False croup in adults treatment. False croup

Croup is a rather dangerous disease respiratory system, which occurs as a complication of acute infectious and inflammatory processes in the respiratory system. Due to some anatomical and physiological features child's body most susceptible to development of this disease

Small children. The main danger of croup for the patient’s health is the increasing respiratory distress, which appears due to narrowing of the larynx and upper sections

trachea. Therefore, this disease has another name - stenotic (that is, accompanied by a persistent narrowing of the lumen of the organ) or laryngotracheitis.

There are two types of croup: True. It develops only with diphtheria. The pathology is based on a specific fibrinous inflammation with the formation of films on the mucous membrane of the larynx (in the area vocal folds

). A person's airways become clogged with these films, and suffocation occurs.

We recommend reading: False. Is a complication of other infectious and inflammatory diseases respiratory system . Obstruction respiratory tract

with this type of croup occurs mainly due to swelling of the walls of the larynx (and the same vocal folds). False croup

occurs most often, so it will be the main focus of this article. Depending on the prevailing pathological changes

False croup can occur in various forms: in edematous, in which serious condition the patient is caused by edema;
respiratory tract
in hypersecretory, characterized by abundant formation of viscous sputum, blocking the lumen of the larynx;
in spasmodic, caused by spasm of the respiratory system; in mixed, in which several are present at once pathological manifestations

(edema and hypersecretion, edema and spasm, etc.).

Causes of croup Croup in a child may occur due to the following::

infectious diseases
and - in most cases.
Illnesses caused by respiratory syncytial virus and.

Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system of bacterial nature.

Why do children most often develop croup? Children aged 6 months and older are most susceptible to developing false croup. up to 3 years, in older age this syndrome

much less common. This pattern is explained by some anatomical and physiological features of the child’s respiratory tract:

An acute inflammatory process in the larynx is usually accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane and the formation of mucus. If this swelling is pronounced (especially in the narrowest place of the larynx - in the area of the vocal folds and under them), the lumen is partially blocked at first, and with increasing pathological changes - up to critical level, as a result of which the patient cannot breathe normally - he suffocates. This is croup. A significant accumulation of sputum and spasm of the laryngeal muscles contribute to the obstruction of the airways in this disease. Moreover, it is very important that the child’s anxiety, screaming and crying only intensify the spasm of the respiratory system.

The likelihood of developing croup is especially high at night. This is explained as follows physiological phenomena: when a child lies for a long time, the outflow of blood and lymph from the tissues occurs somewhat differently (therefore, swelling increases), the drainage activity of the respiratory tract decreases (mucus accumulates in them). If there is also dry warm air in the room, which dries out the mucous membranes, there is a risk of respiratory disorders increases significantly.

Croup is characterized by a triad of symptoms:

barking paroxysmal cough;
stridor ( noisy breathing), especially when the child is crying or worried;
hoarseness of voice.

In addition, secondary signs of the disease appear - severe anxiety, rapid breathing and heartbeat, nausea, hyperthermia.

With increasing respiratory failure, all symptoms worsen, the child’s skin becomes gray or bluish, salivation increases, wheezing becomes audible even at rest, and anxiety is replaced by lethargy.

Diagnosis of croup

Croup in a child is diagnosed based on the characteristic clinical picture and the presence of symptoms of an infectious-inflammatory disease of the respiratory organs. Carry out some additional research in such situations there is simply no time, since assistance to the patient must be provided immediately.

Others may have symptoms similar to croup. pathological conditions: aspiration foreign body(for example, inhalation of parts of toys), allergic edema respiratory tract, laryngeal injuries, sudden laryngospasm, epiglottitis and others. The approach to the treatment of these ailments is somewhat different, so it is impossible to independently treat a child who has manifestations of airway obstruction.

First aid for croup

The first thing parents should do when their child develops symptoms of croup is to call ambulance. Next, do the following (before the doctors arrive, you can try to alleviate the baby’s condition):

Take the child in your arms and calm him down. As mentioned above, fear and anxiety lead to increased spasm of the respiratory tract.
Wrap the patient in a blanket and bring him to open window or take it out onto the balcony (it needs access to cold air). You can also bring your child into the bathroom, which has a faucet running with cool water (not hot!).
If there is a nebulizer in the house, let the child breathe in saline or mineral water.

Important! Any steam inhalations, rubbing, etc. similar procedures Contraindicated for croup.

Treatment of croup

Children with symptoms of croup should be hospitalized. The first thing doctors must do is restore the airway. To do this, it is necessary to reduce swelling and spasm of the larynx, as well as free its lumen from accumulated mucus. Therefore on prehospital stage, and then in a hospital setting the patient is given the following treatment:

If conservative therapy is ineffective, tracheal intubation or tracheotomy is performed, followed by artificial ventilation lungs.

Since false croup most often occurs in children against the background of croup, its development can be prevented by preventing “colds”. Besides, important role Correct behavior of parents during influenza and other diseases plays a role in preventing the occurrence of stenosing laryngitis. similar ailments The child has. It is the implementation of the doctor’s recommendations, the creation comfortable conditions in the patient's room (clean, damp,), cool air, drinking plenty of fluids regular rinsing

nose, and not advertised medications, can reduce the severity of pathological changes in the respiratory organs. In addition, during acute respiratory infections it is not advisable to do the following: apply mustard plasters, rub the patient with means essential oils

, give your baby citrus fruits, honey and other potential allergens. All this can cause a reflex spasm of the laryngeal muscles and provoke the development of croup. Important: Parents of children who have had croup before should definitely consult with their pediatrician about how to behave if the child develops the first threatening symptoms respiratory disorders, and what medications for emergency assistance

must be in your home medicine cabinet.

False croup, acute laryngeal stenosis, laryngitis or laryngotracheitis is an acute inflammatory disease, sometimes spreading to the trachea. Most often, the disease occurs between the ages of 7 months and 7 years, the peak incidence is from one to three years.

False croup in children is almost always a seasonal disease, so most attacks occur in late autumn and early winter.

An attack of false croup is completely curable; treatment includes a group of medications, including sedatives, antihistamines, antibiotics, antivirals and glucocorticoids.

The main cause of the disease is a viral infection. Laryngitis can be caused by influenza and adenoviruses, herpes, or measles. Much less common is the bacterial type of disease caused by streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci or Haemophilus influenzae. An attack on this basis is more difficult.

Usually the causes of false croup are other diseases that cause the complication. TO dangerous diseases relate:

adenoiditis;
chicken pox;
flu;
ARVI;
rhinitis;
scarlet fever;
tonsillitis;

Often the development of the disease is facilitated by fetal hypoxia, diathesis, rickets, vitamin deficiency, and decreased immunity in the mother.

Differences from true croup and ordinary laryngitis

True croup is caused only and is more common in adults. The causes of stenosing laryngitis are different - these are various acute respiratory infections. The inflammatory process covers a larger area than with a true disease: vocal cords, larynx, trachea, and in especially severe cases, bronchi.

Interesting read:

Unlike simple laryngitis, false croup in children is accompanied by stenosis - swelling of the larynx. Reflex muscle spasms aggravate swelling, the amount of thick sputum increases, and respiratory failure develops. An attack of illness blocks the passage of air into the body, which can lead to oxygen starvation, disruption of the heart and nervous system.

Classification of the disease

The disease can be viral or bacterial, complicated or uncomplicated. Also, stenosing is divided into four degrees:

Compensated stenosis. Manifested by difficulty breathing, shortness of breath when physical activity.
Subcompensated stenosis. Breathing is difficult even in calm state.
Decompensated stenosis. The symptoms are severe, the child’s breathing is extremely difficult.
Terminal stenosis. An attack that completely blocks breathing. Without emergency medical care, the child may die.

Symptoms

False croup in children appears when acute acute respiratory infections for about 2-3 days. The following symptoms are observed:

barking coughing;
hoarseness;
breathing with wheezing;
dyspnea;
restlessness and agitation;
elevated temperature (37-40° C);
increase lymph nodes in the neck.

Signs of the disease in children become more intense as the condition worsens and the degree of stenosis changes. Yes, when initial degree symptoms are minor and do not cause severe discomfort. In the second degree, the symptoms worsen, the child has difficulty breathing, wheezing is heard, sleep is disturbed, and slight tachycardia is possible. When moving to the third degree, there is severe shortness of breath, a pronounced dry cough, tachycardia, lethargy, drowsiness, and muffled heart sounds.

At the last stage, the manifestation of the disease is completely different:

barking cough stops;
breathing noise disappears;
breathing is weak, arrhythmic;
blood pressure is low;
convulsions and possible.

The child's consciousness becomes confused, sometimes he falls into fainting. Without immediate emergency help, he may suffocate.

The severity of the disease can vary throughout the day, but the most dangerous time for sick children is night. At night, the attack of stenosis is most pronounced, it progresses and causes a feeling of suffocation, panic, twitching and paleness of the child, severe shortness of breath and coughing.

Complications

If treatment for stenosis of degrees 2 and 3 is not started, bacteria will join the inflammation, which will lead to the formation of a purulent film in the larynx. Then the infection will spread deep into the respiratory tract and to other organs, where it can cause sinusitis, tracheobronchitis, otitis media, sore throat and more. dangerous diseases– pneumonia, purulent meningitis.

The dangerous consequences of the third degree of false croup are discussed above.

Diagnostics

To diagnose stenosing laryngitis and prescribe correct treatment, a pediatrician or otolaryngologist conducts full examination child, including:

identification typical symptoms on complaints;
examining the baby and listening to the respiratory tract;
microlaryngoscopy;
throat swab for bacteria and fungi (PCR, ELISA).
To assess the degree and identify possible complications, a number of additional studies are carried out:
blood composition analysis;
radiography of the lungs and paranasal sinuses;
otoscopy;
rhinoscopy;
pharyngoscopy.

To make sure that the croup is little patient really false, examine the larynx: if the disease has developed due to diphtheria, a characteristic coating will be noticeable on the walls. Also, the causative agent of diphtheria can be found during a smear examination.

How to treat

Read also:

Treatment of children for false croup consists of three tasks - preventing attacks, relieving swelling and fighting inflammation. Necessary therapy prescribed by the doctor, self-treatment can lead to dangerous consequences. Basically the following is recommended:

Provide children with fresh oxygen, regularly ventilate the room and use a humidifier if it is too dry.
Give it to the child alkaline drink or drugs that improve sputum production.
Eliminate hard, dry and throat-irritating foods from your child's diet.
Use throat soothing medications - dissolving tablets, syrups, aerosols, inhalers.
Use antihistamines prescribed by your doctor; they will relieve swelling and ease your baby’s cough.
If severe, take glucocorticoid and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your pediatrician.
If a fungal or bacterial infection, do not forget to give your child antibacterial and antifungal drugs prescribed by a doctor.

Advice: an attack of the disease can be stopped by pressing on the root of the tongue or tickling the nose. The disease manifests itself in the form of a reflex, so it can be overcome by alternative reflexes - gagging or sneezing. If the attack is severe, you must immediately call an ambulance.

Prognosis and prevention

A cured baby may get sick again, but preventing false croup will prevent this. Try to prevent your child from getting sick again: dress him according to the weather, include vitamin and mineral supplements in his diet, feed him healthy food. Prevention must necessarily include the creation of suitable conditions in the children's room: cleanliness, absence of allergens, sufficient humidity and ventilation.

You might be interested:

The main thing for children with stenosing laryngitis is to prevent attacks. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment is guaranteed favorable outcome, the child will make a full recovery. Further prevention illness will protect the child from new stress.

To help the baby in an emergency situation against the background of acute respiratory infections, you need to know about false croup in children, its symptoms and treatment. This will help make the little patient feel better and wait for medical help. Our article will tell you what to do if a child develops false croup.

Basic Concepts

False croup in children and its symptoms occur when the laryngeal mucosa is involved in the inflammatory process. Doctors call it subglottic laryngitis or stenosis.

The essence of the pathology lies in the suddenly developing narrowing of the lumen of the larynx. Develops as a complication of the underlying disease. The causes are considered to be acute respiratory infections:

parainfluenza;
measles;
chicken pox;
acute rhinitis;
tonsillitis.

Also, in the development of pathology, weakening plays a role defensive reactions. They arise in situations:
Let your baby drink liquids as much as he wants, in small sips.

chronic inflammatory diseases respiratory organs;
birth trauma;
allergic dermatitis;
oxygen starvation of the fetus;
food allergies;
hypovitaminosis;
artificial feeding;
increased nervous excitability;
immunodeficiency syndrome.

Children under 6 months of age do not develop false croup due to transmission specific immunity from mother. At breastfeeding the percentage of pathology development is minimal.

As the baby grows older, he loses his immunity, which leads to the development of false croup at the age of 1-5 years. Over 6 years of age, this condition develops extremely rarely..

Gorokhova V.A., infectious disease specialist, 15 years of experience

False croup syndrome complicates acute viral infections. It is important not only to stop the attack, but also to cure the underlying disease.

3 main forms of pathology

Among doctors there is clinical classification. It is based on pathomorphological changes in the mucous membrane, age and symptoms. There are 3 forms of false croup in children:

The edematous variant develops in children under the age of 1.5-2 years. This is due to anatomical features.
The infiltrative form occurs when the subglottic space in the larynx thickens. Changes are formed without providing medical assistance for the edematous variant. Typical for children under 2 years of age.
The obstructive form has a severe course. In this case, complete blockage of the lumen of the larynx and asphyxia occur. Develops in children over 2 years of age. A severe form is observed with the addition of a secondary infection and the development of descending obstructive laryngotracheobronchitis. Such cases lead to death.

The picture on the left shows signs of false croup, on the right – true croup

Laryngeal stenosis includes 2 components layered on top of each other. It is mechanical and reflexive. Therefore, when small degree narrowing of the lumen is observed severe symptoms in children with increased nervous excitability. This mechanism of development of laryngeal stenosis determines multicomponent treatment of an emergency situation.

4 degrees of laryngeal stenosis

False croup in children is divided according to its nature clinical manifestations with varying degrees of narrowing of the airway lumen. This classification includes 4 degrees of laryngeal stenosis:

Compensated (I), when the main symptoms arise during violent emotions or stress.
Subcompensated (II) is characterized by increased shortness of breath. It bothers the little patient during physical activity and at rest. Has an inspiratory nature (inhalation is difficult).
Decompensated (III) degree corresponds to severe shortness of breath at rest. Inhalation and exhalation are difficult.
Terminal (IV) stenosis is characterized by suffocation. Severe degree of subglottic laryngitis, leading to the death of the child. Rarely develops with false croup.

Main complaints

In children, false croup develops at night or in the early morning hours. The child notes:

difficulty breathing and noisy breathing;
change in voice - hoarseness;
fear and anxiety;
weakness;
“barking” cough with scanty mucous sputum (if it persists, streaks of fresh blood may be released due to vascular injury);
signs of the underlying disease - sore throat, runny nose.

The baby is tossing around in bed, he is excited. Eyes open. Skin pale and damp. The lips and fingertips on the hands and feet take on a bluish tint. These symptoms are characteristic of the pre-asphyxial stage. They are short-lived. Such attacks of suffocation tend to increase clinical manifestations.

If emergency assistance is not provided at this stage, the pathology progresses to the stage of asphyxia. The child becomes lethargic and lethargic. Breathing is shallow. The skin is pale with a bluish tint.

On the background emotional excitement The child may experience increased laryngospasm. It's important to calm him down

For severe forms of stenosis and the addition of a secondary bacterial infection, the following symptoms are characteristic:

fever;
severe shortness of breath;
sputum is thick, viscous, forms dry crusts;
development of cardiovascular failure.

False croup occurs most severely in children under 2 years of age on days 3-5 of the underlying disease. Against the background of the development of necrotic lesions of the larynx deaths are registered in most cases.

In the absence of complications and the addition of a bacterial infection, the symptoms of false croup disappear after 2-3 days. However, with the next acute respiratory infection, a second attack is possible.

How to suspect the development of pathology

False croup in children is diagnosed quickly and easily. The main stages are:

complaints of a small patient;
medical history;
general examination;
differential diagnosis.

Specific additional methods there is no survey. Their implementation is dictated by the severity of the pathology, clinical symptoms and suspected complications of the underlying disease.

Objective examination

During general examination The doctor pays attention to the following indicators:

Differential diagnosis with true croup when determining tactics for managing a child. True and false croup have main differences.

When hospitalized in a hospital, blood tests, serological tests, and radiographic examination methods are prescribed. Decoding general analysis blood can be seen.

First aid

False croup occurs in a child at home when health care is not within walking distance. Parents must not allow the baby’s condition to worsen.

First aid for false croup in children is not therapeutic. Her main task is to wait for the arrival of the medical team. The activities are of a general nature:

give an antipyretic (Nurofen, Panadol) at a temperature above 38˚C; (more information about antipyretics for children);
provide an influx of cool fresh air with the maximum level of humidity: turn on the humidifier, hang wet towels, place basins of water by the bed;
calm the child down;
for nasal congestion - vasoconstrictor drops(Nasivin, Otrivin, Vibrocil); (read how to choose drops for a child);
drinking plenty of warm alkaline drink: milk with soda or Borjomi, juices, linden or raspberry tea;
inducing a cough and gag reflex by irritating the root of the tongue or back wall pharynx - this will help improve the permeability of the lumen of the larynx by draining the thick secretion accumulated in it;
inhalations with saline solution through a nebulizer – promotes the removal of sputum and improves well-being; (what a nebulizer is and which one will be better will be answered for you).

Krestova A.A., resuscitator, 5 years of experience

Stenosing laryngitis in ARVI rarely leads to severe consequences. Most children admitted to the department intensive care, a secondary infection was diagnosed.

Parents of such patients learned how to treat false croup in children on the Internet. Self-therapy at the same time, leads to sad consequences.

When false croup develops, first aid is immediate!

If a child is choking, it is prohibited to use ointments for rubbing with pungent odor, antibiotics and drugs traditional medicine.

In case of a recurrent course, manipulations are agreed upon with a specialist. It is safe to offer infusions to a child from traditional medicine medicinal herbs in the absence of allergies to them. The recipes are given below:

An infusion of sage or plantain leaves is prepared at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. for 250 g of boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes, strain.
It is more convenient to make chamomile tea from filter bags. For a glass of boiling water – 2 pcs. Drink in small sips.

The above-described manipulations are sufficient if an attack of false croup occurred in mild form. For moderate and severe cases, hospitalization is indicated. infectious diseases department with intensive care wards.

If laryngotracheitis develops, there is no need to force the child to drink large volumes of liquid. This only makes you feel worse. Give your baby food often and in small portions.

Drug therapy

If the attack was not stopped, then upon the arrival of doctors it turns out immediate assistance. When false croup occurs in children, emergency care includes the following:

inhalation with humidified oxygen - oxygen therapy;
injection administration of antihistamines - Pipolfen, Tavegil, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine; (which others exist antihistamines we'll tell you);
at nervous excitement– sedative medications (Seduxen);
inhalation through a nebulizer of Naphthyzine (5 ml of 0.05% per 5 ml of water for injection), Adrenaline, Pulmicort;
intramuscular or intravenous administration hormonal drugs - Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone;
to reduce swelling during severe course– diuretics (Lasix).

Tishkina I.A., local pediatrician, 10 years of experience

Inhalations for false croup in a child - the main thing component healing process.

At the first symptoms, you can use a nebulizer to breathe in a simple saline solution and Naphthyzin. This will reduce the severity of laryngitis.

Emergency care for false croup is aimed at preventing complications and transporting the child to the department.

In addition to the above medications in the hospital, the following are prescribed for routine use:

antiviral drugs (Algirem, Arbidol, Genferon Light or Viferon suppositories); (how to choose inexpensive and effective antiviral drugs);
sputum thinners and expectorants: Lazolvan (in the form of syrup and solution for inhalation), Flavamed, Ambrohexal, Gedelix, Bronhobos, Ambrobene, Bromhexine;
anti-inflammatory syrup – Erespal;
vitamins.

plenty of warm drinks;
bed rest;
Ventilate the room every 2-3 hours, humidify the air;
food is warm and ground.

Upon joining bacterial complications added to therapy antimicrobials. Treatment that is effective for false croup is prescribed by a doctor!

Since laryngeal stenosis is prone to recurrence, parents should have necessary medications. Some of them are presented in the table.

Medicine	Release form and dosage	From what age is it used?	Contraindications	average cost
(based on glococorticoid hormone)	Suspension for nebulizer: 2 mg/day per inhalation	From 6 months	Individual intolerance	From 920 rub.
	Syrup For body weight less than 10 kg: 10-20 ml per day More than 10 kg: 30-60 ml Teenagers – up to 90 ml	From 2 years	Allergic reactions	From 256 rub.
Lazolvan	Solution for oral administration and inhalation When taken orally: Children under 2 years: 25 drops 2-6 years: 25 drops 6-12 years: 50 drops Over 12 years: 100 drops Inhalation: Up to 6 years: 2ml Over 6 years: 2-3 ml Dilute with saline solution 1:1	Approved for use in children of the first year of life	Hypersensitivity to the drug	From 150 rub.
Adrenaline hydrochloride	Solution for injection is used for inhalation with a nebulizer 1-5 years: up to 0.5 ml per 4 ml sodium chloride solution Over 5 years: 1 ml	From 1 year	Heart defects High blood pressure Fever	From 75 rub.

It is advisable to have the above drugs in the medicine cabinet for recurrent false croup in children for its treatment.

Don't be afraid to apply hormonal drugs in emergency situations. Pulmicort for false croup in children is effective and safe. When inhaled, its absorption into systemic blood flow minimal, but the effect is maximum.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

reduce the air temperature as much as possible and humidify it;
apply vasoconstrictor drops;
call an ambulance.

Komarovsky believes that there should be no independent treatment when false croup occurs! This will make the situation worse.

Parents ask questions about how to treat, and that’s exactly what we’ll talk about.

What reasons could there be if your child coughs at night? with treatment and what is contraindicated for the baby.

What symptoms indicate that a child has allergic cough and how to treat it, see.

Prevention

Preventing the development of false croup is to avoid acute respiratory infections. For these purposes it is shown:

routine vaccination;
quarantine measures for influenza in the family, preschool and school institutions;
hardening of the body;
proper clothing appropriate to the weather conditions;
inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet;
use of local antiviral drugs(Grippferon, Viferon ointment) during the ARVI epidemic.

If a child develops a disease, strictly adhere to the doctor’s prescriptions. These measures do not eliminate the risk of developing laryngitis, but reduce it. For more information about the treatment of laryngitis, see.

conclusions

Knowing about false croup, its symptoms and treatment, if it occurs, you will be able to provide competent first aid. However, only a doctor selects adequate treatment that avoids undesirable consequences.

False croup is enough serious pathology, which is most often found in childhood. This anomaly is characterized by laryngeal stenosis and can lead to very dangerous consequences. To prevent this from happening, the first signs of illness should be a reason to visit a doctor.

False croup in children

This term means inflammatory lesion larynx, which is characterized by swelling of its subglottic area.

As a result, a person develops stenosis and the upper respiratory tract becomes clogged.

This disease is characterized by the appearance barking cough, hoarse voice and shortness of breath. The severity of the pathology depends on the level of damage and constantly changes throughout the day.

Most often, stenosis appears at 2-4 years of age. However, sometimes this condition is observed in children under one year of age. After 5 years, the frequency of pathologies decreases significantly, which is associated with age characteristics structures of the larynx.

Stages

There are several stages of development of stenosis:

The first degree is called compensated stenosis. The child remains conscious, but has increased anxiety. With anxiety, inspiratory shortness of breath appears, making it difficult to inhale. Also observed. In a calm state, even breathing and hoarseness in the voice are observed. The skin retains its color.
The second degree is a subcompensated stenosis. General state not very severe, but the child has increased anxiety, sleep disorders. Calm breathing replaced by bouts of rough coughing. This condition is accompanied by an increase in symptoms of inspiratory dyspnea. Hoarseness or hoarseness appears. The skin turns pale, with the exception of the nasolabial triangle, which takes on a blue tint.
The third degree is called decompensated stenosis. This is a very serious condition, during the development of which the baby becomes agitated or lethargic. Impaired consciousness may occur. Inhalations are accompanied by depression chest. At the same time, the exhalation is shortened. This degree characterized by pallor of the epithelium and mucous membranes, sometimes they acquire an earthy tint. The tips of the fingers turn blue, cold sweat appears.
The fourth degree represents a state of asphyxia. This is an extremely serious condition in which loss of consciousness and dilated pupils are observed. There is also a risk of seizures. Breathing becomes shallow and silent. The skin takes on a blue tint.

The photo shows the degree of laryngeal stenosis

Causes

The main causes of false croup in children include the following:

. The appearance of a barking cough can be caused by measles, parainfluenza, diphtheria, and whooping cough viruses. Once infected, they multiply in the larynx and can cause stenosis.
. Wool, household allergens, and food can cause laryngeal spasms in children.
Anatomical structure. A child may have a congenital condition, which is characterized by a loose structure of the mucous membranes. This significantly increases the risk of swelling. There may also be a thickening of the fatty layer of the larynx, which increases the risk of narrowing of its lumen.
Reception medications. Children should be treated with throat sprays very carefully. A stream of the drug, which is directed towards oral cavity, can provoke the appearance of a reflex spasm.
Stressful situations. When false croup appears, any stress can lead to a significant deterioration in the baby’s condition. Nervous system children is not as perfect as adults. That's why she reacts inadequately to any external factors. Therefore, during illness, the child needs to be provided with maximum rest.

Provoking factors

The following viruses can cause laryngeal stenosis:

flu;
rhinovirus;
measles;

During development infectious process the mucous membrane swells as a result inflammatory process and the amount of mucous secretions increases. As a result, a spasm occurs muscle tissue, the space of the larynx narrows and breathing is impaired.

Symptoms

Signs of false croup occur when acute infections for about 2-3 days. The following symptoms appear:

severe barking cough;
wheezing when breathing;
increased anxiety;
up to 40 degrees;

As the disease progresses, symptoms increase. Yes, on initial stage developmental signs do not cause any particular inconvenience. At the second stage, the manifestations increase, breathing problems arise, wheezing, insomnia and minor symptoms appear.

With the development of the third degree of pathology, noticeable shortness of breath, severe cough, drowsiness, and muffled heart sounds appear. In advanced cases, the child even loses consciousness.

The severity of the disease varies throughout the day. However, the most dangerous time For a sick baby it is night. It is during this period that stenosis manifests itself most strongly, increases and provokes a state of panic, severe shortness of breath and cough.

First aid

Before arrival emergency care you need to do the following:

Calm the baby and do not show him fear. A state of increased arousal leads to a worsening of the condition.
Open a window to provide fresh air. In this condition, the child experiences a lack of oxygen.
Make the indoor air warm and humid. A humidifier can help with this. If it is not there, you should place pots with hot water, hang wet towels.
If you have an inhaler, you can inhale using soda solution. This will help make the mucus thinner and easier to remove.
Give your child plenty to drink to avoid dehydration.
At normal temperature can be done foot baths. This will help distract the child and make him more comfortable, since there are many nerve endings on the feet.

How to provide first aid during an attack of false croup, watch our video:

Diagnostics

To identify pathology, you need to conduct a detailed examination, which includes the following procedures:

analysis clinical picture illness;
examining the child and listening to the respiratory system;

To assess the severity of pathology and identify possible complications carry out the following studies:

radiography of the sinuses and lungs;
rhinoscopy.

To make sure that the croup is false, the larynx is examined. If the reason this state is diphtheria, there is a characteristic coating on the walls of the throat.

The photo shows the throat with true and false croup

Treatment algorithm

To cope with pathology, it is very important to choose complex therapy. This should be done by the attending physician, depending on the clinical picture of the disease.

Medication

With grade 1-2 stenosis, the baby is hospitalized in the infectious diseases department. Pathology of 3-4 degrees requires placement of the child in the intensive care unit.

For severe stenosis, the following drugs are prescribed:

- drugs such as and can be administered parenterally, orally or rectally.
Antispasmodic drugs - the doctor may prescribe them.
Antihistamines– , diphenhydramine, .
Sedative medications– bromides, valerian extract.
Oxygen inhalations.
– such remedies are indicated for the bacterial nature of the disease.
– used for viral croup.
Bronchodilators - this category includes solutan, bromhexine.
Antitussives - prescribed for non-productive cough.
Calcium gluconate - this drug administered intravenously at large cluster sputum.

If conservative therapy does not give the desired results, intubation and tracheostomy are indicated.

Inhalations

The most simple method pathology therapies are:

An effective method of treatment is the use of alkaline mineral waters. To do this, pour 2-4 ml of liquid into the device and do the procedure for 10 minutes. Carry out such inhalations 3-5 times a day.
A good method of therapy is inhalation using salbutamol, aminophylline,. In this case, the drug in the required dosage must be mixed with 2 ml of saline solution. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times a day.
An effective method of treatment is inhalation administration of cromohexal.

Homeopathy and folk remedies

Unconventional remedies must be used with great caution. Using honey or citrus fruits can only worsen the child's condition. If you have false croup, it is useful to drink warm milk, mixed in equal parts with mineral water. You can also put mustard plasters on your feet.

Dr. Komarovsky tells how to treat false croup: