First aid for stenotic laryngotracheitis in children

Features of Medical Treatment for Laryngotracheitis in Adults and Children

Laryngotracheitis is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract of viral or bacterial etiology. Symptoms of laryngotracheitis in children include paroxysmal cough, noisy breathing, general weakness, and elevated temperature. The younger the child, the more dangerous this disease is for them.

Laryngotracheitis can occur at any age. This ailment, which initially affects the larynx and then the trachea, often develops against the background of another respiratory system disease. The disease has several varieties and requires qualified treatment. Without it, there is a high probability of severe complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and false croup in children.

Causes of laryngotracheitis:

• ARVI, adenovirus infection;
• Parainfluenza;
• Influenza;
• Coronavirus infection;
• Mycoplasmosis;
• Chlamydiosis;
• Pneumococcal infection.

The disease most often occurs in people with weakened immunity. The body's resistance is reduced by chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, duodenitis, gastroenteritis), endocrine system, respiratory tract, and central nervous system diseases.

On our Dobrobut.com website, you will find more information, particularly on the treatment of laryngotracheitis in adults. Note that the acute form of the disease is more often diagnosed in children, while chronic laryngotracheitis is more common in adults.

Symptoms of Laryngotracheitis in Children

The onset of the disease is usually sudden. The main manifestations of the disease include cough, nasal congestion, tickle and sore throat, and elevated temperature. Hoarseness, a "barking" cough, pain in the upper chest when coughing, and slight sputum production will indicate the infection's progression downwards. Without timely medical attention, the disease can be complicated by laryngeal stenosis.

How to treat acute stenosing laryngotracheitis? Treatment usually involves taking antipyretic drugs as needed, abundant warm drinks, and the doctor may prescribe inhalations to relieve inflammation and swelling of the larynx and vocal cords. Antibiotics are generally not prescribed. If influenza is confirmed, oseltamivir may be prescribed. The treatment regimen is determined individually by the pediatrician.

During treatment, it is important to ensure the child:

• The most favorable psychological circumstances;
• Room ventilation twice a day;
• Additional humidification of the air in the room;
• Sufficient intake of warm tea, fruit drinks.
• The question of the need for nebulizer inhalation in laryngotracheitis is within the doctor's competence.

How Many Days Does Fever Last with Laryngotracheitis

Among the characteristic signs of laryngotracheitis are: cough, voice changes (dysphonia), pain behind the sternum and in the throat, fever, general weakness, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Cough. Characterized as a dry "barking" cough without sputum production. Food or talking can provoke a coughing fit.

Dysphonia. In laryngotracheitis, the voice is hoarse, husky, sometimes completely disappears.

How many days does fever last with laryngotracheitis? Usually from 2 to 4 days.

Chest pain. Painful sensations, as a rule, worsen during coughing. The doctor will discuss what to do during a coughing fit with laryngotracheitis and how to prevent its onset during a consultation.

Possible complications include bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and stenosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made after examination and anamnesis collection. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations: laboratory tests, CT, MRI, X-ray.

Laboratory tests include a complete blood count and urinalysis, serological tests (for viral etiology), bacteriological sputum culture, and PCR for certain infections.

After receiving the results, the specialist will prescribe antibiotics for laryngotracheitis and detail the treatment regimen.

First Aid for Stenosing Laryngotracheitis in Children

Acute stenosing laryngotracheitis is a severe and unpredictable condition. It most often occurs with viral infections. The main symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, restlessness, and a "barking" cough.

Pre-medical aid for stenosing laryngotracheitis in children:

• Warm mustard foot bath or mustard plasters on the calf muscles;
• Vasoconstrictor drops in the nose;
• Inhalations with soda;
• Warm drinks (milk with soda);
• Antihistamine crushed into a powder.

If you suspect the onset of stenosis, immediately call an ambulance.

Treatment of Laryngotracheitis in Adults

Timely and qualified treatment will help avoid many complications. The goal of therapy is to relieve swelling and eliminate the pathogen. For this purpose, antibiotics, special drugs for viral laryngotracheitis, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic drugs are prescribed.

In severe cases of chronic laryngotracheitis, which is usually associated with laryngeal papillomatosis, if conservative therapy is ineffective, specialists recommend surgical treatment. The specialist will discuss the indications and course of the operation in more detail during the appointment.

Preventive Measures

The best prevention is strengthening immunity and timely treatment of colds. Do not forget about seasonal flu vaccination, regular outdoor walks, morning exercises, and proper nutrition. Observe sleep and rest patterns.

A very important component of prevention is vaccination – against influenza, pneumococcal infection, and human papillomavirus. We recommend discussing this in more detail with your pediatrician or therapist.

If you have any questions and need a specialist's help, make an appointment. The doctor will tell you how to treat chronic laryngotracheitis in a child and how to help at the first signs of stenosis. Appointments can be made on the website and by phone.