Parainfluenza prevention. Parainfluenza: symptoms in children

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

For adults and adolescents with normal, 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 debilitated patients and people who "walk" the disease on their feet, infectious process quite often spreads to the lower respiratory tract and provokes the occurrence and.

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

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

Manifests the disease 1-7 days after infection. Moreover, the first symptoms of parainfluenza are usually associated with damage to the larynx virus. Patients appear:

Hoarseness of voice (in some people, the voice disappears altogether).
Feeling of dryness, itching,.
Paroxysmal dry cough. A few days after the onset of the disease, this cough turns into a wet one, which may not stop for several weeks.

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

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

if, against the background of the beginning recovery, the body temperature rises again;
if the patient's condition 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 a high temperature, very strong 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 - stenosis of the larynx, which leads to respiratory failure. Its symptoms:

Difficulty rapid breathing (whistling is heard when inhaling).
Hoarseness.
Barking cough.
Blueish color of the skin.
Incessant salivation.

Parainfluenza picture

Croup occurs usually at night, which is associated with accumulation and drying in the area vocal cords child a large number mucus, as well as swelling of the larynx. Taking into account such features of the course of laryngitis, children with this ailment should be put to sleep in a room with cool and necessarily humid air ( optimum 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 methods for diagnosing parainfluenza are clinical, including an assessment of the clinical picture of the disease and the data of the examination of the patient by a doctor. Detection of the parainfluenza virus using laboratory diagnostics ( serological tests, ) is a rather expensive study, which is carried out only if there are certain indications (with the development of complications, a protracted course of the disease, etc.).

Treatment

Parainfluenza drugs that target the virus have not yet been created, so etiotropic treatment for this disease is usually not carried out. In case of a severe course of the disease, it is possible to use the following medicines with broad spectrum antiviral activity:

Groprinosine (Isoprinosine).
Amiksina.
Arbidol.
Interferons.
Amizona.

In addition, patients must be prescribed drugs to eliminate the symptoms of the disease:

With the development of complications (attachment 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 the first days of the illness must be “sit out” at home. At this time, it is important to drink more fluids and observe vocal rest, that is, talk less so as not to strain the inflamed larynx and vocal cords.

Important:with the development of croup in a child, it is necessary to call ambulance and while she arrives, alleviate the condition of the child on her own.

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

Parainfluenza is an acute infectious human 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, however, autumn-winter seasonality is most often noted. The causative agents of parainfluenza are the cause of approximately 20% of cases of SARS in adults and about 30% of children. Both single (sporadic) outbreaks and entire epidemics have been registered. The disease affects everything age groups but especially among children infancy occurs most frequently.

Pathogen

The parainfluenza virus is an RNA virus from the genus Paramyxovirus. To date, 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.

The 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, lasting about 5 to 9 days. The spread of viruses is carried out by airborne droplets, that is, infection occurs by inhalation of air.

When it enters the upper respiratory tract with the smallest droplets of saliva or dust particles of the virus, it settles on the cells of the mucous membrane of the upper nasal sinuses and larynx and penetrates into internal environment organism. At the same time, paramyxovirus is able to destroy the epithelium, as a result of which a local infectious inflammatory process develops, accompanied by swelling and accumulation of mucus, which is clinically manifested by a runny nose. After entering the bloodstream, the pathogen causes toxic reactions on the part of 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.

Parainfluenza classification

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:

Light,
Medium,
Severe form.

By the nature of the infection:

smooth,
Non-smooth (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 a predominant lesion of the upper respiratory tract. Most often in pathological process the larynx is involved.

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

Atypical forms of parainfluenza

To development atypical forms parainfluenza is more likely to occur in older children and adults in case of re-infection. The erased form is characterized normal temperature body and the absence of symptoms of intoxication. Catarrh is manifested meager secretions from the nose, slight redness palatine arches And slight cough. The asymptomatic form of parainfluenza is characterized by the complete absence of clinical signs diseases and is diagnosed only on the basis of laboratory tests.

Forms of severity of parainfluenza

According to the severity of the course of parainfluenza, mild, moderate and severe forms of infection are distinguished. A certain pattern can be traced: older age the child, the easier his disease progresses.

Light form. The onset of the disease is acute or develops gradually, the body temperature is subfebrile (37.0 - 37.9) or normal. The child becomes restless and capricious. Older children may feel well. With a mild form of paragruppa, there is not abundant serous (light and liquid) discharge from the nasal passages, a slight reddening of the throat and hoarseness of the voice. The patient is worried about a dry cough, which quickly turns into a wet one.

Medium form. It is characterized by an acute onset, an increase in body temperature up to 39.5 degrees, pronounced laryngitis, which is manifested by a significant hoarseness of voice and the appearance of a dry "barking" cough. Children with a moderate form of parainfluenza are weak, lethargic, apathetic, with reduced appetite, bad dream 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 failure from food, adynamia, sharp decline forces. There is a failure not only upper divisions respiratory tract, but also the lower ones, 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 and the development of complications are rare, especially in children under 4 months of age. The bacterial flora quickly joins, and the course of the disease can stretch up to a month.

Diagnosis of parainfluenza

Very important aspect in diagnostics viral diseases is clinical picture. The following specific features are characteristic of the parainfluenza virus:

Epidanamnesis (laboratory confirmed cases of parainfluenza in the outbreak);
Tendency to illness of children aged from one to five;
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);
Subfebrile condition (body temperature 37.0-37.9 degrees);
Involvement in the process of the vocal cords;

IN laboratory diagnostics use methods of 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 methods are also used (RNGA and RWG) and the isolation of the virus from the patient ( virological method). However, these studies are expensive and 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, and others.). Throughout acute period appoint bed rest. The diet must be complete 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. Usually for this purpose they use human immunoglobulins(immunity proteins), anti-influenza immunoglobulins (contains antibodies, including those against paramyxovirus), immunoglobulins with high concentration antibodies to the parainfluenza pathogen. In any form of the disease, it is possible to use interferon preparations, the main antiviral substance produced in the human body. ("Viferon", "Anaferon", "Genferon", "Chigain").
Pathogenetic and symptomatic treatment shown 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) in children and adults with therapeutic purpose injected into the nasal passages "Pinosol". To alleviate the condition, 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, use synthetic drugs("ACC", "Ambroxol", "Bromhexin").

It is acceptable 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. With a fever for young children, methods of physical cooling of the body are shown. Lowering the temperature with the help of drugs should be in case of its rise above 38 - 38.5 degrees. Inside prescribe paracetamol, nimesulide, ibuprofen or intramuscularly administered lytic mixture(analgin, diphenhydramine, papaverine).

Antibacterial therapy is indicated in the following cases:
1. Presence of secondary bacterial infection;
2. Patients with chronic foci of infection;
3. Children of early age with severe forms course of parainfluenza.
Treatment of complicated laryngitis. Therapy of 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 the result of the involvement of the vocal cords in the infectious process, which, in case of inflammation, can completely block the airways and lead to death if medical care is not provided in time.

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

Change in the timbre of the voice (hoarseness, hoarseness, aphonia - complete absence sound);
"Barking cough";
Difficulty breathing with noisy prolonged inspiration.

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

Prevention of parainfluenza

To prevent the development of parainfluenza, you should regularly ventilate the premises, 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 prescribe interferon.

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

Symptoms

The duration of the incubation period for 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.

specific primary signs no, therefore 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 catarrhal symptoms over 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 a gray tint, excitement is replaced by apathy, loss of consciousness, areflexia.

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

On the stage partial compensation tachypnea occurs rapid breathing). 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, a forced position in bed with the 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 disappears completely. 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, a chest x-ray and other studies.

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 independent use 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 one of the most dangerous viral diseases, during which the respiratory organs suffer (most often the mucous membranes of the nose and larynx). The disease is most common in children, but it happens that adults also suffer from this unpleasant ailment. It can spread rapidly, hitting 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, what drugs or herbal remedies can be used.

What symptoms may indicate the disease

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

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

increase in body temperature;
prolonged intense cough;
lethargy, apathy, causeless fatigue;
complete lack of appetite;
pain in the throat, aggravated by swallowing;
swelling on the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx.

Each organism is individual, therefore, the disease can notify differently. That is why it is not necessary to wait until all the symptoms appear. You need to 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 enter the body and begin to multiply rapidly. They do not differ in special survivability and easily die 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 - the end of autumn or the beginning of winter. Infection usually comes from a sick person. Moreover, for this you do not need to contact the carrier of the virus - just a few minutes to be in the same room with him. The infection settles in the respiratory tract and multiplies rapidly, 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 look out for first? What signals does the parainfluenza virus in children notify about itself? This dangerous and rather painful disease most often settles in children's body. It often happens that a whole class or group in a kindergarten becomes infected. After all, adults do not always respond 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 the child in the early stages of the disease.

The first signal to go to the doctor should be the child's complaints about sore throat. A severe runny nose, which develops due to the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract, is another sign of parainfluenza. The kid may complain of headaches, refuse to eat. 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 disease can last different time. It may depend on the age of the patient, immunity, resistance to infection, even general health. That is why you should not focus on certain data - the carrier of the virus can be dangerous already a few days after infection.

For more detailed information, please contact medical statistics. Most often, there is evidence that the incubation period lasts 3-5 days. But it happens that the very next day after infection, the patient is a source of danger to others. And avoid contact with him for several weeks. That 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 preparations

About how to treat parainfluenza in children, you can ask the doctor who diagnosed the disease. If the disease proceeds with complications, the temperature does not decrease for several days, you will have to use drug treatment. In the absence of complications, it is quite possible that the physician will allow the use of no less effective folk methods of getting rid of the disease.

From pharmaceutical preparations most often children are prescribed:

Viferon;
Grippferon;
Cycloferon;
Cytovir;
Orvirem.

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

Complication 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 a bacterial infection;
sore throat;
pneumonia;
sinusitis.

Of particular danger is the inflammatory process in the lungs (pneumonia), in which the temperature can rise to 40 degrees. The baby suffers from coughing attacks, accompanied by purulent secretions, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate.

Another danger that may lie in wait for a child is. It begins to develop within three days after infection and usually proceeds in a severe form. Immediate hospitalization is required - home treatment is strongly discouraged.

How false croup proceeds with parainfluenza

One of dangerous consequences disease is considered false croup with parainfluenza. It usually affects only children who can hardly stand it. painful manifestation. It is not too difficult to distinguish the disease, because it is accompanied by such signs:

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

Parents should 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 tools has its own characteristics of use, and even a number of prohibitions, which are better to learn from a specialist first.

Parainfluenza, adenovirus infection - common features of these diseases

Often parents who do not have medical education, believe that parainfluenza, adenovirus infection, is 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 this confusion. General symptom - heat. With parainfluenza, it lasts only a few days. Whereas at adeno viral infection I can't get over it for at least a week.

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

How difficult it is to prevent parainfluenza, vaccination for prevention

As with every viral infection, you can protect your beloved child, and routine vaccination will help in this. If parainfluenza occurs 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. Certain drug there is no anti-disease, therefore it is recommended to introduce interferon into a small organism.

It is important to remember that the effect of the vaccine is short - the child will have to be vaccinated annually. Despite the fact that there are several ways to protect the baby from infection, it is the vaccine 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 ailment, 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 incorrect, it may turn out that the patient was struck by a bacterial infection, and a completely different treatment will be required.

The first thing to do for accurate diagnosis- Take blood samples. It is the results of the study that can confirm the presence of the virus, which caused the disease. This analysis can also show if there are inflammatory processes in the body that will require special treatment. The level of immunoglobulins in the blood helps to determine at what stage of development the disease is and which drugs are best prescribed for treatment. If the impact 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 drugs or herbal formulations.

Treatment of parainfluenza in adults - herbal formulations and pharmaceutical preparations

How is parainfluenza treated in adults, and what medicines are best to use? If the doctor has not found 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 such drugs:

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

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

The most effective and easiest way to cope with the disease is to use herbal decoctions. As components for the preparation of compositions, you can take the following herbs:

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

The decoction is easy to prepare. Enough to grind herbal ingredients(to prepare the product you will need about 100 gr. fresh herbs) and pour 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. For the same purpose, you can use a thermos. The prepared herbal medicine should be taken throughout the day, and it is recommended to drink it in small portions, but more often.

Usually the duration of treatment takes only a few weeks. If not noticeable after a few days positive results and the disease does not lose intensity, be sure to abandon the use herbal medicines as the main tool. It is recommended to go back to the doctor for an examination. The doctor will prescribe more effective drugs from a pharmacy who 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 from a dangerous and painful illness with simple measures? There are several basic rules and recommendations, strict adherence to which will help prevent infection or partially reduce the risk of catching an infection.

The first thing to remember is that disease rarely settles in a healthy hardened body. It is better for parents to temper the child from childhood - this will help prevent not only parainfluenza, but also most colds. Another important rule- in the season when people are most susceptible to infection with viruses, limit your baby from visiting crowded 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 use public transport. More useful here will be a walk with your beloved child in the fresh air.

Parainfluenza is an infectious disease. It is caused by a virus of the same name. Parainfluenza most often affects young children (on average, two to five to six years). The disease differs in that the intoxication syndrome is less pronounced than that of the flu, and the pathogen is not as variable. This disease is transmitted only by airborne droplets (aerosol transmission mechanism). If there are droplets of the saliva of 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 in the place where the virus settles - defensive reaction that occurs in the body as a response to harmful effects. Edema appears, 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 itself in children? Symptoms and treatment of this disease will be described in the article.

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, it is completely inactivated (loses pathogenic properties) after 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 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 phenomena ( focal inflammation arising at the site of the 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 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 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 the specific symptoms are 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 ones that protrude beyond the edges of the palatine arches, the pharynx is swollen and also red. Syndrome is common false croup. The larynx becomes inflamed, swells, which leads to its narrowing and poor airway patency. Manifested in the form of shortness of breath on inspiration (inspiratory) and "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 single out 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

At the moment, there are three forms of parainfluenza. Their difference lies in how the disease proceeds. There are mild, moderate and severe forms. During mild form the temperature either does not rise at all (normal), or keeps throughout the disease from 37.1 to 38.0 degrees Celsius (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 manifested symptoms - catarrhal phenomena, false croup syndrome. It is also necessary to do a blood test that detects antibodies to the virus.

Symptoms of parainfluenza in children are often similar to those of other viral illnesses such as influenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytal infections. That's why final diagnosis can not be put 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 considered an introduction a special drug- influenza immunoglobulin. This medicine contains antibodies to a specific type of virus.

However, it is used only in severe forms of the disease. In mild to moderate forms, it is considered sufficient to treat only the symptoms.
Bed rest is important. Also needed high-calorie food without any restrictions and plentiful 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 is indicated, 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 patient should be minimized, and in emergency situations, it is necessary to use medical mask. 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 indeed very variable, has a huge number of strains, and therefore it is pointless to get 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!