upper respiratory tract. respiratory viruses(adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses,). However, bacteria can also be the causative agents of this disease. Quite often, laryngitis is a complication of infectious diseases such as scarlet fever and measles. Among the factors contributing to the occurrence of false croup in children are: poor living conditions, malnutrition of the child, vitamin deficiency in the body of the child, hypothermia, weakness of the body resulting from physical and mental overwork. Children who have nasal breathing it is very difficult or completely absent due to the growth of adenoids, more often than others they get sick with acute laryngitis.

Possible different localization the focus of inflammation. So, an inflammatory process can occur on the mucous membrane covering the epiglottis, on the mucous membrane covering the vocal folds, on the mucous membrane lining the subglottic space; in some cases, the inflammation process covers the entire surface of the larynx. The mucous membrane swells; irritation leads to increased mucus production. If the focus of inflammation is localized in the subglottic space, then, in addition to swelling of the mucous membrane and increased secretion of mucus, there is a spasm of the laryngeal muscles. Spasm leads to acute stenosis of the larynx, also called false croup (true croup develops). Then the condition of the child becomes difficult.

Signs of an attack of false croup in children

In most cases, laryngitis does not severe course. But if the disease is severe, if due to swelling of the mucous membrane that lines the larynx, there is difficulty in breathing, the life of a sick child is in danger. With this in mind, if symptoms of acute laryngitis in children are suspected, the mother should not hesitate. She must in urgently contact your pediatrician or call an ambulance. In children 2-3 years old, signs of false croup appear quite quickly - in a day, and sometimes just overnight. This is because the body's resistance in children of this age is weak, and the body quickly "loses ground".

The first symptom of false croup in children- slight malaise. Then there is an increase in body temperature - usually more than 38 ᵒС. The child's voice becomes hoarse or hoarse, more rare cases(severe) aphonia develops, i.e. the voice disappears completely. Another characteristic manifestation acute laryngitis - dry barking cough in the first days of illness. In the future, the cough becomes wet, with scanty sputum discharge. In the throat, the child feels rawness and burning and complains about it. If the disease takes a severe course and breathing becomes difficult due to swelling of the mucous membrane, the child shows anxiety, cries; he is very frightened that it is difficult for him to breathe. With further deterioration of the condition, an attack of false croup in children can lead to suffocation, an obvious sign of which is cyanotic (blue) lips in a baby. A doctor examining the larynx of a child (JIOP doctor) sees a bright hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane that covers vocal cords. edematous and soft tissues located under the glottis. Acute laryngitis usually lasts for several days.

If, with symptoms of acute laryngitis in children, treatment is not started in a timely manner, if the sick child is in adverse conditions, violates the voice mode, does not have sufficient care and therapy is not carried out in the required volume, the disease can go into a protracted form.

What to do with false croup in a child: inhalation and prevention of acute laryngitis in children

What to do with a false croup in a child, barely suspecting the first signs of the disease? In no case should parents take risks and self-medicate. Once a child begins to develop clinical picture acute laryngitis, it is necessary, without postponing for later, to call pediatrician. In the treatment of acute laryngitis in children, a sick baby needs voice rest and strict bed rest. The child needs quality care from relatives. Constant monitoring of the child should be ensured, since his condition, if worsened, then worsened quickly. Especially important in the treatment of false croup in children is supervision by the mother at night. The child should know that one should breathe only through the nose, because the main function of the nose is to prepare the inhaled air for passage through the respiratory tract - the air is cleansed, warmed, moistened. If the child breathes through the mouth, he “loads” the larynx too much, and it naturally responds with inflammation of the mucous membrane. If the child has a stuffy nose, the doctor will recommend vasoconstrictor drops. Softens the course of the disease abundant and frequent alkaline drink. Having identified the symptoms of false croup in children, physiotherapy is prescribed for the treatment of the disease: UHF, diathermy on the larynx area, etc. When the body temperature rises, the child is given antipyretics.

How to treat acute laryngitis in a child at home? Regular inhalations - alkaline and oily - help to quickly cope with the manifestations of the disease. The inhalation procedure can be performed at home - using a special inhaler (many modifications of inhalers can be found on sale) or such simple items as a kettle, saucepan, rubber heating pad suitable container. In the mother's ability to make the child inhalations with a solution of furacilin, with a solution baking soda, with infusions and decoctions medicinal plants with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action. Inhalations are effective for false croup in a child with a decoction of chamomile flowers, a decoction of medicinal sage herb, an infusion of St. John's wort, an infusion of marigold flowers. With the means we have named, you can at the same time gargle the throat of a child. Rinsing is recommended. The effectiveness of rinsing increases if the means used are alternated.

As a prevention of false croup in children, the following are considered: regular ventilation of residential premises, systematic walks of the child, exclusion of contact of the child with people who have the flu or other acute respiratory infections, good, vitamin-rich baby food. For the prevention of false croup in children, it is necessary to start hardening the baby as soon as possible.

Emergency first aid for false croup (acute laryngitis) in children

In the event of difficulty breathing and an increasing threat of suffocation, the child is taken to the hospital by ambulance.

When there is a threat of suffocation, every minute becomes precious. And the mother, in whom the child finds a tendency to laryngitis, should know what to do in this case.

Rendering emergency care with acute laryngitis in children, while someone from the family calls an ambulance, you need to:

organize fast and high-quality ventilation of the room in which the sick child is located. How more content oxygen will be in the air, the less the baby will suffer from difficulty breathing. AT warm time years, helping with false croup in children, you can open the window wide open;
in the room in which the sick child is located, you need to moisten the air - for example, hang a few wet towels (preferably terry towels). Due to the rapid evaporation of water from the surface of the towels, the air in the room is moistened and ceases to irritate (overdry) the inflamed mucous membrane of the larynx. A boiling kettle will humidify the air in the room even faster. If it is not possible to install a boiling kettle in the children's room, you can put 2-3 pots of water that has just been boiling in the corners of the room.
Providing emergency care for false croup in children, you need to seat the baby in a sitting position, so the child breathes easier. An older child may sit up in bed or in a chair, small child it is better to take it on your lap - this is important because the baby, whose breathing is difficult, is frightened. It will be much easier for him to cope with fear on his mother's lap.
When providing first aid for false croup in children, everything must be done to calm the child, distract him from frightening thoughts about shortness of breath and a possible deterioration in the condition. Coming into excitement from fright, the child begins to breathe more often, and this only aggravates the severity of the condition. Calm slow breathing of the baby through the nose - that's what the mother should be able to achieve.

Treatment of false croup (acute laryngitis) at home with folk remedies

There are several phytomedicine recommendations on how to treat false croup in children, the most effective of them are listed below:

if, due to a spasm of the muscles of the larynx, it became difficult for the child to breathe, you should try to induce vomiting - press the child with a spatula, or a spoon, or just a finger on the root of the tongue; while it works reflex mechanism, due to which breathing can be facilitated;
do irrigation of the throat with infusion of peppermint herb; preparation of infusion: pour 1 tablespoon of dried, carefully chopped herbs with a glass of boiling water and insist in a sealed container at room temperature for about half an hour, strain through a fine strainer or 2-3 layers of gauze; irrigate the child's throat with this infusion several times a day after meals;
irrigate the throat and oral cavity with warm infusion of warty birch leaves; preparation of infusion; dried leaves(it is recommended to select only young sticky leaves) chop well, pour 1 tablespoon of raw materials with a glass of boiling water and insist in a sealed container at room temperature for at least half an hour, strain through 2-3 layers of gauze, squeeze the rest of the raw material through the same gauze; irrigate the child's throat several times a day.
When treating false croup at home, you need to irrigate the throat with a warm decoction of the herb of sage officinalis. Preparation of a decoction; dried raw materials should be carefully crushed with a pestle in a mortar, pour 1 tablespoon of the powder with a glass of boiling water and heat in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes, after which the product should be cooled quickly, strain through 2 layers of gauze, squeeze the rest through the same gauze; do irrigation of the throat several times a day; with catarrhal phenomena from the side of the nose and nasopharynx, it is recommended to instill a decoction in the child's nose in the supine position;
gargle with warm infusion from the collection: sage leaves - 3 parts, common oak bark - 3 parts, rhizomes of erect cinquefoil - 3 parts, common fennel fruits - 1 part; preparation of infusion: place 1 teaspoon of dry, crushed mixture in a preheated thermos, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 3-4 hours, cool, strain; gargle 5-6 times a day; alternate with other means;
drink infusion from next collection: mix equal amounts of coltsfoot leaves, plantain leaves and licorice root; preparation of infusion: pour 1 teaspoon of dry, crushed mixture with a glass of boiling water and insist, wrapped for at least 20 minutes, strain; drink warm, a quarter cup 3 times a day.

How and how to treat acute laryngitis (false croup) in children at home

Here are some more tips on how to treat acute laryngitis at home using traditional medicine recipes:

instill into the nose (the child lies on his back) 1-2 full pipettes of any vegetable oil- sunflower, corn, olive, apricot, peach, citral, etc.; after instillation, the child should lie on his back for a couple of minutes; when it rises, the oil will flow down the back wall nasopharynx, oropharynx, reaches the laryngopharynx and lubricates the inflamed mucous membrane; thin layer vegetable oil will protect the inflamed mucosa from irritating external factors(dry air, cold air) and thus will contribute to speedy recovery; do such instillations 2-3 times a day.
When treating acute laryngitis with folk remedies, you need to include more warm cereals in the menu of a sick child ( semolina, oatmeal, buckwheat, rice and other cereals); when a child slowly eats warm porridge, his throat warms up, and inflammation disappears faster (heat is the enemy of any inflammation); it is recommended to add fresh to porridge butter; it is known that butter contains a lot of vitamin A; this vitamin has pronounced antioxidant properties - in other words, it is able to directly destroy the infection; in addition, butter nourishes the mucous membrane well;
Do inhalations with clove oil 1-2 times a day;
make the baby warm-moisture inhalations using a solution of baking soda; preparation of the solution: dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in 200 ml of boiling water; performing the procedure: the child (together with his mother) bend over the cup with the solution, cover himself with a large towel or blanket and inhale the steam rising above the cup; duration of the procedure - 10-12 minutes;
make the child warm-moist inhalations using the infusion of the herb of the tripartite succession; preparation of infusion: pour 1 tablespoon of dried, well-chopped herbs with 2 cups of boiling water and leave in a sealed container at room temperature for 45 minutes, strain through 1-2 layers of gauze and bring the product to a boil; inhale steam; this procedure is recommended to be performed within 12-15 minutes; you need to do such inhalations several times a day;
do inhalations with an infusion prepared on the basis of the following mixture of medicinal plant materials: herbs of a series of tripartite - 1 part, chamomile flowers - 1 part, herbs of white clasps - 1 part; preparation of infusion: 1 tablespoon of the dried mixture, crushed into a fine powder, pour a glass of boiling water and insist in a sealed container at room temperature for about 15 minutes, strain through several layers of gauze and bring the product to a boil; (for a description of the procedure, see page 30 in italics); inhale warm vapor for about 15 minutes;
do heat-moist inhalations with infusion of black currant leaves; preparation of infusion: pour 1 tablespoon of dried, well-chopped raw materials with 2 cups of boiling water and leave in a sealed container at room temperature for 45 minutes, strain through 1-2 layers of gauze and bring the product to a boil; inhale steam for 10-12 minutes; do such inhalations several times a day.
As a treatment for acute laryngitis in children, folk remedies can be drunk several times a day warm milk with melted butter.
With a debilitating cough, drink warm milk diluted halfway with some alkaline mineral water(Borjomi is best suited for this purpose); you can add honey - 1 teaspoon per glass of milk with mineral water;
several times during the day, drink 1 tablespoon of lingonberry juice with honey or sugar;
drink freshly squeezed daily carrot juice; the amount of juice that a child can take by age should be recommended to the mother by the district pediatrician;
drink an infusion of wild rosemary herb; preparation of infusion: pour half a teaspoon of dry grass into a glass of cold boiled water and insist under the lid for 6-8 hours, strain; take a quarter cup 3-4 times a day.