Parainfluenza type 1. A complication of parainfluenza - which can threaten the body after unsuccessful or improper treatment. According to the severity of the flow, three forms are distinguished

Parainfluenza is a disease that can be attributed to acute respiratory viral infections. However, of those who actually fell ill with this disease, few people know that it is parainfluenza. Given the similarity of symptoms and lack of specific treatment, a survey to find out which virus caused a particular acute respiratory viral disease is practically not carried out. However, in some cases this is of fundamental importance, especially if we are talking about children in their first year of life. How is parainfluenza virus transmitted? features disease and are there effective cures?

What is the parainfluenza virus

Parainfluenza virus was first isolated in pure form and studied in the middle of the last century. This pathogen belongs to the group of RNA-containing and is divided into 5 varieties. The first three are potentially dangerous to humans, and the last 2 do not pose a threat to humans (they cause disease in animals, in particular in large cattle and monkeys). Most serious violations in the human condition causes parainfluenza virus type 3. In appearance, these particles resemble influenza pathogens, but are larger than the latter.

The virus is rather unstable in the external environment, with room temperature he dies within 4 hours. When cleaning surfaces or hands with hot water or disinfectants he dies much faster.

Given the similarity in the structure of the pathogen, the clinical picture of parainfluenza is similar to influenza, but has its own distinctive features.

Infection with the parainfluenza virus occurs through close contact healthy person with the patient, especially in the first 2-3 days from the onset of the disease. Main way transmission - airborne and to a lesser extent - contact-household. A sick person at the stage of recovery is practically not dangerous to others.

The contagiousness of the disease is very high, which means that the probability of contracting the parainfluenza virus when communicating with a newly ill person is almost 100%.

After the patient recovers, he develops immunity, however, unstable, so the person has a real chance of being infected again. However, when re-infected with the virus, the symptoms of the disease will not be so pronounced, that is, it will proceed in a mild form.

Children who are breastfed receive immunity from the mother if she herself has just had parainfluenza. However, the likelihood of infection with the virus through close contact is quite high, in addition, babies in the first year of life are especially ill with this disease. Therefore, nursing mothers should be careful and try to prevent the development of the disease.

Symptoms of parainfluenza

After viral particles enter the surface of the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, the incubation period of the disease begins, which lasts several days (from 2 to 6). After this period, the patient develops a sore throat, dry cough, hoarseness, chest pain. In addition, there is a runny nose, often very pronounced, nasal congestion. However, the leading symptoms are fever and signs general intoxication which include headache, aching muscles, joints, bones, weakness, dizziness, chills, sweating.

The severity of symptoms will depend on many parameters, such as:

Age. Children suffer from the disease much more severely than adults. Parainfluenza is especially dangerous for babies in the first year of life.
The amount of viral load. The more viral particles that initially enter the respiratory tract of an infected person, the more severe the disease will be.
Presence of comorbidities. With reduced immunity against the background various diseases internal organs, systemic diseases, taking drugs from the groups of corticosteroids and cytostatics, after a recent viral infection other etiology parainfluenza is more severe.

The anatomical features of the respiratory tract in children aged 2-7 years are such that their lumen is much narrower than in adults. An acute respiratory viral infection is accompanied by swelling and the appearance of mucus in them, which can cause the development of croup. Many parents are familiar with such a situation when their baby suddenly wakes up at night from a loud barking cough. It is often accompanied by wheezing wheezing that can be heard at a distance, and difficulty breathing. These may be the first signs of parainfluenza.

When croup appears, the child needs help immediately, because a severe degree of narrowing of the larynx can lead to a complete cessation of breathing. It is necessary to call an ambulance, drip into the child's nose vasoconstrictors, calm him down and, if possible, go out with him into the cool air.

How long does parainfluenza last

With an uncomplicated course of the disease, parainfluenza resolves within 7-10 days, like most other acute respiratory viral infections. Complications of the disease develop infrequently, and they are typical for patients from risk groups: children, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, patients chronic diseases. Such people definitely need to be treated under the supervision of a local therapist or pediatrician so that he can recognize the onset of more serious diseases, such as pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis or meningitis, in time.

To date, there are no specific drugs for the treatment of parainfluenza. Antiviral drugs can be used, but their effectiveness raises many questions from doctors and scientists. Therefore, the treatment of the disease is symptomatic, that is, drugs are needed that would alleviate the patient's condition. And the human immune system begins to produce its own antibodies that destroy the parainfluenza virus.

Thus, in the treatment of the disease, the following therapeutic measures are used:

Plentiful drink, maximum rest, good sleep.
With fever, drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Irrigation of the nose with saline solutions, with congestion - vasoconstrictors.
With pronounced painful cough- drugs Stoptussin, Sinekod, Mukaltin or Thermopsis. However, cough medicines should only be used on the advice of a doctor, as some of them increase phlegm production and this can make the cough even more intense.
For sore throats, you can use medicated lozenges, sprays or gargles with furacilin, chlorhexidine or other antiseptics.

Parainfluenza is a viral disease of the upper respiratory tract. Most often, the infection affects the larynx. The main route of infection with the parainfluenza virus is airborne. It is easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through sneezing, coughing, and kissing.

The reasons

The causative agent of this disease is an RNA genome virus. Parainfluenza often affects people with a weakened immune system or children. The virus enters through the respiratory tract, while infecting the nasopharynx and larynx. If left untreated, the disease can lead to severe consequences, such as , and .

There are four stages of the disease. The first two stages are similar in etiology, clinic, but the remaining two - parainfluenza and atypical - differ in their symptoms.

Symptoms

The characteristic symptoms of the appearance of parainfluenza are lesions of the upper respiratory tract, as well as the larynx. As a result, a person develops intoxication of the body.

First of all, the infection affects the upper respiratory tract, after the pharynx, nose and larynx. The incubation period for parainfluenza often lasts about four days. In the initial stages (prodromal period), the symptoms are mild.

During the period of exacerbation during the parainfluenza stage, the following pronounced symptoms appear:

intoxication of the body;
body temperature rises to 38 ° C;
children often have additional symptoms - loss of appetite, nausea and lethargy. In severe cases - a complete refusal of food;
swelling of the nasal mucosa, throat;
when swallowing pain occurs;
mucous discharge from the nose;
cough.

In the atypical stage, there are such symptoms:

stable body temperature;
there are no signs of intoxication;
weak cough.

Parainfluenza in newborns is manifested by the following symptoms:

increase in body temperature;
rejection breastfeeding and bottles;
pale skin;
lethargy;
muscle weakness;
hoarse voice.

Diagnostics

To diagnose parainfluenza, you need to conduct a series of examinations:

immunofluorescence;
enzyme immunoassay;
serological study.

Treatment

Parainfluenza is treated with the following methods:

bed rest is recommended;
a diet rich in vitamins and minerals;
when a severe stage of the disease develops, immunoglobulins are used;
medicines, the active component of which is recombinant interferon;
vitamin C;
vasodilators to improve the patency of the respiratory tract (oil);
if the patient has coughing, then, as a rule, doctors prescribe inhalation with saline, as well as mucolytics;
if parainfluenza has developed in children, then in this case, doctors recommend using mustard foot baths, body wraps, and rubbing with herbs. All these procedures are allowed to be carried out if the child does not have a fever.

The innovative antiviral drug Ingavirin has shown its effectiveness against influenza A and B viruses, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus and other acute respiratory viral infections. The use of the drug in the first two days of the disease contributes to the accelerated elimination of viruses from the body, reducing the duration of the disease, and reducing the risk of complications. The drug is available in two dosages: Ingavirin 60 mg - for the treatment and prevention of influenza and SARS in children from 7 to 17 years old and Ingavirin 90 mg for adults.

Prevention

Main preventive methods are:

ventilation of residential premises;
after walks, mandatory washing of hands and face;
taking vitamins and immunostimulants;
wearing a cotton-gauze bandage in crowded places, as well as during an epidemic;
hardening of the body.

Treatment with folk methods

you need to take blackberry leaves, crush, pour water. Boil over low heat. Leave for 20 minutes to infuse, then strain through a gauze bandage;
raspberry decoction. To prepare it, you need to take dried raspberries, pour hot water. Brew, let it brew, strain, take the finished mixture several times a day. Perfectly eliminates the symptoms of the disease;
for the treatment of parainfluenza, you can take a decoction made from linden flowers, wild rose, chamomile, and blueberry leaves. Add water to the herbs and simmer for 15 minutes, after we insist, add honey. Finished product take three times a day;
thyme tea;
carrots, radish and honey. To prepare this mixture, you need to take radishes and carrots, grate them, then squeeze the juice. In juice finished product add honey and take.

It is not recommended to self-medicate, as the parainfluenza virus can provoke the development of life-threatening complications. When the first symptoms appear, indicating the development of parainfluenza, it is recommended to immediately contact the medical institution for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

The parainfluenza virus is a member of the paramyxovirus family. It was discovered in 1956, today several serotypes are known: 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b and 5, each of which has hemagglutinating activity. Adults tolerate parainfluenza more easily than children, the pathological process is usually presented acute laryngitis without stenosis.

Serotypes 1 and 2 cause croup syndrome, and parainfluenza 3 virus leads to the development of bronchiolitis, focal pneumonia. The most rare are infections provoked by any of the subtypes of serotype 4; they tend to have a milder course compared to other variants of parainfluenza. Type 5 is considered harmless to humans. In addition to human parainfluenza viruses, there are variants of the pathogen that are pathogenic for animals - for example, bovine parainfluenza (bovine virus).

Influenza and parainfluenza viruses differ in many ways, from families to antigenic properties. However, both pathogens are included in the SARS group, and the similarity of manifestations in some cases requires differential diagnosis.

It is also necessary if there is doubt about the etiology of infection with syncytial virus or parainfluenza virus in bronchiolitis.

Infection is possible throughout the year, but local outbreaks of parainfluenza infection occur more often in autumn and winter. In the presentations on parainfluenza, incidence rates are reflected, which are compared with the number of cases of infection with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.

The source of parainfluenza infection is a sick person - and not only pronounced, but also erased or asymptomatic forms, which are also called atypical, are important. The parainfluenza virus is transmitted by airborne droplets and household contact, its reproduction occurs in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract.

Pathogenesis

After adsorption on epithelial cells, the virus enters the cells and multiplies, which leads to their death. Intoxication is caused by the penetration into the blood of reproduced viruses and decay products of epitheliocytes. Key Points pathogenesis are:

dystrophic changes and necrosis of cells of the ciliated epithelium;
loss of a protective barrier by the mucous membrane;
viremia and toxicity.

Primary viral pneumonia caused directly by the causative agent of parainfluenza. Secondary it is called in case of accession of a microbial infection. Sedimentation of immune complexes in the capillaries provokes immunopathological reactions, and inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane of the larynx cause symptoms of stenosis in parainfluenza in children.

Symptoms

Duration incubation period with parainfluenza infection is from 1 to 7 days. Symptoms of parainfluenza in adults appear and increase gradually, in children there is an acute onset with the presence of intoxication and catarrhal syndromes.

There are no specific primary signs, so the disease can be regarded as a type of SARS without specifying the etiology.

For the treatment of parainfluenza, the symptoms and severity of the course matter; in adults, the following manifestations are observed:

Moderate weakness, headache.
Pain in muscles and joints.
Nasal obstruction, with profuse serous discharge.
Sore throat, hoarseness of voice.
An increase in body temperature to subfebrile figures.

Adult patients can tolerate parainfluenza infection with a slight increase in temperature, sometimes there is no fever. The duration of the illness is about 2 weeks.

Symptoms of parainfluenza in children are more pronounced. These include:

Some patients experience single vomiting. characteristic feature the course of parainfluenza is the predominance of catarrhal symptoms over the manifestations of intoxication. Cough with parainfluenza laryngitis is rough, "barking".

Parainfluenza infection can occur in the form of bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, sinusitis. Not only the parainfluenza virus in children and adults, but also the secondary microbial flora is of importance in the development of lesions that are not characteristic of classical ARVI.

Acute laryngotracheitis

A complication of parainfluenza in children is stenosis of the larynx in acute laryngotracheitis, also called "false croup". Predisposing factors for development are anatomical and physiological features, among which are:

narrowness of the lumen of the larynx, compliance of cartilage;
an abundance of vessels in the mucous membrane of the larynx;
narrowness and curvature of the epiglottis, short vocal cords;
tendency to increased neuro-reflex excitability.

In the pathogenesis of acute laryngotracheitis, several factors are important: swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx, muscle spasm and accumulation of inflammatory exudate - this leads to coughing, which aggravates spasm and stenosis.

To compensate for the lack of oxygen, breathing becomes more frequent, including through the mouth - the incoming air is not heated and moistened enough. The viscosity of the accumulated mucus increases, it is difficult to separate. Loss of voice (aphonia). The patient's condition worsens - first there is pallor of the skin, sweating and anxiety, in the absence of help, the skin becomes cyanotic, and later gray shade, excitement is replaced by apathy, loss of consciousness, areflexia.

The initial manifestations of laryngeal stenosis in the compensation stage are characterized by the absence pronounced violations general condition, preservation pale pink skin, decrease and deepening of breathing, shortness of breath during physical exertion, fright. Symptoms usually appear at night. The main symptoms are a rough cough, hoarseness and respiratory failure.

At the stage of partial compensation, tachypnea (rapid breathing) appears. Are drawn in intercostal spaces, pits above and below the clavicle. The skin turns pale, the child is excited. Dyspnea is noticeable even in calm state and is manifested by noisy, audible breathing at a distance.

Breathing in the stage of decompensation slows down, becomes not as noisy as before - this is an unfavorable prognostic sign. The skin acquires a bluish tint, sweating is also characteristic, forced position in bed with head thrown back.

The terminal stage, or the stage of asphyxia, is characterized by the presence of single, superficial and intermittent respiratory movements. Noisy breathing completely disappears. Could happen involuntary urination and defecation. The color of the skin is pale gray, the pulse is barely palpable. Decreases arterial pressure, cardiac arrest occurs.

Diagnostics

Diagnose only by clinical symptoms is not possible due to similarities with other SARS. For targeted diagnosis of parainfluenza infection, the following are used:

Direct method of fluorescent antibodies.
polymerase chain reaction.
ELISA, etc.

A general clinical blood test is also carried out, if indicated, an X-ray of the organs chest and other research.

Treatment

With a mild form of parainfluenza, treatment is carried out in outpatient settings, and when severe course, availability comorbidities and the development of complications in the hospital. Apply:

interferons, anaferon, arbidol;
normal human immunoglobulin;
ibuprofen, paracetamol for fever.

In secondary microbial infection, antibiotic therapy(amoxiclav, cefazolin).

If parainfluenza develops stenosis of the larynx and respiratory failure, treatment should be urgent. Symptoms occur acutely, so it is important to remember the algorithm of actions before the doctor arrives:

Treatment of parainfluenza in children with false croup should not include the independent use of mucolytics (ambroxol). Inhalation at home can also be dangerous - especially for children under 3 years old. In severe stenosis, glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone, hydrocortisone), adrenaline are administered, and oxygen therapy is used.

Prevention

Prevention of parainfluenza includes the following rules:

avoiding contact with patients with ARVI;
frequent hand washing;
use of protective masks.

Specific preventive actions not developed.

Parainfluenza is an acute respiratory infection viral origin, which affects the upper respiratory tract, mainly the nose, oropharynx and larynx.

With parainfluenza, symptoms of intoxication (general weakness, loss of appetite, fever) and typical colds occur.

The infection is widespread among children and less common among adults.

The reasons

Parainfluenza is caused by three main types of viruses, these are RNA viruses. The causative agent is very unstable to external factors, dies at room temperature after a couple of hours, when heated - instantly.

The viruses that cause parainfluenza are sensitive to most disinfectants. The disease can occur in any season, but the increase in incidence occurs in autumn and winter. Parainfluenza accounts for up to 20-30% of all SARS. Most often, young children are sick.

The main source of viruses is a sick person. It becomes contagious on the last day of the incubation period, and then the contagiousness remains for another 5-9 days from the onset of the disease.

Viruses are transmitted in the usual way for SARS: when sneezing, coughing, talking, kissing, with particles of saliva or mucus.

Once in the area of the nasopharynx and oropharynx, the virus settles, and then penetrates into all environments of the body. The virus infects the epithelium, resulting in local inflammation.

When parainfluenza occurs, swelling of the pharynx, accumulation of mucus in the nasal passages, which is manifested primarily by sore throat and runny nose.

When the pathogen enters the bloodstream, a toxic reaction is formed - fever with headache and loss of appetite. With a decrease in immunity, complications are frequent.

Manifestations of parainfluenza

The typical form of parainfluenza mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, the pharynx, nose and larynx are involved in the process.

The incubation stage lasts from two days to a week, mostly 3-4 days. The prodromal stage (a harbinger of the disease) is practically not expressed and typical symptoms of parainfluenza infection appear almost immediately.

In the peak period of manifestations are characteristic:

moderate intoxication, headaches,
temperature increase within 38 degrees,
in children, lethargy, weakness, appetite disorders with nausea and vomiting are possible,
swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat,
sore throat when swallowing
swelling of the vocal cords with symptoms of laryngitis - croaking or barking, dry, debilitating cough,
from the nose light, not abundant discharge, without pus.

In the recovery period, the runny nose stops, the cough becomes wet, the voice becomes normal, sonorous. For several weeks, there remains an increased susceptibility to microbial infection due to a decrease in immunity.

The atypical form is more common in adults and adolescents, it is characterized by:

normal body temperature
no symptoms of intoxication,
mild discharge from the nose,
faint redness about temples and coughing.

Features of parainfluenza in children infancy appear in:

gradual increase in temperature (not higher than 38 degrees),
refusal to breast or bottle,
lethargy and pallor,
muscle weakness,
weak but prolonged runny nose,
hoarseness of voice.

Diagnostics

In fact, parainfluenza is one of the types of SARS. The final diagnosis is made only after laboratory confirmation. If this is not the case, they speak of an acute respiratory viral infection.

What distinguishes them from each other is that parainfluenza can cause laryngitis in children, as well as a dry paroxysmal cough.

The basis of diagnosis is the clinical picture with specific features diseases:

indication of confirmed cases of parainfluenza in the environment,
age up to five years for a typical form,
acute onset with toxicosis and fever,
swelling of the mucous membrane with a runny nose,
vocal cords affected, with croaking cough.

In this case, the addition is the technique:

immunofluorescence,
linked immunosorbent assay,
serological diagnosis,
virus isolation from patients.

Methods are expensive and are used only in the presence of complications.

Treatment of parainfluenza

Parainfluenza therapy is carried out at home, and in the presence of complications or signs of croup (stenosing laryngitis) or bronchitis - in a hospital.

Apply:

bed rest for fever
food enriched with vitamins and minerals, a dairy-vegetarian diet,
at severe forms antiviral therapy with immunoglobulins, with high concentration antibodies to the influenza virus, parainfluenza and SARS,
recombinant interferon preparations,
high doses of ascorbic acid,
drugs to facilitate nasal breathing - vasoconstrictor, on oil based, based on sea water,
with a painful dry cough - inhalation therapy with saline, alkaline mineral water or mucolytics (thinning phlegm),
with fever, antipyretic, but only at high temperature, diaphoretic decoctions (lime blossom, St. John's wort),
in children older than three years, foot baths with mustard, wraps, rubbing with medicinal herbs if there is no temperature.

With the development of laryngitis, hospitalization is necessary with intensive care- inhalation, hormonal and antiviral.

Antibiotics are indicated in cases of proven bacterial infection superimposed on the primary disease.

Prevention

Specific measures for the prevention of parainfluenza have not been developed, and there is no vaccine against it. It is possible to use interferons, especially to contact persons.

Otherwise, it is possible to avoid infection with parainfluenza by adhering to the general principles for the prevention of viral infections:

limit contacts during the epidemic season,
ventilate rooms frequently, wash hands and face,
take vitamins and immunostimulants,
in rooms where there are sick people, wear a cotton-gauze bandage,
do hardening.

There are 5 forms of anthroponotic acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Only 3 types of parainfluenza are dangerous for humans, the remaining 2 types affect animals. The virus is transmitted exclusively by airborne droplets, in the surrounding atmosphere, it loses its viability after 2-4 hours.

The causative agent of parainfluenza

The described respiratory disease is provoked by RNA genomic pathological cells. The parainfluenza virus takes on different structural forms that cause approximately the same symptoms. They look like banal hypothermia and are often mild, especially if the person's immune system is actively working. Because of this, the diagnosis of ARVI is difficult.

Parainfluenza type 1

This type viral disease in therapeutic practice referred to as HPIV-1. Children are more often affected by such a parainfluenza - infectious diseases in the form of inflammation of the larynx and respiratory tract (croup) are provoked by the first form of pathology. In the future, the disease leads to narrowing and obstruction of the bronchi. In order to prevent complications, it is important to recognize parainfluenza in a timely manner - the symptoms and treatment of the virus will depend on the degree of its spread in the body. A progressive infection can lead to irreversible consequences, including Chronical bronchitis and asthma.

Parainfluenza type 2

The considered form of AORVI is almost identical in RNA structure to the first type of virus. Children are 2 times more likely to be affected by this parainfluenza - the features of the child's immunity and its unstable functioning cause a high susceptibility of the body to infectious pathology. HPIV-2 is the main cause of croup and its epidemiological outbreaks.

Parainfluenza type 3

People of any age are susceptible to this type of viral disease; insufficient activity predisposes to infection. immune system. Parainfluenza 3 forms are associated with the following problems:

bronchiolitis;
generalized edema of the airways and lungs;
bacterial pneumonia (after the addition of a secondary microbial infection);
acute bronchitis.

This AARVI often causes severe complications. It is desirable to correctly diagnose parainfluenza at an early stage of progression - the symptoms and treatment of the respiratory consequences of the disease are easier if adequate therapy started on time. Otherwise, the bronchi may become clogged with a mucous plug, which will provoke a strong respiratory failure or hypoxia.

Parainfluenza - incubation period

latent breeding period viral cells in the body before obvious symptoms pathology is 2-7 days. Parainfluenza is characterized by slow spread and penetration into biological fluids(blood and lymph), but high contagiousness. A sick person is contagious as early as 24 hours after infection, even if he still has no signs of illness and no indications for treatment.

Parainfluenza - symptoms

The clinical picture of the described pathology resembles a cold or hypothermia. Parainfluenza - symptoms in adults:

hoarseness or hoarseness of voice;
pain and redness in the throat;
sore throat;
obsessive dry cough ("barking");
lethargy, drowsiness;
low temperature (up to 38 degrees);
sometimes - runny nose;
headache;
mild intoxication (nausea, aching joints);
loss of appetite.

How stronger immunity, the more imperceptibly the parainfluenza proceeds - the symptoms and treatment in people with high resistance to infections do not even require a visit to a therapist. The body copes with the virus on its own respiratory manifestations in a few (3-5) days. With full recovery, the disease in question does not cause any complications.

Diagnosis of parainfluenza

Doctors mostly limit themselves to a standard examination of the patient and taking an anamnesis, registering ARVI. The differential diagnosis of parainfluenza is necessary only in the presence of complications or the risk of their development against the background of weakened immunity. To distinguish an anthroponotic infection from other viruses and start treatment in a timely manner, the following studies are carried out:

express immunofluorescence;
hemagglutination inhibition reaction;
linked immunosorbent assay;
complement fixation reaction;
biochemical detailed blood test.

Parainfluenza - treatment

As with classical ARVI, there are no specific methods of therapy for all forms of HPIV. The only way how to eliminate parainfluenza - relieve symptoms and choose the appropriate treatment clinical picture. Doctors' recommendations:

Bed or semi-bed rest. Rest and proper sleep will speed up recovery.
Drinking warm drinks. Tea, fruit and berry compotes and fruit drinks alleviate throat irritation and improve the elimination of toxins from the body.
Taking vitamins and minerals. Useful material strengthen the immune system and help it fight the virus.

Symptomatic treatment corresponds to the symptoms that accompany parainfluenza - fever, cough and runny nose. To eliminate these pathological manifestations appointed:

antipyretic;
mucolytics and bronchodilators;
vasoconstrictor drops in the nose;
antihistamines;
painkillers;
anti-inflammatory.

If a secondary infection joins bacterial nature, the specialist will definitely select an effective antibiotic. Before Appointment antimicrobial agent doctor will refer to laboratory research sputum (from the throat or nose). This is necessary to identify microorganisms that provoked inflammatory process and establishing their sensitivity to different drugs.

Complications of parainfluenza

In most situations, the prognosis for the described form of a respiratory viral infection is favorable. Complications after parainfluenza occur in exceptional cases, they are associated with a low activity of the body's defense system or immunodeficiencies. Existing dangerous consequences AORVI:

croup (in children);
bacterial pneumonia;
acute bronchitis;
laryngitis;
airway obstruction;
purulent sinusitis.

Prevention of parainfluenza

An effective measure to prevent the considered virus is to limit contact with infected people. If a person from a close environment or a family member has become infected, it is necessary to isolate him as much as possible. It is desirable that the patient was in a separate room and ate from personal utensils. Other required activities:

systematic ventilation;
regular wet cleaning;
if possible - quartzing or the use of aroma lamps with disinfectant esters;
frequent washing of hands and face.

The vaccine against parainfluenza has not yet been invented, so therapists advise to independently engage in strengthening the immune system and increasing the body's resistance:

Enrich the diet with amino acids, proteins and minerals.
Seasonally take vitamins or dietary supplements.
Practice hardening.
Make time for physical exercise.
Get enough sleep.

Characterization of the virus

Parainfluenza is a paramycovirus containing RNA as its genetic material. It is quite large, reaching 300 nanometers in size. These viruses agglutinate (stick together) erythrocytes of humans and monkeys, guinea pigs and chickens. The causative agent is extremely unstable in the external environment. The apartment remains in the air for no more than four hours. If heated environment virus up to 50 degrees Celsius, then it is completely inactivated (loses pathogenic properties) within 30 minutes.

Periods of illness

The first period is the incubation period. It begins immediately after the introduction of the virus into the child's body and lasts for a week. In the last days of this period, the patient becomes dangerous to others, because he is the source of parainfluenza. The next period is prodromal. It lasts from two days to a week and is characterized by the appearance of the first catarrhal phenomena (focal inflammation that occurs at the site of the virus settling).

Epidemiology

This disease is very common among military personnel. However, parainfluenza is most common in children. This infection accounts for 10 to 30% of all childhood respiratory diseases. The greatest rise in incidence is observed in winter among babies in the first few years of life. Outbreaks of this disease are not uncommon in groups (for example, in kindergartens). Almost every child gets parainfluenza several times in their life.

Parainfluenza: symptoms in children

The symptoms of this disease differ little from those of the flu or SARS. These include weakness, a feeling of "ache" in the whole body, headache, fever and loss of appetite. These symptoms are the body's reaction to the introduction of the virus.

Most of specific symptoms It is based on the fact that the parainfluenza virus in children affects mainly the upper respiratory tract. The voice becomes hoarse, the child constantly coughs, but sputum does not stand out, a runny nose appears with purulent mucous secretions. The baby has red enlarged tonsils that protrude beyond the edges of the palatine arches, the pharynx is swollen and also red. False croup syndrome is common. The larynx becomes inflamed, swells, which leads to its narrowing and poor airway patency. False croup appears in the form of shortness of breath on inspiration (inspiratory) and a “barking” cough, as with whooping cough.

Influenza and parainfluenza in children are difficult to distinguish on their own. For this reason, in no case should you neglect the advice of a doctor.

Possible Complications

Children's immunity is not able to cope with this disease on its own, since immune cells cannot secrete enough antibodies. Thus, if the body is not supported in any way, the disease will progress, worsening general state child.

The disease manifests itself immediately, the temperature rises to the mark of forty degrees already three days after infection.

If parainfluenza is not treated, the child may develop various complications. These include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), tonsillitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat), pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), and so on. Common to all these complications is that it is entirely bacterial infections. Most of their pathogens are found in normal microflora human body and become active when immune functions. These complications worsen the general condition of the child, negatively affect his further development. As a rule, when complications appear, the fever increases (the temperature resumes or rises), the symptoms of intoxication appear more pronounced. Pneumonia is usually accompanied by strong weakness The child cannot even get out of bed. A dry and “barking” cough transforms into a wet one, purulent-mucous sputum is released, dizziness appears, sweating increases, chills, the pulse quickens, and chest pain appears when inhaling and exhaling.

Forms of the disease

On the this moment There are three types of parainfluenza. Their difference lies in how the disease proceeds. There are mild, moderate and severe forms. In easy time forms, the temperature either does not rise at all (normal), or remains throughout the disease from 37.1 to 38.0 degrees Celsius (subfebrile). In moderate forms, the average temperature ranges from 38.1 to 39.0 degrees (pyretic). The most rare form of parainfluenza is severe. The temperature rises above 39.1 degrees (hyperpyretic), the symptoms of intoxication are very pronounced.

Diagnostics

Direct indications for examination are manifested symptoms - catarrhal phenomena, false croup syndrome. A chest x-ray and a blood test that detects antibodies to the virus should be done.

Symptoms of parainfluenza in children are often similar to those of others viral diseases such as influenza, adenovirus and respiratory syncytal infections. Therefore, the final diagnosis cannot be made only on the basis of objective and subjective symptoms, the results of laboratory tests are necessary.

Types of parainfluenza

There are five types of parainfluenza virus. The fourth and fifth are not dangerous to humans, but the first three are pathogenic and cause disease. Type 1 parainfluenza in children is characterized by false croup syndrome as a complication. The second is not much different from the first. But the third is considered the main pathogen. Its main complication is pneumonia, and the disease itself is the most severe.

Treatment of parainfluenza

In general, the disease diagnosed in time is successfully treated. Treatment of parainfluenza in children can be carried out at home, but only if there is no false croup syndrome and severe bacterial complications(sinusitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia). It is carried out symptomatic means(cough medicines, cold medicines, antipyretics). One of the most effective methods the introduction of a special drug - influenza immunoglobulin is considered. This medicine contains antibodies to a specific type of virus.

However, it is used only in severe forms of the disease. With mild and moderate forms it is considered sufficient to treat only the symptoms.
Bed rest is important. You also need high-calorie food without any restrictions and plenty of warm drink.

Do not forget that the treatment should take place under the supervision of a doctor!

Folk remedies

Among medicinal herbs you can find antimicrobial (chamomile, St. John's wort, sage, calendula, eucalyptus), and antiviral (pomegranate skins, raspberries, onions, blackberries, garlic, echinacea). Linden, coltsfoot, raspberries reduce heat well, and licorice, dill, oregano and quince have a bronchodilator and expectorant effect.

It should be remembered that the treatment folk methods valid only for older children who do not have concomitant pathologies. In toddlers and weakened children, the disease proceeds rapidly, and the process is generalized at lightning speed. Therefore, in these cases, only drug treatment preferably with hospitalization of the patient.

Parainfluenza prognosis

Most often, the prognosis of the disease in children is positive. Lethal outcomes occur extremely rarely. This mostly happens when serious illness. These include pneumonia, as well as purulent laryngotracheobronchitis.

Preventive measures

Preventing parainfluenza is no different from preventing others. infectious diseases. A sick child should be isolated immediately after the illness has been identified. Isolation of viruses lasts about 5-7 days, so isolation is necessary for just such a period of time. The room where the patient is located must be constantly ventilated, and the surrounding objects should be treated with a disinfectant solution. Contact with the sick should be minimized, and in emergency situations, a medical mask should be used. Also, it will not be superfluous to take antiviral and antibacterial drugs.

Vaccination

It is believed that flu and parainfluenza vaccines do not exist. This is not entirely true. The flu is really very variable, has great amount strains, and therefore it is pointless to be vaccinated against it. With parainfluenza, the situation is quite different. There is a vaccine against it, because, as mentioned earlier, this virus hardly changes. However, the debate about the effectiveness of this vaccine does not subside for a minute, so the decision on the need to immunize the child rests solely with the parents.

Parainfluenza - scary or not?

Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that in modern world parainfluenza in children is not something very scary or dangerous. Most children successfully tolerate this disease, provided that all necessary hygiene and preventive measures are observed. Also very important timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Be healthy!