Acute laryngitis (false croup) in children.

Acute stenosing laryngotracheitis is official name a disease in which compression of the larynx occurs, which manifests itself as a result viral infection. This disease has a second, more common name - false croup. Its symptoms, as a rule, manifest themselves in a hoarse voice, noisy breathing, a “barking” cough, cyanosis of the lips and a constant restless state of the child.

As a rule, attacks of the disease appear at night; false croup does not bother you during the day. This is due to the fact that at night swelling of the tissue under the ligaments occurs due to the flow of blood to it. Usually attacks can appear within two to three days, but sometimes the form of the disease becomes protracted.

False croup is extremely rare in adults; as a rule, this diagnosis is given to children. There is a logical explanation for this: the reason is the narrow lumen of the larynx in babies. As a result, swelling in the child occurs much faster and causes serious consequences in the form of breathing problems. In adults, there can only be true croup, which accompanies diphtheria.

Sometimes it happens that small child against the background of an infectious disease of the respiratory tract, involuntary difficulty breathing occurs. The conducted research can frighten parents, because their baby is diagnosed with false croup. This pathological condition is quite dangerous, since in the absence of adequate therapeutic measures may end fatal. To prevent this from happening, you should understand in more detail the reasons that provoke the pathology, its symptoms and the main methods of treatment.

False croup in children: features of the disease

The disease false croup is not considered clinical practice true. Most likely, this condition can be called a syndrome that occurs when infectious lesion larynx and characterized by the appearance of hoarseness in children, barking, dry cough and unexpected attacks of suffocation. The disease is always associated with the development of an inflammatory process in the area of the larynx, on its mucous membrane. False croup in children is characterized by the appearance in the throat, in the area vocal cords, swelling associated with the catarrhal phenomena occurring there. In concept of this disease included several species, having an infectious etiology.

Doctors call the following types of this otolaryngeal disease false croup:

stenosing laryngitis. Acute inflammation larynx, which in severe cases can spread to the trachea and bronchi. Usually develops after a bacterial type of microorganism joins a viral infection;
subglottic laryngitis. The pathological process is localized directly in the subvocal space. Depends on the characteristics of the anatomical structure of the larynx in children;
subglottic laryngitis. The main area of inflammation in this form of pathology is the subglottic region. This localization is associated with its filling not with elastic tissues, but loose fiber, which does not give it a tight fit and makes it easier for pathogenic microorganisms to penetrate inside.

False croup in a child can occur once, but most often this pathological phenomenon characterized by episodic bursts that are associated with the entry of any, even the most harmless, infection into the baby’s body. Cases have been reported in clinical practice re-development so unpleasant and dangerous syndrome even with a normal runny nose. This disease is seasonal and most often the disease strikes children in the autumn and winter period, but sometimes it is diagnosed in babies in the summer.

Types and types of false croup in children

The classification of this rather dangerous substance in children depends on several factors and helps specialists in choosing proper treatment. False croup is of two types - bacterial and viral. This division of pathology is directly related to the nature of the origin of the disease. Also, false-type croup is usually classified according to the presence of complications into complicated and uncomplicated.

But most often in clinical practice in children, what is considered false croup, is divided according to the degree of development of stenosis in the larynx:

Compensated. Signs of pathology are minimal, there is only inspiratory shortness of breath, characterized by difficulty in breathing. It appears only after physical activity or when the baby is very restless;
Subcompensated. Inspiratory dyspnea can occur in a child even when he is at rest;
Decompensated. Shortness of breath becomes pronounced and very severe. A baby with this variety pathological condition Paradoxical breathing is often observed, in which reverse movement occurs chest, that is, it increases as you exhale and decreases as you inhale;
Terminal. With this type of laryngeal stenosis, young patients almost always develop severe hypoxia ( oxygen starvation), almost always leading to the death of the child.

As can be seen from the above classification of the disease, laryngitis with stenosis in children, called false croup in medical circles, is a very dangerous pathological condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of false croup in childhood

Problems associated with pathological swelling of the larynx worry many parents, which is why it is worth understanding what causes false croup in very young children and whether it is possible to avoid the appearance of this syndrome in the baby. The main reason that provokes in babies the development of this negative syndrome of “interception” of breathing, which accompanies some ENT diseases, is anatomical structure their upper respiratory tract. The baby’s larynx and trachea still have an increased softness of structure, so the edematous tissues surrounding them easily press on the weak breathing tubes, thereby blocking the flow of air into the lungs.

This is the main reason false croup in children, but there are a number of certain anatomical and physiological features that can quickly lead to infectious disease larynx will end with this negative syndrome.

Experts note the following risk factors that are unique to young patients:

functional immaturity of some reflexogenic zones, in which the parasympathetic becomes temporarily dominant nervous system. She is responsible for slowing down physiological processes, such as breathing. With age, by the age of 6 children, their maturity begins, and the threat of developing a pathological condition after any cold recedes;
small diameter, softness and pliability of the cartilaginous skeleton of the larynx, which contributes to its regular compression by surrounding edematous tissues;
its narrow lumen and funnel-shaped shape;
increased excitability of the muscular corset located in the immediate vicinity of the glottis;
excessive looseness of the mucous membrane associated with minimum quantity elastic fibers, which are penetrated by many blood vessels;
disproportionate size and high location of the vocal cords.

But not all children are susceptible to the development of a pathological condition of the larynx, although its anatomical and physiological structure is the same for all children. Bound this factor with the fact that in order for false croup to develop, the reasons must be accompanied by a number of negative features. They increase the likelihood of swelling in the larynx area, which is dangerous for a small child.

The main risk factors that provoke the occurrence pathological syndrome, it is considered that the baby has a tendency to allergic reactions, trauma or paratrophy suffered during birth ( overweight baby associated with improper feeding).

False croup: symptoms and manifestations in children

The disease begins against the background of a cold, usually on the 2-3rd day of an acute inflammatory process in the larynx. For the initial stage of this pathological syndrome, which occurs with development in the upper respiratory tract swelling, the main symptoms typically appear in the evening or at night. When false croup begins in young children, the symptoms are quite mild, but any parent should know them. This will make it possible to promptly notice the development of the disease and contact a specialist for emergency care. medical care, which can save a baby’s life.

Types of disease

The first alarming signs indicating the onset in the larynx area pathological process, are:

dry and rough cough of a croaking or barking nature;
shortness of breath due to the inability to take a normal breath;
shallow, noisy and very rapid breathing.

This triad of signs is the most characteristic of false croup. It is from this that one can promptly suspect the development of the disease. In addition to specific manifestations, you should also pay attention to general symptoms. As leading otolaryngologists note, it consists in the fact that a sick child becomes restless and whiny, often takes a forced body position in which the sensations are not so strongly felt. negative symptoms. Experts also note that in some cases there may be fever and an increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C. Clinical manifestations with this pathology directly depend on what stage of development the laryngeal stenosis is at in a particular clinical case.

Their characteristics can be seen in the table:

STAGES OF LARRYNAL STENOSIS	CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
STAGE 1	Seizures are quite rare; in the absence of seizures, the baby is active and alert. The attack itself is characterized by the appearance of slight cyanosis on the nasolabial triangle, the child’s voice becomes hoarse, and at night short periods occur, accompanied by a dry and barking cough. Also at this stage of the disease, children have moderate shortness of breath.
STAGE 2	The child becomes restless and overly excited. Very noisy and heavy breathing accompanied by tension in the neck muscles and retraction intercostal spaces. Almost constant shortness of breath appears, and periods barking cough are becoming noticeably more frequent. Paleness of the skin of the face and circumlabial cyanosis are constantly present. Also at this stage, the heartbeat noticeably accelerates and tachycardia appears.
STAGE 3	The baby is constantly in alternating states of inhibition or excitement, his consciousness is mostly confused. Shortness of breath becomes so severe that it makes it difficult to inhale. The exhalation is very short. The breathing process itself is also accompanied by retraction of the intercostal spaces and noticeable tension in the neck muscles. Skin take on an earthy hue and are constantly covered in cold, sticky sweat, and the legs, arms and face become bluish. The heart beats irregularly and very quickly
STAGE 4	Signs of false croup in children at this stage of development are very severe. The baby is completely unconscious. He tries to breathe, but instead gasps for air to no avail. open mouth. The baby's skin becomes completely cyanotic, the pupils are dilated, and breathing is shallow. Convulsions, irregular pulse and slow cardiac activity indicate the onset of complete suffocation

The symptoms of false croup listed in the table in children arise and progress when therapeutic and preventive measures are ignored or serious errors are made in their implementation. If parents are attentive to the health of the baby and notice the appearance of any abnormalities in it, such a development of events, ending in death for the baby, can be completely avoided. All that is needed for this is to promptly treat colds, as well as those that can provoke an attack of false croup in the baby. You should also remember the first alarming symptoms indicating the onset of a pathological condition. This will make it possible to call a doctor in a timely manner and take emergency measures to save the life of a child.

Diagnosis of false croup

Revealing negative phenomenon, affecting the area of the glottis, does not pose any problem for an experienced specialist. In order to detect swelling in a child’s throat, the doctor only needs to conduct a primary examination based on the patient’s symptomatic complaints. visual inspection throat using a laryngoscope. Laryngeal stenosis has a very characteristic clinical picture, which makes it easier to detect. The only difficulty is that it comes in 2 forms, and completely different ones are used to get rid of them. healing techniques. That is why parents often ask the question of how to identify false croup in a child without confusing it with another disease.

Otolaryngologists explain that this requires differential diagnosis. Only with its help can one exclude the more dangerous true form of the disease, the development of which is provoked by diphtheria. All studies must be carried out very quickly, since in these pathological conditions associated with laryngeal edema, minutes count.

Diagnosis of false croup in children is performed using the following methods:

microscopic and bacteriological examination of a throat smear, including bioculture and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), allowing the most accurate identification of the pathogenic pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics;
ELISA ( enzyme immunoassay blood). Makes it possible to identify the pathogen by detecting specific antibodies in the biomaterial;
study of acid-base status and gas composition blood, helping to identify the level of redox reactions in the body and the ratio of the oxygen content in it and carbon dioxide. These tests are necessary to assess the degree of hypoxia (oxygen starvation).

From instrumental methods Pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy are used for differential diagnosis of laryngeal stenosis. In the event that a specialist suspects the development of complications, little patient Rhinoscopy, otoscopy and radiography are performed. Treatment of false croup in children can be prescribed only after the doctor has received all test results and confirmed the diagnosis.

How and with what to treat false croup in children: medications, medications, inhalations

The main therapeutic goal in this pathological condition is to relieve laryngeal stenosis, as well as eliminate swelling and inflammation from its mucous surface. If a child is diagnosed with false croup, treatment should be prescribed by a qualified physician and carried out under his direct supervision. In addition to the use of certain therapeutic measures that can completely stop the disease, doctors advise completely eliminating the influence of negative factors that provoke an attack on the body.

Important! What to do if a child has false croup. All therapeutic measures for this disease should be prescribed to children only by a qualified doctor. Any self-medication can lead to tragic consequences, therefore, when the first signs of alarming symptoms are detected in the baby, it is necessary to call ambulance.

First aid for false croup in children consists of the following activities:

calm down a frightened child. Any negative emotions, screaming and crying will only aggravate the serious condition and cause new spasms;
provide free access to fresh air. To do this, open the windows in warm weather, and in cold weather a window will suffice;
give the baby anything to drink warm drink with a liquid temperature in the range of 38-40 °C. It can be this or juice diluted with water. If the baby cannot drink on his own, you should feed him with a spoon;
give to the child in age dosage any antiallergic antihistamine, for example Claritin, or Tavegil;
make hot baths for your hands and feet, ensuring blood flow from the throat and inhalation soda solution(a teaspoon of soda per liter of water).

Such emergency care for false croup in children should be known to all parents, since thanks to it it is possible to prevent the onset of asphyxia before the doctors arrive. After the baby is admitted to the hospital and the doctor confirms the diagnosis, he will be prescribed a course of treatment.

Features of drug therapy

Important! If the doctors who come to the call recommend placing the child in a hospital, under no circumstances should you refuse. In most cases effective treatment This pathology is only possible in a hospital setting.

Therapeutic measures are prescribed to each child individually and depend on the diagnostic results, which help to determine the degree of development of the pathology. There are also general prescriptions for severe laryngeal stenosis. In no case should we forget that the listed medications should not be used independently, without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to serious consequences, and even provoke death in the child:

glucocorticoids. Doctors almost always prescribe Pulmicort. For false croup in children, it is considered very effective and is administered rectally, by injection or orally;
antispasmodics. No-shpa helps children best, which comes first in the doctor’s prescriptions;
antihistamines. In this group medicines preference is given to Diphenhydramine, Suprastin or Fenistil;
sedatives, sedatives. The most harmless among them is considered to be valerian extract, which is prescribed to children;
carried out with humidified, medical oxygen.

If the pathology is of a bacterial nature, and against its background infectious complications develop, in mandatory appoint antibacterial drugs, and for a viral one – . False croup is also treated with bronchodilators. It is also necessary to take into account how cough syndrome is relieved in this disease. Here, for an unproductive, dry and barking cough, preference is given to antitussive drugs, and if there is abundant sputum in the larynx, specialists prescribe intravenous administration Calcium gluconate.

When the above course conservative therapy turns out to be ineffective, they resort to surgical intervention, which involves tracheostomy (dissection of the trachea) or intubation (insertion of a special tube into the larynx to facilitate air access).

Treatment of false croup in children at home: traditional medicine recipes

Many parents are concerned about the question of whether, with such a pathological condition, it is possible to carry out therapeutic measures at home, without going to the hospital for this. For the most part, the answer from otolaryngologists is negative, since acute attack false croup in children
stops only in stationary conditions. But if the pathological condition occurs in a child for the first time, and is not accompanied by strong severe symptoms or any complications, such a therapeutic approach is quite acceptable.

Komarovsky, a recognized pediatrician and famous TV presenter, also considers false croup possible. But, as he notes, only after the necessary diagnostic studies, and doctor’s prescription accordingly medication course. Recipes traditional medicine not only effective, but also safe, as they do not cause addiction or develop serious consequences. Despite this, they cannot be used as monotherapy for childhood laryngeal stenosis.

Treatment of false croup at home using folk remedies is only permissible in combination with traditional medicines. Only such therapy can be effective in stopping the pathological phenomenon.

The following medicinal potions prepared according to folk recipes can provide effective help with false croup in children:

infusion of peppermint Designed for spraying the baby's throat. To prepare it, you need to pour 250 ml of boiling water into a tablespoon of chopped herbs. The product is infused in a glass jar covered with a towel for half an hour, after which it is filtered and used to irrigate the baby’s neck after each meal;
A decoction of herbal tea treats inflammation and swelling of the pharynx from the inside. Mix the composition from 1 part each of crushed licorice root, coltsfoot leaves and plantain. A teaspoon of the prepared composition is placed in a small bowl, poured with a glass of boiling water and kept for 20 minutes in a water bath. Drink this decoction warm, 100 ml three times a day.

The given recipes effectively help in treatment, but they cannot be used if false croup occurs in children under one year of age. We should also not forget that to achieve positive results with the help of these means it is only possible to initial stages development of a pathological condition.

Consequences of the disease

With timely diagnosis of the disease and an adequate course of therapy, the prognosis will be positive, which cannot be said about completely ignoring the inflammatory process. In this case, the consequences of false croup can be disastrous.

After the inflammatory process occurring in the area of the glottis is joined by a pathogenic bacterial microflora, a purulent film begins to form in the larynx.

Against this background there arise the following complications false croup:

obstructive bronchitis;
pneumonia;
purulent meningitis.

All of them pose a direct threat not only to the health, but also to the life of the baby. In order to prevent such a development of the situation, it is necessary not only to take all measures for the timely detection and treatment of the pathological condition, but also to prevent it.

Prevention of false croup in children and adolescents

When a young child has a tendency to colds, he has a tendency to regular relapses of laryngeal stenosis. Mothers of such babies need to have a humidity tester, a humidifier and an inhaler at home. They will help to promptly prevent the development of another attack in the baby. Also, parents of children at risk for developing this pathological syndrome should know what measures should be taken to prevent its occurrence.

Prevention of false croup in children is as follows:

the child’s adherence to a daily routine that allows sufficient time for sleep;
mandatory hardening of the baby, which includes walking barefoot, contrast shower and other general strengthening activities;
proper nutrition. Children should eat foods that contain sufficient quantity vital important microelements, minerals and vitamins;
prevention of development viral diseases. To achieve this goal, it is enough not to visit crowded places. This advice becomes especially relevant during mass epidemics.

To strengthen the baby's throat, some parents give him small pieces of ice to suck. But it should not be ordinary, but therapeutic. Getting this kind of ice is not difficult at all. It is enough to freeze decoctions of those herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as calendula, sage or chamomile.

By following all these recommendations, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a pathological condition even in those children who are prone to its development. The above preventive measures it is necessary to closely study until the child is five years old, since in children 4-5 years old such pathology of the larynx occurs in exceptional cases. This is due to the age-related increase in the trachea, and at the same time its lumen.

Informative video

An acute inflammatory process of the larynx, accompanied by swelling of its subglottic region, which leads to stenosis of the larynx and obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. False croup is manifested by a dry “barking” cough, hoarse voice and inspiratory shortness of breath, causing noisy breathing. The severity of the condition of patients with false croup depends on the degree of laryngeal stenosis and often changes during the day. False croup is diagnosed thanks to the characteristic clinical picture and auscultatory picture in the lungs, as well as data from an CBS blood test, blood gas analysis, laryngoscopy, radiography, bacterial culture, PCR and ELISA diagnostics. Treatment of patients with false croup is carried out with antibiotics, antitussives, sedatives, antihistamines and glucocorticoids.

III degree of stenosis. There is severe inspiratory shortness of breath with retraction of the jugular fossa, intercostal spaces and epigastric region during breathing. A patient with false croup has a pronounced “barking” cough, dysphonia and paradoxical breathing appear. Mixed shortness of breath is possible, which is an unfavorable sign in terms of the prognosis of the disease. Cyanosis is diffuse. The pulse is threadlike with prolapses on inspiration, tachycardia. The child’s anxiety gives way to lethargy, drowsiness, and confusion occurs. In the lungs, during inhalation and exhalation, dry and moist rales of various sizes are heard, and muffled heart tones are noted.

IV degree of stenosis characterized by the absence of a “barking” cough typical of false croup and noisy breathing. There is an arrhythmic shallow breathing, arterial hypotension , bradycardia. Possible convulsions. The consciousness of a patient with false croup is confused and turns into hypoxic coma. False croup with IV degree of stenosis can be fatal due to the development of asphyxia.

A distinctive feature is that false croup occurs with changes in the severity of obstructive syndrome and inspiratory dyspnea throughout the day from pronounced to almost imperceptible. However greatest severity the condition is always observed at night. It is at night that attacks of false croup occur, caused by severe stenosis of the larynx. They manifest themselves as a progressive feeling of suffocation, fear and motor restlessness on the part of the child, severe shortness of breath, characteristic cough, perioral cyanosis and pallor of the rest of the skin.

Complications of false croup

Violation normal breathing with false croup with stenosis II-III degrees leads to the addition of bacterial flora and the formation of purulent fibrinous films on the walls of the larynx. The spread of infection down the respiratory tract causes the development acute tracheobronchitis , obstructive bronchitis And pneumonia. Complications of croup can also be sinusitis , otitis , angina , conjunctivitis , purulent meningitis.

Diagnosis of false croup

False croup is diagnosed by a pediatrician or otolaryngologist based on typical clinical picture, anamnesis data (the onset of the disease against the background of a respiratory tract infection), the results of examination of the child and auscultation of the lungs. Additionally carried out microlaryngoscopy and bacterial culture of a throat swab to identify and identify the pathogen bacterial nature. Establishment chlamydial And mycoplasma flora, which in some cases causes false croup, is produced PCR methods and ELISA. To detect a fungal infection, a smear is microscopyed and cultured on Sabouraud's medium. The severity of hypoxia, which accompanies false croup, is assessed by analyzing the ABS (acid-base state) and blood gas composition. Diagnosis of complications caused by false croup includes chest x-ray , pharyngoscopy , rhinoscopy , otoscopy And X-ray of the paranasal sinuses.

Differential diagnosis of false croup

False croup must first be differentiated from true croup. Diphtheria croup is characterized by a gradual and progressive increase in laryngeal stenosis, accompanied by dysphonia up to complete absence vote. False croup can occur with voice disorders, but there is never aphonia with him. True croup characterized by a lack of amplification of the voice when crying or screaming. In patients with false croup, voice enhancement remains. Diphtheria croup is diagnosed by identifying diphtheria plaques during examination of the larynx and detecting the causative agent of diphtheria during bacteriological research strokes.

False croup is also differentiated from other diseases that may be accompanied by laryngeal stenosis. This allergic edema larynx, laryngeal foreign body inhalation. False croup accompanied by unproductive cough, is an indication for the prescription of antitussive medications (codeine, licorice root, thermopsis, oxeladine, prenoxdiazine).

Antihistamines are used (mebhydrolin, diphenhydramine, hifenadine), which have an antitussive and decongestant effect. False croup with severe laryngeal stenosis is treated with glucocorticoid drugs, sedatives and antispastic agents. Taking antibiotics is recommended from the first day of the disease with bacterial false croup or when it develops infectious complications. Treatment for false croup of a viral nature is carried out with antiviral drugs.

The attacks accompanying false croup are caused by a reflex spasm of the larynx and can be stopped by attempts to evoke an alternative reflex. To do this, press on the root of the tongue, provoking gag reflex, or tickle your nose, causing reflex sneezing. Hot ones are also used foot baths, warm compresses on the larynx and chest, cans on the back.

Prognosis for false croup

Timely diagnosed false croup has a favorable prognosis and usually ends with adequate therapy full recovery. False croup, treatment of which was started in the decompensation stage, can be accompanied by severe complications and progress to the terminal stage, often ending in death.

Croup is a disease that affects the larynx. On the part of the child, it manifests itself as coughing, choking, and possible wheezing in the throat. The main cause of croup is an inflammatory process located in the mucous membrane of the larynx.

There are several types of the disease - true and false croup. The first option is provoked by an infection - diphtheria bacillus. In this case, an inflammatory reaction occurs and an additional film is formed. The disease tends to progress, gradually attacks of suffocation become more and more complex.

The false form of the disease is characterized by catarrhal inflammation, which is accompanied by swelling of the larynx. The disease affects the ligaments, which can cause changes in the voice. This disease provoked various viruses– influenza, parainfluenza, measles, etc.

Symptoms of false croup

The child's breathing becomes difficult; this phenomenon is called stridor, when stabbing, wheezing breathing occurs. The cause of sounds when inhaling is swelling of the larynx, the more it spreads, the more more quantity noise produced.

As the noise level increases, the development of edema can be determined; this situation requires emergency care. Before stridor appears, a dry cough may develop, which is characteristic of most respiratory tract diseases.

The voice becomes hoarse and becomes hoarse - this characteristic feature croup, but the symptom must be accompanied by stridor. In other cases, hoarseness is regarded as a consequence that did not cause swelling in the larynx.

Quite often, croup does not occur independently, but is additionally accompanied. Accordingly, false croup may also have symptoms of another disease, in particular an increase in general body temperature, pain syndrome in joints and muscles, as well as other manifestations.

The patient must be treated accompanied by a doctor, under his constant supervision, and comply with increased caution with secondary infection.

The manifestations of the disease greatly depend on the stage of development; in total, there are 4 stages:

Laryngeal stenosis has a small volume and appears only when physical activity or increased anxiety. For diagnosis, an examination is carried out, which examines a long breath and some wheezing with a whistling sound, usually they appear on inspiration;
The next stage of development is characterized by shortness of breath even at rest. When the child inhales, there is visual movement in the jugular fossa, and you can also feel retraction in the spaces between the ribs. When listening, wheezing of dry origin is clearly distinguishable. In this case, oxygen starvation is possible, which manifests itself as a bluish color in the area of the nasolabial space. Additionally, a change in sleep rhythm is possible (usually the patient sleeps poorly, often wakes up) and agitation;
The 3rd degree is characterized by the formation of inspiratory dyspnea, with the intercostal spaces being retracted and epigastric region. There is a distinct “barking” sound, which is accompanied by dysphonia and pathological change breathing. Additionally, there is increased anxiety, which is periodically replaced by drowsiness, lethargy, and confusion;
On last stage“barking” and noises during breathing disappear, but it becomes superficial and arrhythmic. Possible bradycardia, hypotension, convulsions, confusion, in some cases reaching hypoxic coma. Lack of treatment can lead to asphyxia, which can lead to death.

Timely treatment is simply necessary; if there are signs of false croup, you should immediately seek help, if feeling unwell An ambulance is called.

First aid for false croup

Mostly the symptoms of false croup intensify at night. This is caused by the fact that during sleep the blood flow in the larynx increases, but the outflow decreases somewhat, creating favorable conditions for the formation of edema.

Breathing may become even more difficult if, along with croup, ARVI with nasal congestion also appears. Then the sputum from the larynx dries out due to intense air movement and becomes more difficult to separate.

What not to do:

Some parents self-treatment Without understanding the cause of the disease, they resort to standard methods - mustard plasters, rubbing with essential oils. This cannot be done, since the substances have sufficient pungent odor, which can provoke a severe coughing attack;
Honey is quite effective in various diseases respiratory tract, but if the child is allergic to it, it can provoke even greater swelling and aggravate the severity of the disease;
You should not give antitussives that suppress the cough center and reduce its intensity, since sputum accumulates quite quickly. The body reacts quite normally to these deposits, but it can be helped by taking medications to ease expectoration. For this disease, it is better to resort to syrups, they have a faster effect.

First of all, if you have false croup, you should not panic, otherwise the child will be in strong fear, you need to calmly call an ambulance, and in the meantime, perform a few simple and useful procedures.

You need to fill the bath, the water should be hot and add about 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to it by eye. The child is required to stay in the bathroom, which is saturated with moisture, the air becomes warm and at the same time alkaline. It is necessary to leave the child here until the doctor arrives. The air in the bathroom helps to somewhat reduce spasmodic processes, as well as slightly dilute the mucus, making it easier to separate. To enhance the effect, you can prepare a bowl of hot water to steam legs and arms, the temperature should be high, but gentle on the skin – +40 °C.
With false croup, warm drinks, for example milk, are a great help. Add a pinch of soda and some mineral water without gas.
The child needs to stimulate the discharge of sputum; the simplest, old-fashioned way is to press on the root of the tongue using the handle of a teaspoon. It is necessary to provoke the gag reflex, but initially do not bring it to it; by touching it a little, the patient will have a coughing attack, and subsequently induce vomiting.
If you have an inhaler, you can carry out the procedure using a 0.05% naphthyzine mixture, apply for 5 minutes. To prepare the solution, you need to mix 1 to 1 0.05% medicine and physiological solution; initially, it is enough to prepare 2 ml. If the concentration of the drug is higher (0.1%), then the proportion changes 1 to 2. If an inhaler is not available, the solution should be dripped into the nostrils - 2-3 drops for each. The child’s position can be any, depending on how it will be easier for him to breathe. Bed rest should not be imposed.

Treatment of false croup with medications

Any patient who has manifestations of a respiratory tract disease should undergo examination, or better yet, remain in hospital until the disease is identified and initially monitored by a doctor.

The main task in the treatment of false croup is the relief and elimination of laryngeal stenosis, as well as the elimination inflammatory reactions, swelling. Therefore, it is necessary not only to treat, but also to exclude negative impact on the body.

False croup in adults is extremely rare, mainly due to allergic reaction. The basis of treatment for adults is the use of antiallergic drugs. Among antihistamine drugs, you can give preference to almost any one; it is recommended: Gismanal, Trexil, Telfast, etc. It is also possible to relieve a cough with antitussive medications.

Has a positive effect on the body fresh air, alkaline drinks. When using medications, preference should be given to syrups, lozenges, inhalation liquids and aerosol preparations.

In general, they are used to treat false croup. various drugs, depending on the nature of the occurrence, but there are the most effective means.

Inhaled corticosteroids using adrenaline-containing drugs are most actively recommended for use. Corticosteroids are very effective against inflammatory processes, allow you to eliminate swelling in the mucous surface. The use of corticosteroids is justified even in the initial stages of the disease, and the acute form cannot be avoided without them. Moreover, the drugs have virtually no side effects.
The advisability of using the medicine should be carefully and balancedly assessed if the child has diabetes mellitus or tuberculosis (even in remission), as well as chickenpox. Otherwise, there is a risk of disease regression.
Dexamethasone can be used, the dosage is calculated from the ratio of 0.6 mg of the substance per 1 kg of the child’s weight. This allows you to reduce the severity of the disease during the first time. It is introduced into the body intravenously and intramuscularly, and can also be taken orally. The method of use depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases.
As inhalation solution Berodual can be used, which helps with most diseases of inflammatory origin in the respiratory tract. At inpatient treatment Inhalation with a mixture of epinephrine can be used.
It is very individual, but antitussive drugs can be used - this is possible with pure false croup without the complications of ARVI and sputum formation. In this case, the cough becomes unproductive, you can use: codelac, codeine, tusuprex, libexin. Sedatives are also prescribed if necessary.

Folk remedies for treating false croup

Definitely treatment folk remedies always seems safer, and therefore more attractive. It is important not to avoid medication treatment in acute forms of the disease, since self-therapy dangerous due to disease progression. The given recipes help in treatment, but they are rarely used as monotherapy and only in the initial stages.

Warming up

It is natural that hoarse voice creates unnecessary stress on the larynx and provokes certain damage and discomfort in the patient. It is better at this stage to minimize communication and engage in warming up. It is useful to arrange breathing procedures to moisturize and stimulate the discharge of sputum (if any). Warming helps to reduce some painful sensations for swelling and relieve coughing attacks.

Use a hot water bath and add baking soda to it, breathe in the air for 10-15 minutes. You can add naphthyzine for inhalation. Do not use essential oils and other substances with a pungent odor.

Gag reflex

The child will feel much better if he vomits. To do this, you need to dampen a rag warm water and put it on your throat. Prepare warm milk and add sugar to it, regular sugar water. Tickle in the throat with a finger or spoon to make the child vomit.

Inhalation

If you have a nebulizer, you can inhale using saline solution. It can be found in any pharmacy, it is mainly used for overnight storage contact lenses. Take inhalations for 10 minutes every hour. You can also add a solution (syrom will not work) of ambrobene or lazolvan to the inhalation, but the regularity should not be more than 2-3 times a day.

Drink plenty of fluids

You need to drink a lot, but in small doses. Ordinary clean water will do, but to improve taste qualities you can use a little lemon juice. Can be alternated with milk.

Use of kerosene

When hardening occurs in the film, when the child begins to choke, immediate action must be taken. The doctor will prefer a tracheotomy if there is no alternative, but in the initial stages of the disease, you can lubricate the throat with kerosene from the inside. The substance removes the outer film that has hardened and makes it easier for the child to breathe, but this is only a temporary measure.

Tincture from the collection

A remedy is being prepared for internal use, which contains - pods, granules of the coltsfoot plant, a little bark from the wild cherry tree and add a little Java pepper. Mix the mixture in equal proportions and use 1 tsp. per glass of boiling water. After 30 minutes of exposure, you can give it to your child for use. This remedy removes mucus from the larynx and reduces the severity of spasms.

False croup in acute stages is very dangerous, so it is necessary to take timely actions to eliminate the disease in initial stages. The croup develops quite quickly, so it is necessary to as soon as possible take the child to the hospital.

You can also watch a video in which the popular Dr. Komarovsky tells how to treat false croup: