Prevention of parainfluenza. Parainfluenza: symptoms in children

Parainfluenza is an acute infectious disease that belongs to the group of acute respiratory viral infections, or ARVI. Pathogen into the human body of this disease penetrates through the nasopharynx, but settles mainly on the mucous membrane of the larynx, causing its inflammation. Both adults and children suffer from parainfluenza, with the highest incidence rates observed in autumn and spring.

For adults and adolescents with normal conditions, this infection does not pose a great danger, but in young children, due to inflammation of the larynx (), a serious complication may develop - croup (narrowing of the larynx). In addition, in weakened patients and people who “walk through” the disease on their feet, infectious process quite often spreads to the lower respiratory tract and provokes the occurrence of and.

Viruses, causing development parainfluenza belongs to the genus Paramyxoviruses. There are 5 types, but only three are dangerous to humans (1, 2 and 3). That is, you can get parainfluenza again (the disease will be caused by a different type of pathogen).

Parainfluenza infection occurs predominantly by airborne droplets. We should not forget about the possibility of infection through dirty hands. Viruses can survive for several hours on hands and surfaces touched by a sick person with fingers stained with mucus from the nasopharynx.

The disease manifests itself 1-7 days after infection. Moreover, the first symptoms of parainfluenza are usually associated with infection of the larynx by the virus. Patients develop:

Hoarseness of voice (some people lose their voice altogether).
Feeling of dryness, tickling,...
Paroxysmal dry cough. A few days after the onset of the illness, this cough turns into a wet cough, which may not stop for several weeks.

In addition, patients' body temperature rises to 38-38.5 degrees. It stays at this level for 2-3 days. Parainfluenza is also characterized by signs of intoxication: lethargy, body aches, and lack of appetite.

When bacterial flora is attached, parainfluenza can be complicated by tracheitis, bronchitis or pneumonia. The development of these diseases can be suspected based on the following signs:

if, against the background of beginning recovery, body temperature rises again;
if the patient’s well-being does not improve within 7-10 days;
if the cough gets worse every day.

In children, parainfluenza is usually more severe than in adults: almost always with high fever, very severe paroxysmal cough, even causing vomiting. But the most unpleasant consequence of parainfluenza infection in young children (up to 4-5 years of age) can be croup - laryngeal stenosis, which leads to breathing problems. Its symptoms:

Difficulty and rapid breathing (a whistling sound is heard when inhaling).
Hoarseness.
Barking cough.
Blueish skin color.
Continuous salivation.

Picture of parainfluenza

Croup usually occurs at night, which is associated with accumulation and drying in the area vocal cords baby large quantity mucus, as well as swelling of the larynx. Taking into account such features of the course of laryngitis, children with this disease must be put to sleep in a room with cool and necessarily moist air ( optimal temperature– 18 degrees, and humidity – 50%). In addition, it is important not to allow the child’s body temperature to rise to 38 degrees or more, since hyperthermia also contributes to the drying of mucous secretions in the respiratory tract.

Diagnostics

The main method for diagnosing parainfluenza is clinical, which includes an assessment of the clinical picture of the disease and the data of a patient’s examination by a doctor. Detection of the parainfluenza virus using laboratory diagnostics ( serological tests, ) is a fairly expensive study, which is carried out only if there are certain indications (with the development of complications, protracted course of the disease, etc.).

Treatment

Drugs for parainfluenza that target the virus have not yet been created, so etiotropic treatment for this disease is usually not carried out. In case of severe disease, the following may be used: medicines with broad-spectrum antiviral activity:

Groprinosine (isoprinosine).
Amiksina.
Arbidola.
Interferons.
Amizona.

In addition, patients are necessarily prescribed medications to eliminate the symptoms of the disease:

If complications develop (the addition of bacterial flora), the doctor may prescribe to the patient.

As for the regimen, as with other acute respiratory viral infections, with parainfluenza, doctors recommend that you be sure to “sit out” at home during the first days of the illness. At this time, it is important to drink more fluids and maintain vocal rest, that is, talk less, so as not to strain the inflamed larynx and vocal cords.

Important:When a child develops croup, it is necessary to call ambulance, and while she arrives, alleviate the child’s condition yourself.

The baby should be picked up and reassured, since fear and excitement lead to additional spasm of the larynx. In addition, it is recommended to throw something warm over the child and open the window, or take him into the bathroom and turn on the water (it should be cool). You can also sit the patient near an ultrasonic humidifier, but you cannot do hot inhalations.

Parainfluenza is an acute human infectious disease that has viral nature and affects the upper respiratory tract, mainly the larynx, causing intoxication of the body.

Viruses are widespread and can cause illness at any time of the year, but the most common season is autumn and winter. Parainfluenza pathogens are the cause of approximately 20% of acute respiratory viral infections in adults and about 30% of children. Both isolated (sporadic) outbreaks and entire epidemics have been recorded. The disease affects everything age groups, but especially among children infancy occurs most often.

Pathogen

The parainfluenza virus is an RNA virus of the Paramyxovirus genus. Today, science knows 3 types of viruses that play a role in human morbidity: PG-1 (Sendai virus), PG-2 (has an antigen similar to the mumps virus), PG-3.

Pathogens have low persistence in the environment. Already at room temperature (19 - 14 degrees) they die after 4 hours, and at 56 degrees - after 20 - 30 minutes. An acidic environment has a detrimental effect on the virus, while an alkaline environment, on the contrary, promotes activity. Paramyxoviruses are sensitive to most common disinfectants.

Epidemiology

The source of parainfluenza infection is a sick person. It becomes dangerous for infecting others on the last day of the incubation period, and then during the height of the disease, which lasts about 5 - 9 days. Viruses spread by airborne droplets, that is, infection occurs by inhaling air.

When the virus enters the upper respiratory tract with tiny droplets of saliva or dust particles, it settles on the cells of the mucous membrane of the upper sinuses and larynx and penetrates into internal environment body. In this case, paramyxovirus is capable of destroying the epithelium, resulting in the development of a local infectious inflammatory process, accompanied by swelling and accumulation of mucus, which is clinically manifested by a runny nose. After penetration into the bloodstream, the pathogen causes toxic reactions in the human body (fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, headache). If the host's immunity is weakened during the period of viral invasion (infection), severe complications may develop.

Classification of parainfluenza

According to the course of the disease, the following forms are distinguished:

Typical
Atypical (with asymptomatic and blurred clinical picture).

According to the severity of the manifestations of the disease, which is determined by the severity of the symptom of intoxication and local changes:

Lightweight,
Medium-heavy,
Severe form.

According to the nature of the infection:

Smooth,
Unsmooth (with the development of complications, layering of secondary bacterial flora or exacerbation of previously existing chronic diseases).

Symptoms of parainfluenza

For typical shape The course of the disease is characterized by predominant damage to the upper respiratory tract. Most often in pathological process the larynx is involved.

Incubation period. The duration of the latent course of the disease ranges from two to seven days (on average 3 to 4 days).
Initial period. It is usually absent; the disease begins acutely with characteristic symptoms.
High period. Parainfluenza manifests itself with mild intoxication, moderate edema and catarrhal (inflammatory) syndrome. The temperature rises to 38.0 degrees from the very first days of illness. Young children experience weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, headaches, and possible vomiting. Catarrhal syndrome is manifested by swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose, throat, vocal cords and is accompanied, respectively, by symptoms of rhinitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. The runny nose is moderate, the discharge is light, liquid, without any admixture of pus. The throat is red (hyperemic), hurts when swallowing. When the vocal cords are involved in the process, hoarseness and a rough “barking” cough occur. After a couple of days, the voice becomes sonorous and the cough becomes wet.
The period of convalescence. After one to two weeks from the onset of the disease, improvement and clinical recovery occur. However, due to the decrease protective forces organism (resistance) at this time, increased susceptibility of patients (especially children) to bacterial agents remains.

Atypical forms of parainfluenza

Towards development atypical forms parainfluenza is more likely to occur in older children and adults in cases of re-infection. The erased form is characterized normal temperature body and the absence of symptoms of intoxication. Catarrhal inflammation appears scanty discharge from the nose, slight redness palatine arches And slight cough. The asymptomatic form of parainfluenza is characterized by the complete absence clinical signs disease and is diagnosed only on the basis of laboratory tests.

Parainfluenza severity forms

Based on the severity of parainfluenza, mild, moderate and severe forms of infection are distinguished. A certain pattern can be traced: than older age child, the milder his disease progresses.

Light form. The onset of the disease is acute or develops gradually, body temperature is subfebrile (37.0 - 37.9) or normal. The child becomes restless and capricious. Older children may feel satisfactory. With a mild form of paragrppa, there is a slight serous (light and liquid) discharge from the nasal passages, slight redness of the throat and hoarseness of the voice. The patient is bothered by a dry cough, which quickly turns into a wet one.

Moderate form. It is characterized by an acute onset, an increase in body temperature to 39.5 degrees, severe laryngitis, which is manifested by significant hoarseness and the appearance of a dry “barking” cough. Children with a moderate form of parainfluenza are weak, lethargic, apathetic, with decreased appetite, bad sleep, headache and possibly vomiting.

Severe form (develops quite rarely). The onset of the disease is acute and is accompanied by severe fever (temperature rise up to 40 degrees), severe intoxication, vomiting, headache, complete refusal from food, adynamia, sharp decline strength There is a defeat not only upper sections respiratory tract, but also lower, with the development of tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and the development of serious complications.

Parainfluenza in infants

Parainfluenza in infants of the first year of life has a number of features. The disease begins gradually with an increase in temperature to subfebrile values (not higher than 38.0 degrees). There is a refusal of the mother's breast or bottle, lethargy, pallor, muscle weakness. In children early age runny nose is mild, but continues long time. Involvement of the vocal cords in the process and the development of complications are rare, especially in children under 4 months. The bacterial flora quickly sets in, and the course of the disease can last up to a month.

Diagnosis of parainfluenza

Very important aspect in diagnostics viral diseases is clinical picture. The parainfluenza virus is characterized by the following specific symptoms:

Epidemiological history (laboratory confirmed cases of parainfluenza in the outbreak);
Children between one and five years of age are prone to illness;
Acute onset of infection with the simultaneous development of moderate intoxication (poisoning of the body with waste products (toxins) of microorganisms) and catarrhal syndrome (swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract manifested by a runny nose);
Low-grade fever (body temperature 37.0-37.9 degrees);
Involvement of the vocal cords in the process;

IN laboratory diagnostics use immunofluorescence (RIF) and enzyme immunoassay(ELISA), which are based on the detection of viral antigens (foreign proteins) in the cells of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Serological techniques (RNGA and RRG) and virus isolation from a patient are also used ( virological method). However, these studies are expensive and are not widely used.

Treatment of parainfluenza

Treatment of the disease is usually carried out at home. Mandatory hospitalization is indicated for children with severe forms of parainfluenza and in case of complications (acute laryngotracheitis with stenosis, bronchiolitis, etc.). Throughout acute period appoint bed rest. The diet should be complete, with high content vitamins, proteins and big amount liquids.

Etiotropic therapy (aimed at destroying the pathogen) is indicated for the development of severe and moderate forms of the disease. Typically used for this purpose human immunoglobulins(immune proteins), anti-influenza immunoglobulins (contains antibodies including against paramyxovirus), immunoglobulins with high concentration antibodies to parainfluenza pathogen. For any form of the disease, it is possible to use interferon drugs, the main antiviral substance produced in the human body. (“Viferon”, “Anaferon”, “Genferon”, “Chigain”).
Pathogenetic and symptomatic treatment indicated to combat the manifestations of the disease. All patients diagnosed with parainfluenza are prescribed ascorbic acid(vitamin C) to increase the body's resistance and strengthen vascular wall. To combat serous rhinitis (runny nose) for children and adults with therapeutic purpose Pinosol is injected into the nasal passages. To alleviate the condition, displays vasoconstrictor drops, such as “Vibrocil”, “Pinosol”, “Naphthyzin”, “Galazolin” and others. Decoctions can be used as a mild expectorant for coughs. medicinal herbs(coltsfoot, tricolor violet) or medicinal syrups based on marshmallow, thermopsis, licorice, thyme and other plants. If they are ineffective, you should use synthetic drugs(“ACC”, “Ambroxol”, “Bromhexine”).

It is permissible to carry out distracting procedures (if the body temperature does not exceed 37.5 C): hot baths for hands and feet, mustard plasters, heating pads, warming wraps chest. For fever, physical cooling techniques are recommended for young children. The temperature should be lowered with the help of medications if it rises above 38 - 38.5 degrees. Paracetamol, nimesulide, ibuprofen are prescribed orally or administered intramuscularly lytic mixture(analgin, diphenhydramine, papaverine).

Antibacterial therapy is indicated in the following cases:
1. The presence of a secondary bacterial infection;
2. Patients with chronic foci of infection;
3. For young children severe forms course of parainfluenza.
Treatment of complicated laryngitis. Therapy for patients with laryngeal stenosis takes place in intensive care units and is aimed at restoring airway patency.

Complications of parainfluenza

Complications of parainfluenza can be divided into two groups:

Nonspecific (bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia) develop against the background of the addition of bacterial flora;
Specific ( obstructive bronchitis, stenosing laryngotracheitis) are a consequence of the involvement of the vocal cords in the infectious process, which, when inflamed, can completely block the airways and lead to death if medical assistance is not provided in time.

The main symptoms indicating the development of laryngotracheitis (croup):

Changes in voice timbre (hoarseness, hoarseness, aphonia - complete absence sound);
"Barking cough";
Difficulty breathing with noisy prolonged inhalation.

If these signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Prevention of parainfluenza

To prevent the development of parainfluenza, you should regularly ventilate rooms, wash your hands before eating, and wear a mask in rooms where there is a sick person.

For emergency prevention in the focus of parainfluenza infection contact persons interferon is prescribed.

The parainfluenza virus is a member of the paramyxovirus family. It was discovered in 1956, and 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 the development of stenosis.

Serotypes 1 and 2 cause croup syndrome, and parainfluenza virus 3 leads to the development of bronchiolitis, focal pneumonia. The rarest infections are those caused 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 criteria - from family to antigenic properties. However, both pathogens are included in the ARVI 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. Presentations on parainfluenza reflect incidence rates that 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 - in this case, 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 epithelial cells respiratory tract.

Pathogenesis

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

dystrophic changes and necrosis of ciliated epithelial cells;
loss of the mucous membrane's protective barrier;
viremia and intoxication.

Primary viral pneumonia is caused directly by the causative agent of parainfluenza. It is called secondary when a microbial infection is attached. Sedimentation in capillaries immune complexes provokes immunopathological reactions, and inflammation and swelling of the laryngeal mucosa cause symptoms of stenosis in parainfluenza in children.

Symptoms

The duration of the incubation period for parainfluenza infection ranges 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.

Specific primary signs no, therefore the disease can be regarded as a type of acute respiratory viral infection without specifying the etiology.

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

Moderate weakness, headache.
Pain in muscles and joints.
Nasal congestion combined with copious serous discharge.
Sore throat, hoarseness of voice.
Increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels.

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

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

Some patients experience one-time vomiting. Characteristic feature the course of parainfluenza is the predominance catarrhal symptoms over manifestations of intoxication. The cough with parainfluenza laryngitis is rough, “barking.”

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

Acute laryngotracheitis

A complication of parainfluenza in children is laryngeal stenosis 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, pliability 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 laryngeal mucosa, muscle spasm and accumulation of inflammatory exudate - this leads to cough, aggravating spasm and stenosis.

To compensate for the lack of oxygen, breathing becomes more frequent, including through the mouth - the incoming air is heated and not sufficiently humidified. The viscosity of the accumulated mucus increases and it is difficult to separate. Loss of voice (aphonia). The patient's condition worsens - at first pale skin, sweating and anxiety appear; in the absence of help, the skin becomes cyanotic and later gray, excitement gives way to apathy, loss of consciousness, and areflexia.

Initial manifestations of laryngeal stenosis in the compensation stage are characterized by the absence of pronounced disturbances in the general condition, preservation pale pink skin, slowing and deepening of breathing, shortness of breath with physical activity, fright. Symptoms usually appear at night. The main signs are a rough cough, hoarseness and difficulty breathing.

On the stage partial compensation tachypnea appears ( rapid breathing). Are drawn in intercostal spaces, pits above and below the collarbone. The skin turns pale, the child is excited. Shortness of breath is noticeable even in calm state and is manifested by noisy breathing that can be heard from a distance.

Breathing in the stage of decompensation slows down and becomes less noisy than before - this is an unfavorable prognostic sign. The skin acquires a bluish tint, sweating, and a forced position in bed with the head thrown back are also characteristic.

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

Diagnostics

Establish a diagnosis only by clinical symptoms is not possible due to the similarity with other acute respiratory viral infections. For targeted diagnosis of parainfluenza infection, the following is used:

Direct method of fluorescent antibodies.
Polymerase chain reaction.
Enzyme immunoassay, etc.

A general clinical blood test is also performed, and, if indicated, a chest x-ray and other studies are performed.

Treatment

For mild forms of parainfluenza, treatment is carried out in outpatient setting, and when severe course, availability accompanying pathologies and the development of complications - in the hospital. Apply:

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

In case of secondary microbial infection it is indicated antibacterial therapy(amoxiclav, cefazolin).

If parainfluenza develops laryngeal stenosis and breathing problems, 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 independent use mucolytics (ambroxol). Inhalation at home can also be dangerous, especially for children under 3 years of age. In case of severe stenosis, glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone, hydrocortisone), adrenaline are administered, and oxygen therapy is used.

Prevention

Prevention of parainfluenza includes the following rules:

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

Specific preventive actions not developed.

Parainfluenza is one of the most dangerous viral diseases, during which the respiratory system suffers (most often the mucous membranes of the nose and larynx). The disease most often occurs in children, but it happens that adults also suffer from this unpleasant illness. It can spread rapidly, affecting more and more victims. In order to partially protect yourself and respond to the disease in a timely manner, you need to know what parainfluenza is, symptoms and treatment in children and adults, and what drugs or herbal remedies can be used.

What symptoms may indicate the disease?

What health consequences can parainfluenza pose, symptoms and treatment, features of the disease - many questions related to it may arise. In order to notice the disease in a timely manner and not confuse it with similar ailments, less dangerous, you definitely need to know the basic signs. The most basic one that can be observed during the incubation period (usually lasts up to 4-6 days) is damage to the larynx and upper respiratory tract.

In addition, there are other symptoms that are sure to attract attention:

increased body temperature;
prolonged intense cough;
lethargy, apathy, causeless fatigue;
complete lack of appetite;
painful sensations in the throat that worsen when swallowing;
swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx.

Each organism is individual, therefore it may notify the disease differently. That is why it is not necessary to wait until all the symptoms appear. You should seek medical help if you have only one or two signs.

How is the parainfluenza virus transmitted?

How exactly can parainfluenza be transmitted, symptoms and treatment, how can you protect yourself from the disease? The first thing you need to know is that the culprits of the disease are three types of viruses that penetrate the body and begin to multiply quickly. They are not particularly resilient and die easily when elevated temperature. Another feature that distinguishes the parainfluenza virus is its sensitivity to disinfection.

Most often, the peak of diseases occurs in the cold season - late autumn or early winter. Infection usually occurs from a sick person. Moreover, for this you do not need to contact the carrier of the virus - just be in the same room with him for a few minutes. The infection settles in the respiratory tract and multiplies quickly, causing inflammatory processes on mucous membranes. The first thing that is observed after infection is swelling of the pharynx and severe runny nose.

Parainfluenza virus in children - the first signals of infection

What signs should parents pay attention to first? What signals does the parainfluenza virus signal in children? This dangerous and rather painful disease most often settles in children's body. It often happens that an entire class or group in a kindergarten becomes infected. After all, adults do not always react in a timely manner to the illness of their beloved child and send him to school or kindergarten. In order to prevent the spread of the disease and consult a doctor in time, you need to know what signs appear in a child in the first stages of the disease.

The first signal to go to the doctor should be a child’s complaints about a painful sensation in the throat. A severe runny nose, which develops due to the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract, is another sign of parainfluenza. The baby may complain of headaches and refuse to eat. Sharp jumps temperatures will help adults make sure that they need to go to the doctor immediately, without starting treatment on their own.

How long is the incubation period of the disease?

Doctors warn - incubation period illness may last different time. This may depend on the patient’s age, immunity, resistance to infection, even general health. That is why you should not rely on certain data - a carrier of the virus can be dangerous just a few days after infection.

More accurate information can be obtained by contacting medical statistics. Most often, there is evidence that the incubation period lasts 3-5 days. But it happens that already the next day after infection the patient becomes a source of danger to others. Moreover, you need to avoid contact with him for several weeks. This is how long a child or adult in whose body the virus has settled remains a carrier of the infection.

How to treat parainfluenza in children - pharmaceutical drugs

You can find out how to treat parainfluenza in children from the doctor who diagnosed the disease. If the disease occurs with complications, the temperature does not decrease within several days, you will have to use drug treatment. If there are no complications, it is quite possible that the doctor will allow the use of equally effective folk methods of getting rid of the disease.

From pharmaceutical drugs Most often children are prescribed:

Viferon;
Grippferon;
Cycloferon;
Cytovir;
Orvirem.

Each of these medications is quite safe for a small organism and rarely causes unpleasant side effects. Despite this, reception pharmaceutical compositions is possible only with the permission of the doctor who diagnosed the disease. Even medications prescribed by a specialist should be taken with caution, carefully monitoring the general condition of the baby. The first signs of irritation and allergic reaction on the remedy should be a reason for a repeat visit to the doctor.

Complications of parainfluenza - what can threaten the body after unsuccessful or improper treatment

Most often, a complication of parainfluenza occurs for two reasons - in the absence of treatment or mistakes made when influencing the disease. Danger unpleasant consequences- they can provide bad influence not only on the state of health, but also on the development of the baby. Among the most common complications are:

development of bacterial infection;
sore throat;
pneumonia;
sinusitis.

Particular danger is fraught with an inflammatory process in the lungs (pneumonia), in which the temperature can rise to 40 degrees. The baby suffers from coughing attacks accompanied by purulent discharge, shortness of breath, rapid pulse.

Another danger that may await a child is. It begins to develop within three days after infection and is usually severe. Immediate hospitalization is required - treatment at home is strictly not recommended.

How does false croup occur with parainfluenza?

One of dangerous consequences The disease is considered to be false croup in parainfluenza. It usually affects only children who have difficulty tolerating it painful manifestation. It is not too difficult to distinguish the disease, because it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

barking coughing fits;
hoarseness of voice;
noisy difficulty breathing;
increase lymph nodes;
elevated temperature;
change in skin tone.

Parents must remember that they are powerless here - most often treatment is carried out only antibacterial drugs. Only a doctor can prescribe them, and the specialist takes into account not only the age of the baby, but also the degree of damage to the body by the disease. In addition to antibiotics, cough medicines, antipyretics, herbal decoctions. Each of these means has its own application characteristics, and even a number of prohibitions, which it is better to first find out from a specialist.

Parainfluenza, adenoviral infection - common features of these diseases

Often parents who do not have medical education, they believe that parainfluenza and adenovirus infection are one and the same. There is no need to draw erroneous conclusions - this is completely various diseases, although they have a number common features, which are the cause of such confusion. General symptom – heat. With parainfluenza, it lasts only a few days. Whereas with adeno viral infection You won't be able to cope with it for at least a week.

A common symptom can be considered a barking cough, which is disturbing throughout the entire period of the disease. Painful sensations sore throat, severe runny nose, swollen lymph nodes can also be considered common symptom. Doctors do not recommend finding out on your own what kind of disease has affected the child - only a specialist can accurately diagnose the disease.

How difficult is it to prevent parainfluenza, vaccination for prevention

As with any viral infection, you can protect your beloved child, and regular vaccination will help with this. If parainfluenza is spreading at school or kindergarten, vaccination is the only option to prevent infection, although parents are advised to take care of this in advance. It is best to vaccinate before the cold season - in autumn or early winter. A certain drug There is no cure for the disease, so it is recommended to introduce interferon into the small body.

It is important to remember that the effect of vaccination is short-lived - your child will have to be vaccinated annually. Despite the fact that there are several ways to protect the baby from infection, it is vaccination that can prevent the disease, which can bring a lot of trouble and discomfort to the baby.

How is parainfluenza diagnosed in adults?

Parainfluenza is a disease that is one of the varieties of influenza, so it is quite easy to confuse it with another disease that is no less dangerous. Difficulties also arise in treatment - it depends on the diagnosis which drugs or additional measures therapies will be applied. Diagnosis of parainfluenza in adults is carried out only by a doctor who is obliged to laboratory research. If the preliminary diagnosis was made incorrectly, it may turn out that the patient has a bacterial infection and a completely different treatment will be required.

The first thing you need to do to accurate diagnosis- donate blood samples. It is the results of the study that can confirm the presence of the virus that caused the disease. This test can also show whether the body is undergoing inflammatory processes that will require special treatment. The level of immunoglobulins in the blood helps determine at what stage of development the disease is and what drugs are best prescribed for treatment. If the effect on parainfluenza occurs with some delay, you will have to use powerful antibacterial agents. Otherwise, in the absence of complications or inflammation, it will be possible to cope with the infection with simple, gentle preparations or herbal compositions.

Treatment of parainfluenza in adults - herbal formulations and pharmaceutical preparations

How is parainfluenza treated in adults, and what medications are best to use? If the doctor does not find any particular difficulties, you can resort to home remedies that actively affect the disease, but if inflammation or complications are observed, you will have to be treated with aggressive drugs. Most often, doctors prescribe the following medications:

increased doses of ascorbic acid;
mucolytics;
inhalations (you can use saline-based products or alkaline compounds for them);
antipyretic drugs;
vasoconstrictor nasal drops, rinsing the nasal passages with sea water;
antibacterial drugs.

If no particular difficulties arise and the disease proceeds without pronounced processes, you can try to cope with parainfluenza with home remedies. This can only be done with the permission of the doctor, and you must discuss all stages of treatment with him.

The most effective and simple way to cope with the disease is to use herbal decoctions. The following herbs can be taken as components for preparing formulations:

calendula;
St. John's wort;
eucalyptus;
sage;
plantain;
oregano;
sequence;
thyme.

Preparing the decoction is simple. Grind enough herbal ingredients(to prepare the product you will need about 100 grams. fresh herbs) and fill them with boiling water (1 l). You can send the composition to water bath for a quarter of an hour - this will allow you to get a more saturated concentrated product. You can use a thermos for the same purpose. The prepared herbal medicine should be taken throughout the day, and it is recommended to drink it in small portions, but more often.

Treatment usually lasts only a few weeks. If not noticeable after a few days positive results and the disease does not lose intensity, be sure to stop using herbal medicines as the main means. It is recommended to go back to the doctor and get examined. The doctor will prescribe more effective drugs from the pharmacy with which you need to continue treatment. Home remedies can be used as a supportive measure.

Prevention of parainfluenza, what simple measures will help prevent the disease

How possible is the prevention of parainfluenza, and is it possible to protect a child with simple measures from a dangerous and painful illness? There are several basic rules and recommendations, strict adherence to which will help prevent infection or partially reduce the risk of contracting an infection.

The first thing to remember is that disease rarely settles in a healthy, hardened body. It is better for parents to harden their child from childhood - this will help prevent not only parainfluenza, but also most colds. Another important rule– during the season when people are most susceptible to infection with viruses, limit your baby from visiting crowded places public places. Of course, you don’t need to leave kindergarten or school for this, but it’s better not to take your child with you to stores and, if possible, not to use public transport. More useful here would be a walk with your beloved child in the fresh air.

Parainfluenza is an infectious disease. It is caused by the virus of the same name. Parainfluenza most often affects young children (on average, from two to five to six years old). The disease differs in that the intoxication syndrome is less pronounced than that of influenza, and the pathogen is not as changeable. This disease is transmitted only by airborne droplets (aerosol transmission mechanism). If there are droplets of saliva from a sick person in the air, then with the inhaled air the virus settles on the mucous membranes, mainly on the upper respiratory tract. Inflammation appears at the site where the virus settles - defensive reaction, which occurs in the body as a response to harmful effects. Swelling appears and mucus accumulates. Since the virus is capable of completely destroying epithelial cells, it enters the bloodstream through the upper respiratory tract and causes intoxication of the body.

How does parainfluenza manifest in children? The symptoms and treatment of this disease will be described in the article.

Characteristics 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 (glue together) red blood cells of humans and monkeys, guinea pigs and chickens The pathogen is extremely unstable in the external environment. In the apartment it remains in the air for no more than four hours. If heated environment virus to 50 degrees Celsius, it is completely inactivated (loses its pathogenic properties) after 30 minutes.

Periods of illness

The first period is incubation. It begins immediately after the virus enters the child’s body and lasts for a week. IN last days During this period, the patient becomes dangerous to others because he is a source of parainfluenza. Next period- prodromal. It lasts from two days to a week and is characterized by the appearance of the first catarrhal symptoms ( focal inflammation, arising at the site of virus sedimentation).

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 children respiratory diseases. The greatest increase in incidence is observed in winter among children 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 during their life.

Parainfluenza: symptoms in children

The symptoms of this disease differ little from those of ARVI. These include weakness, a feeling of “ache” throughout the body, headache, fever and loss of appetite. These symptoms are the body's reaction to the introduction of the virus.

Most of the specific symptoms are based on the fact that the parainfluenza virus in children primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. The voice becomes hoarse, the child constantly coughs, but no sputum is produced, and a runny nose appears with purulent mucous discharge. The baby has red ones that protrude beyond the edges of the palatine arches, the pharynx is swollen and also red. The syndrome is common false croup. The larynx becomes inflamed and swollen, which leads to its narrowing and poor airway patency. It manifests itself in the form of shortness of breath when inhaling (inspiratory) and a “barking” cough, as with whooping cough.

Influenza and parainfluenza in children are difficult to distinguish independently. For this reason, consultation with a doctor should never be neglected.

Possible complications

Children's immunity is not able to cope with this disease on its own, since immune cells cannot allocate sufficient quantity 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 forty degrees three days after infection.

If parainfluenza is not treated, your child may develop various complications. These include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), tonsillitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat), pneumonia (pneumonia) and so on. What all of these complications have in common is that they are entirely bacterial infections. Most of their pathogens are contained in normal microflora human body and are activated when there is a decrease immune functions. These complications worsen the general condition of the child and negatively affect his further development. As a rule, when complications occur, the fever intensifies (the temperature returns or rises), and the symptoms of intoxication appear more pronounced. Pneumonia is usually accompanied by very severe weakness- the child cannot even get out of bed. The cough from dry and “barking” transforms into a wet one, purulent-mucous sputum is released, dizziness appears, sweating and chills increase, the pulse quickens, and chest pain appears when inhaling and exhaling.

Forms of the disease

Currently, there are three forms of parainfluenza. The difference lies in how the disease progresses. There are mild, moderate and severe forms. During light form the temperature either does not rise at all (normal) or remains between 37.1 and 38.0 degrees Celsius throughout the disease (subfebrile). For moderate forms 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 the symptoms that appear - catarrhal phenomena, false croup syndrome. It is also necessary to do a blood test to detect antibodies to the virus.

Symptoms of parainfluenza in children are often similar to those of other viral diseases such as influenza, adenoviral and respiratory syncytial infections. That's why final diagnosis It cannot be diagnosed 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 diseases. Parainfluenza type 1 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, timely diagnosed disease 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(medicines for cough, runny nose, antipyretics). One of the most effective methods considered introduction special drug- influenza immunoglobulin. This drug contains antibodies to a specific type of virus.

However, it is used only for severe forms of the disease. In mild to moderate forms, it is considered sufficient to treat only the symptoms.
Bed rest is considered important. Also needed high-calorie food without any restrictions and plenty of warm drinks.

Do not forget that treatment must be carried out 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). Heat is well reduced by linden, coltsfoot, and raspberries, and licorice, dill, oregano and quince have a bronchodilator and expectorant effect.

It should be remembered that treatment traditional methods permissible only for older children who do not have concomitant pathologies. In babies and weakened children, the disease progresses rapidly, and the process generalizes at lightning speed. Therefore, in these cases, only drug treatment is indicated, preferably with hospitalization of the patient.

Parainfluenza prognosis

Most often, the prognosis of the disease in children is positive. Fatalities occur extremely rarely. This mainly happens when they develop serious illnesses. These include pneumonia, as well as purulent laryngotracheobronchitis.

Preventive measures

Prevention of parainfluenza is no different from prevention of other infectious diseases. A sick child should be isolated immediately after the illness is identified. Virus shedding lasts about 5-7 days, so isolation is necessary for this period of time. The room where the patient is located must be constantly ventilated, and surrounding objects must be treated with a disinfectant solution. Contact with the patient should be kept to a minimum, and in forced situations it is necessary to use medical mask. It will also not be superfluous to take antiviral and antibacterial drugs.

Vaccination

There is an opinion that there are no vaccinations against influenza and parainfluenza. This is not entirely true. The flu is indeed very variable, has a huge number of strains, and therefore it makes no sense to get vaccinated against it. With parainfluenza the situation is completely 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 about the need to immunize a child rests solely with the parents.

Parainfluenza - scary or not?

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that in modern world Parainfluenza in children is not something very scary or dangerous. Most children successfully survive this disease, provided that all necessary hygiene and preventive standards are observed. Also very important timely diagnosis and correctly prescribed treatment. Be healthy!