How many days does the temperature stay with an acute respiratory infection in a child. An increase in temperature in acute respiratory infections is a protective reaction of the body

ARI in children is one of the most common diseases. Most often, acute respiratory infections occur in children aged 2 to 13 years. In the first 2 years, acute respiratory infections are often complicated by infectious processes in the organs of the upper or lower respiratory system.

The concept of acute respiratory infections includes multiple diseases - from a simple cold to bronchitis or tracheitis. Symptoms of acute respiratory infections in children of the first 3 years of life can last up to 14 days, while in older children the symptoms last no more than one week (these are average data).

Why diseases occur

All diseases that are included in the list of acute respiratory infections are caused by certain pathogens. Foreign agents enter the body in various ways:

• airborne way;
• household contact method.

There are also certain factors that contribute to the appearance of the disease, these include:

• allergic reactions;
• somatic diseases;
• intrauterine infectious processes;
• unfavorable environment.

A baby can carry acute respiratory infections three to eight times a year. This often development of the disease is dictated by the fact that pathogens are easily transmitted from child to child by contact and airborne droplets, by the fact that the immune system of young children has not yet fully matured. After ARI is transferred, young children do not develop stable immunity, Dr. Komarovsky talks about this in his lectures.

A feature of this group of diseases is that if the baby is breastfed naturally, these ailments develop much less frequently than in children who are breastfed. This is due to the fact that antiviral substances are transmitted to the baby along with mother's milk, which help him cope with colds and flu.

Varieties of acute respiratory infections

According to their pathogenesis, all acute respiratory infections are divided into:

• respiratory syncytial infectious processes;
• parainfluenza;
• flu;
• rhinovirus infection;
• adenovirus infection.

Symptoms depend on what kind of pathology develops, symptoms appear.

The first symptoms of acute respiratory infections in children

The most common clinical manifestation of a cold is pain, sore throat, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane in the throat. Then there are other signs, which include:

• swelling of the nasal mucosa, congestion, this symptom is due to the accumulation of mucus;
• pain and discomfort in the nose;
• frequent bouts of sneezing;
• runny nose, secretion in the nose, which is released at the very beginning of the disease, during this period the so-called snot is usually transparent, after a few days the discharge becomes thick and dark in color;
• cough - this symptom immediately at the onset of the disease begins to appear in about one third of patients;
• hoarseness of voice;
• weakness, general malaise.

Less common cold symptoms in children

In addition to these, there are also other, less common clinical signs:

• hyperemia, fever, body temperature rises to 39 degrees;
• headache;
• ear pain, severe pain in the hearing organs can be caused by an infectious process in the middle ear;
• muscle pain;
• loss of taste and smell sensations;
• irritation in the eyes, rhinorrhea;
• feeling of compression in the ear apparatus.

The most pronounced and unpleasant symptoms of acute respiratory infections in children appear in the first 2-3 days of the development of the disease, after which the condition gradually begins to improve. Older children are sick for about 7 days, kids under the age of five have a cold for up to two weeks. But if there is a symptom such as coughing, it can last up to three weeks or even up to a month with tracheitis. When a child has symptoms of a cold, you should be attentive to this, consult a doctor in a timely manner for help. It is not recommended to self-medicate, so as not to provoke the development of complications.

How does parainfluenza manifest itself in children

This type of ARI develops within three to four days. The disease is characterized by an acute onset, fever, hoarseness of voice, pain in the throat, in the sternum, dry and irritating mucous cough, runny nose. After a few days, the temperature may rise to high levels. This type of acute respiratory disease in a baby can cause a false croup.

The duration of parainfluenza is about 10 days. Parents need to contact a pediatrician in a timely manner in order to know how to remove the unpleasant manifestations of the infectious process in the body.

How does adenovirus infection manifest itself?

This process of infectious genesis is characterized by a gradual, undulating onset. Young children have the following symptoms:

• hyperthermia;
• chills;
• headache;
• general malaise and severe weakness;
• nasal congestion;
• severe runny nose with clear discharge from the nasal cavity;
• cough.

Often, with an adenovirus infection, an increase in the size of the lymph nodes occurs in parallel, pain in the eyeballs appears, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis develops.

What is the clinical picture of respiratory syncytial infection

The disease develops within 3 days. Key manifestations are due to the age of the small patient. In an infant and a one-year-old baby, symptoms are manifested by lesions of the upper respiratory tract.

In addition to the general symptoms of a cold, in young children, appetite and sleep are disturbed, the skin becomes pale, and cyanosis of the lips appears. It is important to seek medical help in time, this will prevent the development of serious infectious processes in the body and the possible consequences of diseases.

Colds in children are often accompanied by fever and unpleasant symptoms. ARI is the most likely disease in children, the cause of which can be more than 200 viruses and bacteria. A child under 5 years old gets sick quite often, and how to quickly restore his former playful mood and not harm the child's health with potent drugs is described below. But what is the difference between the flu and ORVI and ORZ, and what symptoms will help identify a particular disease, is indicated here.

A doctor's call or visit may be necessary if the child has the following cold symptoms for a long time:

• lack of appetite;
• cough;
• capriciousness and anxiety;
• runny nose. It is worth noting that sea buckthorn helps with a cold.
• dry or wet cough;
• redness of the eyes, sometimes they become "like slits";
• headache;
• apathy for games;
• nasal congestion;
• pain in the nose and constant sneezing;
• high temperature, which can reach up to 39 degrees;
• pain in the ears.

You should also learn more about what are the signs of acute respiratory infections and orvi in ​​adults.

On the video - the detection of the disease in a child:

Sometimes parents themselves cannot determine exactly what is confusing the symptoms of a common acute respiratory disease with the flu, although they are similar, the flu is always accompanied by fever and frequent chills.

How to distinguish ARI from SARS in a child?

If the doctor makes an incorrect diagnosis and prescribes serious treatment, then the child may experience complications that can result in bronchitis, pneumonia, neuritis, and malfunctions of the genitourinary tract. To understand the differences between these two diseases, it is necessary to know that they are caused by completely different viruses.

The second difference is the different course of the disease: with ARVI, the temperature immediately rises, while with acute respiratory infections, a runny nose, cough or body aches may begin, accompanied by a headache. And then the temperature may appear, but it does not last long and rarely exceeds 38 degrees.

ARVI is considered a more acute manifestation of acute respiratory infections, in which respiratory viruses play the main role.

For those who want to learn more about how orz differs from orvi, you should follow the link and read the information in the article.

Most often, a cold appears due to severe hypothermia, but it can be confused with diseases caused by viral infections. ARI for the most part denotes all types of colds, but they can negatively affect different organs, therefore, the following types of diseases in this group are distinguished: bronchitis, rhinitis, laryngitis, nasopharyngitis and tonsillitis.

On the video - the difference between diseases according to the doctor:

The causative agents of acute respiratory infections are present in the air and objects surrounding the child. The state of immunity of the child will depend on how often he will have a cold.

The therapy is based on the use of medications prescribed by a doctor; it is impossible to independently select a medicine for children to eliminate the symptoms and causes of the disease, so as not to harm their fragile body. It is allowed in the first days of the disease to relieve fever or eliminate redness in the throat with improvised home remedies, but if they do not give the desired effect, then you should not delay visiting the doctor.

As soon as you notice the first signs of the disease in your child, you need to immediately give him warm water to drink, since at this time his body loses a lot of fluid and it must be replenished so as not to bring the baby to dehydration. It is necessary that he drink at least 2 liters per day, it is this amount of moisture that will help to cope with the temperature and improve the liquefaction of sputum, which is present with a wet cough. It is also worth paying attention to how to quickly cure acute respiratory infections in an adult.

The ideal option would be to give the child berry fruit drinks, fruit juices and mineral water, which contain many useful substances and vitamins.

Therapy is carried out taking into account the visible and detected symptoms, while several rules should be followed:

• control the temperature of the baby, measuring it at least 2 times a day;
• at a high temperature, he definitely needs to provide bed rest;
• ventilate the child's room as often as possible and wash the floors at least once a day;
• if the fever does not exceed 38 degrees, then it is better not to fight it with medicines, in this case you need to wait until it passes by itself or use folk remedies in the form of vinegar rubbing or frequent changes of wet towels;
• the choice of antibiotics depends on the examination of the baby, it is forbidden to buy them on your own, and even more so to choose their dosage yourself;
• during the illness and after it, you should try to increase the immunity of the child so that he quickly overcomes the disease.

Medicines

Among the necessary medicines for acute respiratory infections, there are:

• antihistamines, which help with nasal congestion and relieve swelling;
• antipyretics are used as painkillers, in addition, they relieve inflammation, most often children's paracetamol or other preparations based on it are prescribed.

It is advisable to give vitamins at this time to the child, which can be selected with a doctor or pharmacist in accordance with the age of the baby. If his acute respiratory disease is accompanied by a cough, then syrups or effervescent tablets are prescribed, which are selected taking into account the nature of the cough to thin it or transfer it to a wet state. Before buying any of the drugs proposed by the doctor, you need to make sure the quality of the product, check the expiration date, and make sure that the manufacturer is reliable. When choosing funds, it is important to understand which ones should be taken first. and for this you should learn more about what the temperature should be with ors.

Folk methods

• The main focus of home treatment will be drinking plenty of water, it should be warm, not hot or at room temperature, but heated to a warm state.
• A baby who has a strong fever should be wiped with alcohol diluted with water, or a sheet should be moistened in this composition and wrapped around the child.
• If in the evening they find that the baby is coughing, then at night he needs to put on warm socks, and first fill them with 1 tsp. dry mustard, the next morning he will be much better.

On the video - treatment of acute respiratory infections without drugs:

Essential oils help with ARI. They need to be combined in the amount of three drops with honey and taken three times with the main food. For medicinal purposes, lemon, pine and lavender oils are suitable.

But what drugs for colds and colds are the most effective and how to choose them correctly. detailed here.

How long does the disease last?

ARI can last up to two weeks if a child under 2 years of age has fallen ill with it. Older children have a cold for no more than 1 week. If a cold is very difficult, it can last up to 3 weeks, especially when it is accompanied by a cough.

The temperature is usually present for the first three days, then it either goes away on its own or is brought down.

When a child has an acute respiratory disease, you should listen to the doctor's recommendations and in no case prescribe treatment on your own. Folk remedies cannot act as a full-fledged alternative to medicines, with improper treatment, you can harm the health of the child and delay his recovery.

Symptoms and treatment of acute respiratory infections in children

Every mother who has raised at least one child can safely call herself a specialist in the treatment of colds in children, she knows what acute respiratory infections symptoms and treatment in children have. Due to their small age, children cannot tell where it hurts, they are very small - and they just cry at all.

• Decreased appetite.
• Aimless worry.
• Increased fatigue.
• Anxious, interrupted sleep.
• Increased need for rest, lethargy.

Signs of ARI in a child

• Stuffy nose, nasal voice.
• Runny nose.
• Red inflamed eyes.
• Temperature rise.
• Weakness.
• Pain when swallowing.

What is ORZ

If you look, ARI is not an independent disease, but a whole group of acute diseases, mainly of the respiratory organs, transmitted by airborne droplets and contact.

The nuances of the course and the list of possible complications depend on the type of respiratory disease, the target organ of the pathogen.

According to the decision of the World Health Organization (hereinafter - WHO), the doctor cannot make a final diagnosis indicating the type of causative agent of acute respiratory infections without the results of sowing a swab from the nose and throat. But sowing is a rather long study, the result comes in three weeks, sometimes in one month, and a cold disappears on average in a week or two. By that time, the child has been healthy for a long time. Treatment of uncomplicated cases of acute respiratory viral infections in most cases is symptomatic. Without treatment, they can also recover, but then the risk of complications, the addition of a bacterial infection against the background of a weakened immune system, increases significantly, and this is a good reason to prescribe antibacterial drugs.

Symptomatic treatment

• Intoxication - headache, pain in muscles, joints at high temperatures, changes in taste in the mouth, lethargy, drowsiness.
• Hyperthermia is an increase in body temperature. There is white and red.
• Catarrhal - rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, otitis media, laryngitis, tracheitis and other combinations.

• Isolation of a sick child from healthy children, a ban on attending social events, kindergartens, schools.
• Plentiful warm (not hot!) drink - children drink compotes well, sweet tea with honey and lemon, you can add one pinch of ground ginger, which has an antiviral effect.
• Light food, do not force to eat.
• Gentle motor mode, limit overly mobile games.
• To adapt the conditions of the room in which the baby is located for recovery - a slightly cool (18-22ºС), rather humid, ventilated room.
• Mandatory daytime sleep is a tool that will significantly speed up the healing process.

Pathogens of acute respiratory infections and clinical features

1. Rhinovirus- affects the nasal mucosa. Feature - rhinorrhea, transparent abundant watery discharge from the nose, with swelling of the mucous membrane - congestion and sneezing. Mucus can run down the back of the throat, irritating it, causing a short, dry, frequent cough. There are herpetic eruptions around the mouth. Nasal saline solution is the best medicine, aciclovir cream as needed.
2. Respiratory syncytial infection- the incubation period for the manifestation of the first symptoms is 3-7 days, in older children in the form of a scanty runny nose, conjunctivitis, sometimes with an increase in temperature up to 38 with a dry cough, pain behind the sternum. In young children - with symptoms of bronchiolitis with broncho-obstructive syndrome - inflammation of the terminal branches of the bronchi, "prepneumonia" in the form of shortness of breath, paroxysmal barking cough with a thick discharge. It takes about two weeks to recover from an uncomplicated course.

Assign mucus thinners, Ambroxol preparations, but only until the effect appears, then they are replaced with a milder agent, for example, ivy syrup. In order to quickly treat acute respiratory infections in children under 3 years of this type and reduce the risk of developing pneumonia, it would be good to get a nebulizer - an inhalation device with adjustable size and speed of inhaled particles of a medicinal preparation. Only this device delivers the drug flow with the necessary force to deliver the drug to the distant bronchioles.

1. Adenovirus- the symptoms of acute respiratory infections are characterized by an acute undulating course, after the symptoms are alleviated on the fourth day, a repeated increase in temperature occurs, which the next day declines to recovery. The submandibular, cervical and occipital lymph nodes increase, pain when swallowing with a runny nose and conjunctivitis with photophobia and lacrimation.
2. parainfluenza- incubation period 2-4 days, acute onset. Hoarseness of voice, sore throat, fever up to 38, persistent, dry, barking cough, runny nose transparent with streaks of discharge. Hospitalization is indicated for children under 2 years of age due to the risk of sudden development of a false croup with laryngeal stenosis and suffocation.
3. Flu- a sudden rise in temperature to 39ºС against the background of complete health, with pronounced soreness of the muscles, joints, headache, severe weakness. The target organ of the influenza virus is the trachea: a strong constant paroxysmal cough, right up to the pain of the intercostal muscles.

Common mistakes parents make when treating children with ARI

1. The use of antipyretics prolongs the time the body is shedding the virus and does not affect the duration of the fever. Do not give at temperatures below 38.5ºС, and for those who are younger than 2 months - 38ºС, as well as those with congenital heart defects and chronic diseases. Children are shown only paracetamol - containing antipyretics in suppositories or syrup - it is convenient to select the dose according to age, for example Nurofen, Efferalgan.
2. It is strictly forbidden to give children under 12 years of age drugs: Aspirin, Analgin, No-Shpa (Drotaverine).
3. Paracetamol also has an analgesic effect. On the one hand, it is good to alleviate the suffering of the child, but you can not use it more than 4 times a day and longer than 3-4 days - so as not to miss the onset of possible complications: pneumonia, otitis media, bronchitis - they all require specific antibacterial treatment.
4. You can not use antibiotics without the written permission of the doctor, independently choose how to treat acute respiratory infections with complications.
5. At a temperature, you should not wrap yourself in blankets, dress warmly, even if you feel cold, which means an increase in temperature. It is important to organize such conditions so that heat transfer occurs without hindrance, although this process is already disturbed with an increase in temperature. Do not aggravate and do not interfere with the body to fight.
6. You can not use the so-called warming procedures - mustard plasters, compresses with dimexide, which, by the way, are forbidden for children under 12 years old, jars, rubbing at elevated body temperature so as not to overheat, besides, their effectiveness has not been proven.
7. Ventilate the room as often as possible. The air is desirable rather cool than hot, moderately humid than dry - to facilitate breathing, and to prevent the mucous membranes from drying out - a barrier against the attachment of secondary infections.
8. If a sick child has reduced appetite, force-feeding will not bring benefits, since the production of digestive juices decreases, as a reaction to intoxication, hyperthermia. It is better to offer easily digestible food - scrambled eggs with milk, croutons with tea with lemon, chicken broth, yogurts.

Immediate contact with the pediatrician

• ARI in children under 1 year old. Up to 2 years or even three, it is desirable to be observed by a pediatrician for colds.
• The temperature in acute respiratory infections in children on the 3rd day does not tend to decrease.
• The child sleeps longer than 12 hours and cannot be stirred up, he does not respond to the response.
• At first or after a couple of days, any rash appeared on the body to exclude serious dangerous infections - rubella, measles, chicken pox.
• There are deposits on the temples, raids - this is a danger of diphtheria.
• After 1-2 days after the decrease in temperature, there was no improvement in well-being.

What is the treatment for a runny nose

It is important to create an effective evacuation of mucus from the nose. A small child does not know how to blow snot into a handkerchief, but you can achieve a cleansing of the nose with saline solutions using a bottle with a spray nozzle. It is necessary to irrigate the nose, and not pour liquid into it. You can not use all kinds of watering cans because of the anatomical features of the structure of the auditory tube and pharynx, mucus with water can get into the auditory canal, and rhinitis is complicated by inflammation of the ear.

With a vasoconstrictor purpose, children's Nazivin is used as needed at bedtime.

Salt preparations: Aquamaris, Humer and others are used to treat acute respiratory infections in children.

What to do about a cough

Look at the throat first. If the child cannot open their mouth sufficiently, use a spatula or a suitable part of a clean teaspoon. Assess the condition of the arches, tonsils. The normal color is pink. For comparison, you need to look at the gums or the inside of the cheek. Carefully inspect for the presence of deposits, plaque, films - all that should not be there.

Purulent tonsillitis manifests itself in bright red color of loose arches with small dots, less than a match head, gray-yellow. Seeing something similar, you should immediately go to the doctor, if confirmed, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Diphtheria - the strongest intoxication, lethargy of the child, refusal to eat and severe pain when swallowing, gray films on the temples, when removed, the mucosal site bleeds.

Infectious mononucleosis - a bright red throat and tongue with a high temperature - up to 39ºС, which lasts for several days without falling, and severe weakness, lethargy of the child.

Cough with acute respiratory infections from a sore throat is short, frequent, intermittent, without expectoration and wheezing. Spray Oracept will help, lozenges: Lizobakt, Lizak.

Measures for the prevention of acute respiratory infections

Prevention of acute respiratory infections in children should be comprehensive and permanent, not only during the cold season - then it's too late. Prevention is cheaper than treating ARI. And there is absolutely no risk of complications.

• Contrasting douches - while bathing, alternate room water with warm water. Always start and end warm. The ratio of dousing time is 1:10, that is, 20 seconds cool and 2 minutes warm.
• Go out with your child for walks in any weather, daily. Even 15 minutes of walking will have a better effect on health than sitting in a warm, dry room.
• Breastfeeding an infant will significantly reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections in children under one year old.
• If the child is 1-2 years old, you can also periodically breastfeed.

The prognosis of acute respiratory infections for recovery is good, without residual effects on average for 2 weeks in preschool children and a week in older children.

Despite the experience of mothers in the treatment of colds, one should not give up the expert opinion of a pediatrician.

ARI is a diagnosis that absolutely everyone knows, especially when faced with it in childhood. Such an abbreviation denotes a group of various infectious diseases that are united according to a common feature: they are transmitted, as a rule, through the respiratory tract by airborne droplets.

If there is reason to believe that the disease was caused by a virus, then another abbreviated name is assigned - SARS. If we talk about how ARVI differs from ARI, ARVI is of viral origin, and ARI includes all variants of respiratory infections. That is, ARVI is also an acute respiratory disease. Having dealt with the terminology, we will understand in more detail how you can get infected.

The source of the disease, as well as its distributor, is a sick person. If we are talking about a virus, then only a few hours can pass from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms. Bacterial infections develop a little more slowly, their incubation period can stretch up to 10-12 days.

The most well-known form of SARS is influenza. It is provoked by influenza viruses, which can also be different. It is characterized by high intoxication of the whole organism and the rapid course of the disease:

• At very high temperatures, convulsions can begin
• A neglected form of the flu can provoke the development of pneumonia
• At the beginning, there are problems in the throat - perspiration, hoarseness, soreness. After - runny nose

• Then a dry, very painful cough may appear and bronchitis may develop. Then expectorant sputum appears. The color of sputum can be from clear to yellow and green. These colors indicate that a bacterial infection has developed in the bronchi.
• With increased intoxication, a rapid increase in temperature begins, pain throughout the body, eyeballs
• Some types of flu provoke nausea, vomiting, intestinal upset
• The illness usually lasts up to 10 days, but the feeling of weakness can last up to three weeks.

A milder form of the flu is parainfluenza. The symptoms are the same as the regular flu, only the course of the disease is much shorter. Usually a person is sick for only a couple of days, and the temperature rarely rises to 38 C. But parainfluenza can be accompanied by inflammation of the eyes and the development of conjunctivitis.

Adenovirus infection also develops rapidly, like the flu. The temperature can reach 39 C and keep up to a week. Unpleasant sensations in the nasopharynx occur immediately, but the soreness of the eyes is connected on the fourth day. This form of ARVI is accompanied by conjunctivitis, which often turns into a purulent form. Lymph nodes become inflamed, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. There is a risk of starting up to pneumonia.

Any ARVI virus remains in sputum for the longest time - from a week to two. Slightly less on glass surfaces - up to ten days. Several days on metal and plastic surfaces. Paper keeps the virus alive for up to 12 hours, and fabric - 10. In the air, viruses can survive for at least 2 hours, and a maximum of 9. On human skin - only 15 minutes, but the risk of infection still remains.

Symptoms

In the overwhelming majority, acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections develop on the third day, the symptoms are:

• a runny nose appears
• cough
• may have a sore throat
• weakness may appear
• body temperature rises more often from the first day

• muscle pain
• fever
• swollen lymph nodes may be a reaction to an infection
• in some cases, children may experience headache and fainting

Symptoms worsen over 2-3 days, then subside. The ARVI disease itself does not pose a danger to children, but complications can be dangerous. Therefore, it is still necessary to treat the disease.

Do not try to diagnose the child and treat it yourself, there is a chance of “driving” the infection deep. The disappearance of symptoms occurs after an average of 7 days, although the cough may remain for much longer.

To successfully overcome the disease, correctly recognize the symptoms in children, you need to pass simple tests. They will be prescribed by your doctor if deemed necessary. Can be assigned:

• Analysis of urine
• General blood analysis
• abdominal ultrasound
• Throat smear

If the doctor has prescribed tests, then an accurate diagnosis will be made after they are passed and deciphered.

How to prevent and whether to fight?

Despite such a wide spread of diseases in this group, one should not let it take its course, thinking that all children get sick, it's okay, it will pass by itself.

1. Children need to be hardened, it is important to keep them away from sources of infection
2. During the off-season and with the spread of epidemics, it is necessary to conduct a course of vitamin prevention of acute respiratory infections

Every experienced parent is already familiar with the symptoms and treatment of acute respiratory infections in children. Preschool children can get sick several times a year. And the symptoms of SARS and acute respiratory infections are similar in both children and adults.

The first thing you can notice is refusal to eat, restless sleep, apathy, a tired look of the child. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor.

What besides drugs?

Even the fact that you are familiar with the treatment regimen is not a reason not to listen to his prescriptions. Along with these measures, do not forget about simple and important things that contribute to recovery:

• You should not go for a walk with the baby, but be sure to organize access to fresh air in the room where the sick child is. Get air temperature up to 20 degrees
• Eliminate the contact of the baby with the air from the air conditioner directly. Let him work in another room
• Wet house cleaning - mopping, dusting with a damp cloth
• Do not arrange baths for a child, but still do not refuse elementary hygiene. At least wiping with a damp towel, a temperature pleasant for the child
• With frequent sweating, it is necessary to change the baby into dry clothes
• Use a spray bottle, nebulizer, or a simple wet cloth to humidify the air in the room

• If the child wants to sleep and sleeps for a long time, do not wake him. Feed and take medication when he wakes up
• Never force your baby to eat. If he has a poor appetite, then it is better to brew him chamomile tea with rose hips, you can sweet. Useful fresh juices and dairy products
• Be sure to rinse or at least irrigate your throat if it is red or sore. To do this, prepare a solution of a teaspoon of sea salt in a glass of water.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections and SARS

• Compresses

Question: “When to give drugs to lower the temperature?” - worries every mother of a baby. It is enough to remember the general rule for all children: an antipyretic is given when the temperature has reached 38 degrees and tends to rise. Until then, it is best to apply cool compresses to the forehead.

When a damp cloth moistened with water with a light vinegar solution is placed on the forehead, heat is released into the cloth, which alleviates the baby's condition. Be careful that the pungent smell of vinegar and the delicate skin of the baby do not allow a strong concentration of it in the water for compresses. A teaspoon per glass of water is enough.

• Paracetamol

The favorite and safest remedy for fever is paracetamol. It is prescribed in combination with an anti-allergic agent and vitamin preparations. There are ready-made preparations that combine these components. They are available in the form of syrups, tablets and instant drinks. When choosing them, pay attention to the presence of children's dosages.

• Contact your doctor promptly

If the temperature rises too high, then immediately call a doctor at home! The rapid development of ARVI if it is the flu can lead to serious problems. Be sure to contact your doctor if you have a fever for more than three days.

Be careful not to experience pain when breathing, shortness of breath, clouding of consciousness, convulsions. Alarming symptoms are the appearance of bruising on the skin, the occurrence of vomiting or diarrhea, and very severe headaches. All of these symptoms require immediate medical attention.

• Don't forget to treat a runny nose

The presence of snot in a child is an unpleasant matter. Especially infants are difficult to tolerate discharge from the nose, as they impede the sucking process. The baby starts to get nervous and does not sleep well. Therefore, the spout is washed with a solution of sea salt, taken at the tip of a teaspoon, dissolved in half a glass of warm water.

Children do not like to take medicine so much, especially when there is a lot of it. Kudos to the modern pharmaceutical industry for making drugs sweet and flavorful. The children of past generations were deprived of such allowances.

According to statistics, up to 90% of all infectious pathologies are acute respiratory infections observed in various etiopathogenetic variants: viral, bacterial, allergic. The most "vulnerable" category in relation to the development of acute respiratory infections are children. Every year, a child develops at least one episode of acute respiratory infections, and frequent acute respiratory infections in a child are observed when the function of the immune apparatus is impaired.

Some pediatricians tend to assume that the conclusion of acute respiratory infections in children is very abstract and priority should be given to determining the tactics of managing a patient based on determining the etiopathogenetic variant of acute respiratory infections.

Unfortunately, many parents are irresponsible about such a pathology as acute respiratory infections, believing that this disease is prone to self-healing and does not need to be corrected. However, such a protracted course of this pathology that is not amenable to medical correction provokes various complications of acute respiratory infections in children in the form of bronchopulmonary pathology, inflammatory changes in the ENT profile, provoking the formation of additional sensitization of the child's body, capable of provoking a delay in psychomotor and physical development.

The maximum incidence rate falls on the age category from 1 year to 5 years, especially those who attend any educational institutions are susceptible. Frequent acute respiratory infections in a child belonging to this category is justified. ARI in children under one year, fortunately, is rare, especially in newborns who are breastfed.

Determining the amount of necessary treatment for acute respiratory infections in children directly depends on the etiopathogenetic variant in which this pathology occurs, namely: it has a bacterial or viral nature.

Causes of acute respiratory infections in children

The source of acute respiratory infections in children, as in acute respiratory infections in adults, is exclusively a person who has all the clinical signs of the disease or a virus carrier who has an asymptomatic course of acute respiratory infections. For children, it is characteristic that the causative agent of acute respiratory infections can spread not only by airborne droplets, but also by contact-household methods through contaminated household items and hands.

ARI in a breastfed infant is extremely rare, due to the powerful protection of maternal antibodies, which are transmitted to the child not only at birth, but also with breast milk.

The incubation period of acute respiratory infections in children in most cases is short, ranging from several hours to five days, its duration directly depends on the characteristics of the causative agent of acute respiratory infections, which amaze with their diversity. In daily practice, a virological study of each child who has signs of acute respiratory infections is not performed, which is due to the laboriousness and high cost of this study. Such studies are used only in the case of a severe course for the selection of etiotropic therapy.

The most favorable conditions for the spread of ARI pathogens in children are close oral contact of a child with a sick person, poor air ventilation in the room where the child is located, violations of the sanitary and hygienic regime, low humidity in the room.

Frequent acute respiratory infections in children develop as a result of the specificity of the immune response produced in response to the pathogen entering the child's body. Thus, after an episode of acute respiratory infections, a child develops immunity only to a specific pathogen and does not protect the body from other types of viruses and bacteria.

Predisposing factors for the development of acute respiratory infections in children of different ages include the presence of hereditary and congenital respiratory diseases, adverse environmental factors, insufficient child care, and violations of the breastfeeding regimen.

Among the viral pathogens that provoke the development of acute respiratory infections in children, the most common are influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, rhinoviruses and respiratory syncytial viruses. In the role of bacterial pathogens are coccal flora, Legionella and Haemophilus influenzae. In some situations, there is an associated effect on the child's body of both viral and bacterial particles, which provokes the development of a severe form of acute respiratory infections, prone to the formation of complications.

Different etiopathogenetic variants of acute respiratory infections in children are characterized by different seasonality of the disease. So, for acute respiratory infections of parainfluenza etiology, an increase in the incidence rate in the autumn is characteristic, while respiratory syncytial infection is most active in winter. In the summer period, there is an increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections of enteroviral etiology, and adenoviral acute respiratory infections in children are observed at any time of the year.

Considering the pathogenesis of the development of acute respiratory infections in children, one should separately mention the issue of “entrance gates of infection”, which can be played by both the proximal respiratory tract and the conjunctiva of the eyes and even the digestive tract, which differs from pathogenesis.

Symptoms and signs of acute respiratory infections in children

The nature of the course of acute respiratory infections in children directly depends on the age of the child. So, in a child infected from his mother, the course of clinical symptoms, as a rule, is more severe and acute.

The most common manifestations of acute respiratory infections in children include rhinitis, discomfort in the throat when swallowing and talking, cough of a different nature, intoxication symptoms and fever.

Emergency situations that require immediate correction by a pediatrician include the appearance in a child of unmotivated weakness, intense headache and muscle stiffness, weakening of the sucking reflex, stellate form, multiple episodes of vomiting, a decrease in daily diuresis and increased, signs of ear inflammation, barking cough, increased body temperature exceeding 39 ° C.

The clinical picture of acute respiratory infections in children consists of symptoms of general intoxication, occurring in varying degrees of intensity, and damage to the structures of the respiratory tract. Clinical diagnosis of the etiopathogenesis of acute respiratory infections in children is extremely difficult, since the course of one or another etiopathogenetic form of this disease can differ significantly in each child.

When examining a patient and establishing a diagnosis of acute respiratory infections in children, it is mandatory to indicate the symptom complex of damage to the organs of the respiratory tract, the nature of the course of the disease, the severity and presence of complications of acute respiratory infections in children.

The symptom complexes of damage to the structures of the respiratory tract include various variants of inflammatory changes in the form of rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, which are most often combined with each other and are extremely rarely observed in isolation. For acute respiratory infections in children, the manifestation of only an acute form of bronchitis is characteristic.

When determining the etiopathogenetic form of acute respiratory infections in children, it should be taken into account that each causative agent of this disease affects the structures of the respiratory tract with special selectivity. Rhinovirus ARI in children mainly affects the epithelial cells of the nasal cavity, which manifests itself in the form of symptoms of rhinitis (difficulty in nasal breathing, the presence of abundant mucous discharge from the nasal passages, unpleasant sensations in the nasal cavity in the form of a burning sensation).

In adenoviral acute respiratory infections in children, an inflammatory lesion of the lymphopharyngeal ring and conjunctiva is characteristic, occurring with a pronounced exudative component. The predominant localization of inflammatory changes in parainfluenza acute respiratory infections in children is the larynx, so laryngitis comes first in the clinic. Respiratory syncytial acute respiratory disease in children is characterized by the appearance of inflammatory changes in the lower respiratory tract with the development of bronchitis symptoms.

The severity of intoxication manifestations also directly depends on the specificity of the causative agent of acute respiratory infections in children. The most pronounced intoxication syndrome is influenza ARI in children, manifested by a maximum increase in body temperature, exceeding 39–40 ° C. With a complicated course of acute respiratory infections in children, multi-wave fever develops. An increase in skin temperature in acute respiratory infections in children is most often manifested by chills, intense headache, localized mainly in the forehead.

Intoxication manifestations in parainfluenza ORR in children are minimal, and the course of the disease is usually gradual. A similar intensity of intoxication manifestations is also characteristic of adenoviral acute respiratory infections in children, which most often proceeds favorably. Rhinovirus acute respiratory infections in children do not occur at all without an increase in body temperature, therefore this etiopathogenetic form is considered as the most favorable in terms of influencing the child's health. ARI in children, provoked by exposure to mycoplasmas, is characterized by a gradual onset of clinical manifestations and, at the same time, their prolonged course. Diarrhea in acute respiratory infections in a child is observed, as a rule, with enteroviral etiology, and can also be observed against the background of a sharp increase in body temperature.

Complications of acute respiratory infections in children are most often manifested by the development of infectious-toxic shock with the development of acute cardiovascular insufficiency, and cerebral edema,. The most common variant of the complicated course of acute respiratory infections in children is the development of viral or bacterial pneumonia.

With regard to laboratory signs of acute respiratory infections in children, there are differences: with viral etiology, there is also a tendency to, while with bacterial genesis, on the contrary, neutrophilia is noted with a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left.

Temperature with acute respiratory infections in children

When examining a child with suspected acute respiratory infections, special attention should be paid to the assessment of temperature response. Most parents, without the knowledge of the pediatrician, use antipyretics even at low body temperatures, which is a gross mistake. Any infectious disease specialist and virologist will answer that an increase in body temperature in a child with acute respiratory infections is a favorable sign and indicates a good function of the immune apparatus.

In addition, it is a generally accepted fact that under conditions of elevated body temperature, there is a significant slowdown in viral replication and colonization of the bacterial flora.

In conditions of fever in a child, lymphocytes are activated, which primarily respond to the entry of infectious agents into the body during acute respiratory infections. In addition, the synthesis of endogenous interferon is possible only under conditions of increased temperature response, exceeding 38°C. In connection with the above arguments, we can conclude that it is impossible to prematurely use antipyretic drugs in a child with acute respiratory infections, provided that the indicators do not exceed 38.5 ° C.

High temperature in acute respiratory infections in a child is most often observed with influenza etiology, and at the same time, the temperature reaction in this pathology is relatively short-lived. In a situation where the child has a history of evidence of increased convulsive readiness, antipyretics should be used even with a minimal increase in body temperature.

As non-drug therapeutic measures for acute respiratory infections in children, helping to reduce body temperature, wiping the child's skin with water at room temperature, increasing the drinking regime should be used. In the acute period of acute respiratory infections in children at the time of the maximum increase in body temperature, bed rest is mandatory.

Factors that aggravate the course of fever include excessive warming, contaminated intestines, and eating large amounts of food. Thus, fever is more in need not of taking medications, but of observing the regimen of caring for a sick child. In a child, the temperature after acute respiratory infections may, on the contrary, decrease below normal, which is a sign of asthenic syndrome.

The most unfavorable variant of the course is cold fever, in which, against the background of high body temperature, there is a cooling of the upper and lower extremities. In this situation, in addition to taking antipyretics, antispasmodic drugs of the No-shpa type should be used.

In a situation where any antipyretic drug is used at high body temperature, its effectiveness is evaluated within an hour, since during this period the body temperature should decrease by at least 1.0 ° C. Currently, pharmaceutical companies offer a wide range of antipyretics, but Paracetamol has the most beneficial effect on the child's body.

Diagnosis of acute respiratory infections in children

Diagnosis of acute respiratory infections in children is made on the basis of clinical manifestations, taking into account the data of the epidemiological situation in the region where the child lives, and the results of laboratory research methods. Laboratory research for acute respiratory infections in children consists in such methods as: isolation and identification of the virus, as well as determining the increase in the titer of antiviral antibodies in the child's blood serum.

Isolation of the ARI virus in children is made from discharge from the pharynx, as well as nasal passages, which is obtained in the form of swabs. It is desirable to take swabs on an empty stomach, after which they must be placed in a thermos with ice and urgently sent to a virological laboratory.

Currently, the express method for identifying viral pathogens of acute respiratory infections in children is widely used in the practice of pediatricians, the result of which can be determined already in the first hours of the disease. As a material for research by the method of express diagnostics, a preparation of epithelial cells from the nasal cavity, taken with a cotton swab, is used. This technique does not belong to the category of highly specific and can only be considered as a screening method for studying a child with acute respiratory infections.

More accurate and specific laboratory diagnostic methods are serological research methods, which involve determining the increase in antibody titer. A reliable sign of the viral etiology of acute respiratory infections in children is an increase in antibody titer by 4 or more times over time. The most favorable period for the implementation of the primary serological analysis for acute respiratory infections in children is the third day of the disease, and re-analysis should be performed on the fourteenth day. In a situation where the primary analysis is performed later than the fifth day of illness, the reliability of the result is sharply reduced.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections in children

There is a wide range of therapeutic measures used for acute respiratory infections in children, which most parents use without the knowledge of the pediatrician, however, it should be borne in mind that with improperly organized and inappropriate medical care, the risk of developing frequent episodes of acute respiratory infections with the formation of chronic infectious foci and complications of the underlying disease increases significantly. All this can be avoided by following the doctor's recommendations for the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children.

The most common mistake in the treatment of a child suffering from acute respiratory infections is the desire to reduce body temperature even in a situation where it does not reach high levels. With a fever, it is necessary to improve heat transfer in all possible ways, for which you should remove warm tight clothes from the child, wipe the skin with water at room temperature. In no case should any alcohol solutions be used to wipe the child, as they can provoke the development of intoxication in the child's body.

As antipyretics, preference should be given to drugs whose active ingredient is Paracetamol, the effect of which lasts 3 hours or Ibuprofen, which lasts up to 6 hours (Eferalgan based on the weight of the child, Nurofen 5 ml orally). These drugs have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and, at the same time, a wide range of side effects in the form of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, stool disorders, bleeding of various localization. Unlike the above medicines, Analgin, which is used to lower the temperature, can provoke the development of more severe complications in the form of damage to the function of the hematopoietic system, and therefore its use is not allowed for children with acute respiratory infections. Repeated use of the same antipyretic drug is allowed only after four hours in order to prevent overdose. Another common mistake in the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children is the regular use of antipyretic drugs, which should be used only with a significant increase in body temperature.

Phytotherapy is widely used in the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children. As medicinal herbs used in the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children, a variety of herbal preparations containing chamomile, calendula, sage, eucalyptus are used, which are used for gargling, oral administration. When using herbal preparations, one should not forget that they are also medicines, therefore they have contraindications and side effects. Particular care should be taken when using herbal medicine for children who differ in the presence of.

With regard to the use of the antibacterial component of the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children, there are clear indications and contraindications. Under no circumstances should antibiotics be used for every episode of ARI in children. In the general structure of the incidence of acute respiratory infections, cases of the viral origin of this disease significantly prevail, so the widespread use of antibiotics cannot be considered appropriate.

There is a myth that the routine use of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections in children can prevent the development of bacterial complications. In fact, the unreasonable prescription of antibacterial drugs provokes the suppression of the growth of normal microflora, thereby opening the way for the reproduction of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics in the organs of the respiratory system.

Unreasonable prescription of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections in children often causes the multiplication of drug-resistant pathogens, the development of intestinal dysbacteriosis, and a decrease in the child's immunity. Thus, the uncomplicated course of acute respiratory infections in children is not an indication for the use of antibacterial drugs. In a situation where the use of antibiotics is indicated for a child suffering from acute respiratory infections, preference should be given to the penicillin group (Augmetin 250 mg per day).

As a means of symptomatic orientation in acute respiratory infections in children, the use of vasoconstrictor drugs for the treatment of rhinitis should be considered. When prescribing intranasal vasoconstrictor drugs such as Nazivin to a child suffering from acute respiratory infections, it should be borne in mind that these drugs have a short pharmacological effect and do not affect the cause of rhinitis at all. Nazivin 1 drop in each nasal passage can be used for no more than three days, after which it should be replaced with another drug in order to prevent the development of complications in the form of atrophy of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.

When prescribing intranasal vasoconstrictor drops to children with acute respiratory infections, one should not forget that with their uncontrolled use, rapid absorption of the active substance and the development of a toxic effect on the structures of the cardiovascular system and the brain are possible. Before using any intranasal preparations used to eliminate the manifestations of rhinitis in acute respiratory infections in children, the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity should be thoroughly cleaned, for which saline solutions such as Aquamaris are used.

In the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children, one should be extremely careful when prescribing antitussives. Antitussive codeine-containing drugs are recommended to be used only in case of severe cough accompanied by vomiting (Libexin 0.025 g three times a day). Also, the use of expectorant drugs in relation to young children suffering from acute respiratory infections should be extremely careful, since as a result of increased stimulation of the cough center in the medulla oblongata, aspiration of the respiratory tract may develop.

In the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children, one should not resort to prescribing physiotherapy at home in the form of pepper applications, rubbing, since such manipulations can provoke burns to the skin.

ARI in children - which doctor will help? If you have or suspect the development of acute respiratory infections in children, you should seek advice from such doctors as a pediatrician, an infectious disease specialist.

Abbreviations ORZ and ARVI ( acute respiratory disease and acute respiratory viral infection) - one of the most common diagnoses that a local doctor or pediatrician can make, when, when examining a patient, there is a characteristic symptom of inflammation of the respiratory tract. Both terms indicate the presence of inflammation, which takes place in an acute form in the respiratory section of the human respiratory system.

The development of ARI causes any infection capable of infecting the ciliary epithelium of the respiratory tract. The main method of infection is the inhalation of air containing an infectious agent. An exception may be adenoviral infection, for which the oral route of entry (for example, with water) is possible.

ARI is widespread in various countries of the world, they affect representatives of different social groups, people of different sex, age, race. They account for a third of the total annual incidence. For example, on average per year with influenza or other acute respiratory infections, adults get sick more than twice, schoolchildren or students 3 times or more, and children attending preschool institutions get sick 6 times.

The difference between ARI and SARS is the key reason that caused the disease. In the case of SARS, it is a viral infection. In the list of the main causes of the development of respiratory diseases, the following are most often distinguished:

• hypothermia;
• Bacterial infection (including chronic);
• viral infection;
• Allergic reaction to the action of foreign substances.

The isolation of ARVI from the group of respiratory diseases is primarily due to the difference in the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases. However, p According to many authors, about 90-92% of morbidity falls on the share of acute respiratory viral infections in the structure of acute respiratory infections.

Brief description of the causative agents of acute respiratory infections

The development of a respiratory infection in an acute form occurs due to bacteria and viruses belonging to various families and genera, as well as mycoplasmas and chlamydia. Possible combinations in the form:

1. virus virus infection,
2. Virus-bacterial infection,
3. Virus-mycoplasma infection.

The clinical picture of such forms of acute respiratory infections may have similar manifestations with varying severity of the course of the disease and the spread of infection.

The greatest contribution to the overall incidence of acute respiratory infections is made by a viral infection, which is caused by:

• Rhinoviruses;
• Coronaviruses;
• Respiratory syncytial viruses.

The defeat of local immunity and the development of inflammation of the respiratory organs can provoke further development bacterial:

1. (calls "typical");
2. Respiratory mycoplasmosis and chlamydia.

flu virus, depending on the season and the prevalence of one type or another, can contribute 20-50% contribution to the overall incidence of respiratory diseases. It belongs to the family orthomyxoviruses, whose genome consists of RNA molecules, is distinguished by the presence of neuraminidase and hemagglutinin molecules on its surface, which provide the antigenic variability of this virus. The most variable type A differs from the stable types B and C in that it very quickly changes its structural properties and forms new subtypes. Virus particles have a rather weak resistance in warm climates, but are resistant to low temperatures (from -25 to -75 ºС). Warm and dry climates, as well as exposure to low concentrations of chlorine or ultraviolet light, inhibit the spread of the virus in the environment.

adenovirus infection cause DNA containing viruses family of the same name, differing in genomic composition. Adenovirus infection in terms of incidence can compete with the influenza virus, especially in the group of children from 0.5 to 5 years. The virus does not have a high variability in relation to the antigenic structure, however, it has 32 types, of which the 8th one causes damage to the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye (keratoconjunctivitis). The entrance gate for adenovirus can be the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and enterocytes of the intestine. Adenoviruses are able to persist in the environment for a long time; regular ventilation is required to disinfect the premises, and mandatory treatment with bleach solution or ultraviolet irradiation.

parainfluenza virus belongs to the same family of myxoviruses as the influenza virus. At the same time, the infection it causes has a course different from influenza and its own characteristic features. Parainfluenza contributes about 20% to ARI in adults and about 30% to childhood morbidity. He belongs to the family paramyxoviruses, whose genome contains an RNA molecule, differs from other viruses in the relative stability of the antigenic component. 4 types of this virus have been studied, which cause damage to the respiratory tract, mainly the larynx. A mild form of parainfluenza develops as a result of infection with a type 1 and type 2 virus, which causes hoarseness and cough. A severe form develops when infected with a virus of the 3rd and 4th type, accompanied by spasm of the larynx () and severe intoxication. The parainfluenza virus is unstable and quickly destroyed (up to 4 hours) in a well-ventilated area.

In the structure of a viral respiratory infection rhinoviruses occupy 20-25% of morbidity cases. They belong to the family picorno viruses, whose genome consists of an RNA molecule. The strains are able to actively multiply in the ciliary epithelium of the nasal cavity. They are extremely unstable in the air, lose their ability to cause infection when they are in a warm room for 20-30 minutes. The source of infection are virus carriers, the rhinovirus spreads by airborne droplets. The gate for the infectious beginning is the ciliary epithelium of the nasal cavity.

Respiratory syncytial infection is caused by paramyxovirus RNA. a distinctive feature of which is the ability to cause the development of giant multinucleated cells (syncytium) throughout the respiratory tract - from the nasopharynx to the lower parts of the bronchial tree. The virus poses the maximum danger for infants in the first months of life, since it can cause severe damage to the bronchi of various calibers. A severe form of infection causes up to 0.5% mortality in the group of children under one year old. At the age of up to three years, stable immunity is formed in children, so the incidence of respiratory syncytial infection rarely exceeds 15%. The virus is extremely unstable in the external environment.

Coronavirus infection contributes 5-10% of cases to the structure of SARS. Infection of adults is accompanied by damage to the upper respiratory tract, in children it penetrates deep into the broncho-pulmonary tissue. Coronovirus belongs to the family pleomorphic viruses, containing an RNA molecule in the genome. Viruses are not resistant when exposed to indoor air.

Features of the development of ARI

Often, it is quite problematic to separate acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections without complex methods of clinical laboratory diagnostics, only by external signs, among which the most pronounced can be considered:

The cause of the development of a runny nose is:

1. Decreased resistance of the organism under the influence of allergens (dust, smoke, gas and aerosols);
2. Weakening of local resistance, as a result of hypothermia of the limbs or the whole body (colds).

Symptoms and differences between acute respiratory infections and SARS

A characteristic symptom of acute respiratory diseases is intoxication of the body, which is accompanied by:

1. General weakness;
2. Body temperature up to 37.5-38ºС for acute respiratory infections and 38-39ºС for ARVI;
3. The development of catarrhal inflammation.

Often the question arises of the difference between a viral and bacterial respiratory infection. The importance of this issue lies in the choice of treatment tactics and the appointment of either antiviral or antibacterial drugs.

When viral infection The most typical symptoms are:

• Sudden onset of symptoms of the disease;
• A sharp rise in temperature to 39-40ºС;
• Lack of appetite;
• Characteristic moist luster of the eyes;
• Scanty discharge from the nasal cavity;
• Flushed face (especially cheeks);
• Moderate cyanosis (blue) of the lips;
• Perhaps the development of herpes rashes in the lips;
• Head and muscle pain;
• Painful reaction to light;
• Lachrymation.

The symptoms of viral infections, in some cases, are very similar, therefore to assess exactly which virus caused the disease accurately, only laboratory diagnostic methods can for example, immunofluorescence assay (ELISA). However in the development of some viral infections there are characteristic features:

When bacterial infection the development of the disease is characterized by:

• Gradual deterioration of the patient's condition;
• Body temperature, as a rule, does not rise above 38.5-39ºС and can be maintained for several days;
• The presence of a characteristic;
• Characteristic tingling and tingling of the sky;
• Enlargement of the submandibular and behind the ear lymph nodes.

It is important when analyzing the symptoms of the disease to take into account the age of the patient. Since the symptoms of the disease can manifest themselves differently in infants, preschoolers, school-age children, adults and the elderly.

Infants up to 6 months maternal antibodies (immunoglobulins of the IgG class) are stored in the blood, therefore, the development of both viral and bacterial infections, as a rule, does not occur if the requirements for caring for children of this age are observed. In children after 6 months, antibodies disappear, and their own are not yet produced in the right amount, the child's immunity "gets acquainted" with foreign agents and adapts to the new environment on its own. Therefore, in the case of a disease, a bacterial infection, as well as a viral infection, can develop rapidly.

The nature of the development and course of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections in infants older than 6 months and up to 3 years deserves special attention. There may not be a pronounced clinical picture in children of this age, but the following signs should alert the mother:

1. pale skin;
2. Refusal of breastfeeding;
3. Decreased body weight gain.

A rapidly developing viral infection can be joined by a bacterial infection, which aggravates the course of the disease and leads to the development of complications in the form of:

Perhaps the development of coccal infection in the form of meningitis and meningoencephalitis.

Among these complications, croup syndrome or spasm of the larynx should be distinguished.

This is a fairly common occurrence in infants, which is characterized by some genetic and seasonal predisposition. Long-term observations show:

1. Croup syndrome is more likely to occur at night when the child is in a horizontal position;
2. Among children, it is more common in boys than in girls;
3. More pronounced in children with white skin, blond hair and blue eyes;
4. Occurs more likely in a dry and poorly ventilated area.

Often, there are no characteristic signs that signify laryngospasm. During the day, the child is active, mobile, there are no changes in appetite or mood, body temperature is normal. There may be some nasal congestion. The acute phase develops at night, the child has a short barking cough, he wakes up from suffocation, screams. A cry stimulates an increase in spasm of the muscles of the larynx, so parents should not panic, but try, as far as possible, to calm the child and call an ambulance. Self-medication, in the case of croup, is by no means impossible. However, during that time while the ambulance is on the way, you should open the window, ventilate and humidify the room, or take the child to the bathroom and turn on the water. The more humid the atmosphere in the room, the easier it will be for the child to breathe. Ambulance specialists to relieve croup syndrome, most likely, will inhale an adrenaline solution. After that, they will recommend going to the hospital, where the mother and child will have to spend at least a day.

The appearance of acute rhinitis in children is accompanied, as a rule, by the spread of the inflammatory process to the pharynx, with subsequent development. Given that the space of the nasopharynx is connected through the Eustachian tube with the cavity of the middle ear, in young children there is a high probability of complications in the form of acute otitis media. The impossibility of nasal breathing in infants leads to the fact that he cannot suckle effectively at the breast. He has, after a few sips, to switch to mouth breathing, which leads to rapid fatigue and malnutrition of breast milk.

In young children, infection with dust particles may penetrate into the deeper parts of the respiratory tract, which can cause the development of inflammation not only of the larynx, but also damage to the trachea or bronchi. In all these organs, the mucosa is also covered with ciliated epithelial cells and is susceptible to infection.

Some features in the morphology of the respiratory tract also contribute to the development of infection in children:

• The glandular structures of the mucosa and submucosa are not sufficiently developed, as a result of which the production of immunoglobulin is reduced;
• The layer underlying the mucous membrane is formed by loose fiber, poor in elastic fibers - this lowers the tissue's resistance to maceration;
• Narrow nasal passages, the lower passage is not formed (up to 4 years);
• The narrow diameter of the larynx (from 4 mm in a newborn to 10 mm in a teenager), which contributes to the development of stenosis (narrowing) of the larynx in the event of even a slight edema.

In children aged 3-6 years, a bacterial infection, as a rule, develops less rapidly. Therefore, before the temperature rises, the previous signs of the disease appear, causing a premorbid background:

1. Pale skin and mucous membranes;
2. Some decrease in the activity of the child (lethargy);
3. Decreased appetite;
4. Possible mood swings.

Most children of this age attend preschool and may be in constant contact with a source of a viral infection, the development of which can provoke a bacterial infection and a regular return of the disease (relapse).

At an older age, immunity is strengthened in children and adults, so the regularity of the incidence begins to decline. At the same time, the premorbid background becomes less noticeable and the symptoms of a mild viral infection (or a cold) practically do not appear. The development of a bacterial infection comes to the fore, accompanied by:

• development;
• Inflammation of the tonsils (, or);
• Inflammation of the trachea;
• Bronchitis and bronchiolitis;

Clinical observations show that in adults, a viral infection that develops in the form of a runny nose, with proper care (plenty of warm drinking, adherence to the regimen, etc.), does not descend further along the respiratory tract.

In older people (over 60 years old), due to a weakened immune system, there is a protracted course of SARS. There is a high probability of complications, among which the problems of the heart and vascular system come to the fore. Intoxication of the body and the subsequent increase in temperature, for people of this age, is not characteristic. The body temperature slowly rises to 38ºС and is held for a long time, exhausting the body's strength. The duration of the course of the disease is one and a half times longer than in people of other age groups.

SARS during pregnancy pose a danger to the developing embryo in the early stages. Viral infections are especially dangerous because they are able to pass through the mother's placental barrier to the fetus, causing infection. In addition, a variant is possible in which the infection affects the placenta itself, thereby causing a violation of the transport of nutrients and gases (CO 2 and O 2). The most dangerous period is the first 2-3 weeks, when the mother may still not know about the development of the fetus. The presence of infection during this period can lead to termination of pregnancy due to detachment of the fetal egg. If the mother falls ill at 4-6 weeks of gestation, fetal damage can lead to disruption of organ laying, which can cause malformations. Therefore, it is important to remember that an infection such as the common flu poses a significant threat and requires, at the slightest sign, an urgent referral to a specialist.

Video: what is the difference between ARVI and acute respiratory infections - Doctor Komarovsky

Treatment of acute respiratory infections

When treating a patient at home, the following rules must be observed:

1. Limit the communication of the patient with acute respiratory infections with household members, if possible, isolate him from contact with children and the elderly;
2. The patient should use separate dishes, cutlery and a towel;
3. It is important to regularly ventilate the room in which the sick person is located, preventing hypothermia;
4. Maintain humidity in the room at least 40%.

Depending on the causes causing the development of a respiratory infection, treatment tactics should be aimed at both eliminating the cause of the disease, i.e. disease-causing agent, as well as on the resulting symptoms of the disease. In this case, they say that etiotropic and symptomatic treatment should be carried out.

Etiotropic treatment for ARVI includes the use of 2 groups of drugs:

• Antiviral drugs aimed at blocking the antigenic structure of the virus;
• Immunomodulatory drugs aimed at activating the cells of the immune system that produce antibodies to the virus.

The group of antiviral drugs includes drugs-inhibitors:

1. Remantadine;
2. Oseltamivir (commercial name Tamiflu);
3. Arbidol;
4. Ribaverin;
5. Deoxyribonuclease.

When using this group of drugs, there are restrictions on their use for the treatment of children and adults. These limitations are due, on the one hand, to insufficient knowledge of side effects, and, on the other hand, to the effectiveness and expediency of their use in relation to one or another strain of the virus.

Remantadine it is advisable to use in case of influenza infection caused by type A2. Its antiviral action is aimed at the process of virus reproduction in host cells. Contraindicated in pregnant women and children under 7 years of age.

Well-known drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir), also has its own characteristics - it has been established that taking this drug, in the case of an influenza infection, should be started no later than 48 hours after the onset of symptoms of the disease. In this case, one should take into account the fact that the incubation period for the influenza virus is one of the shortest and can range from 12 to 48 hours. The use of oseltamivir is indicated for children over 12 years of age.

Arbidol- a drug that blocks the penetration of the influenza virus into the cell. In addition, it stimulates the production of antibodies, therefore, it is included in the group of immunostimulating antiviral drugs. According to the instructions, it is used against influenza and coronovirus infections. The drug is indicated for children from the age of 3 years.

ribaverin- a drug that suppresses the synthesis of viral molecules of RNA or DNA that have entered the cell, as well as specific viral proteins. Ribaverin shows the highest activity against respiratory syncytial virus and adenoviruses, but practically does not affect the development of rhinovirus infection. Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, as well as for use under the age of 18! Due to the high risk of side effects, ribaverin is used only in the intensive care unit.

It is important to remember that the use of complex chemotherapeutic antiviral drugs for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in children and pregnant women is possible only at the direction of the attending physician, in order to avoid severe complications from acute respiratory viral infections.

In cases where the source of the viral infection is not precisely established, it is more appropriate to use immunomodulating drugs:

• Interferon preparations or interferon inducers (cycloferon, anaferon, amixin, vitamin C, ibuprafen);
• Bronchomunal;
• Oibomunal;
• Cridanimod (Viferon, Influferon);
• Aflubin;
• Immunomodulatory spray (IRS-19);
• Immunal (echinacea preparations).

The use of drugs of the immunomodulatory group has a more universal purpose, since the drugs themselves do not have a direct effect on viruses. They stimulate the production of cytotoxic components of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, which provide phagocytosis, as well as the production of specific antibodies by B-lymphocytes, which convert viral particles into an inactive form.

Symptomatic treatment for SARS includes:

1. Bed rest during an increase in body temperature;
2. Decrease in body temperature (antipyretics);
3. Liquefaction and excretion of sputum (expectorants and mucolytics);
4. Restoration of breathing through the nose (vasoconstrictor drugs);
5. Increasing the overall resistance of the body (vitamins).

Etiological treatment of acute respiratory infections caused by bacteria, mycoplasmas or chlamydia involves the use of antibiotics. Moreover, indications for the use of antibiotics are only cases of severe disease and the presence of risk factors. The most common bacterial pathogens are:

• pneumococci ( Streptococcus pneumoniae);
• hemolytic streptococcus; ( Streptococcus pyogenes);
• (H. influenzae).

The standard for the treatment of non-viral acute respiratory infections is the use of three groups of antibiotics:

Beta-lactam antibiotics:

1. Ampicillin;
2. Amoxicillin;
3. Clavulate (often in combination with amoxicillin).

A group of these drugs prevents the formation of a shell of predominantly gram-positive bacteria, thereby exerting a bacteriostatic effect.

macrolide antibiotics, which include the well-known antibiotic erythromycin, as well as lesser known drugs:

• Josamycin;
• Spiromycin;
• Clathrimycin.

The listed drugs are also used to fight the infection caused by mycoplasmas and chlamydia, as well as the development of streptococcal or pneumococcal infections, in case of replacement of lactam antibiotics that cause allergies.

Macrolides are included in the group of antibiotics with minimal toxicity. However, in some cases they cause:

1. headache;
2. nausea;
3. vomiting or diarrhea with abdominal pain.

They have a limitation in use - not shown for the following groups:

• pregnant women;
• breastfeeding women;
• Infants up to 6 months.

In addition, macrolides can accumulate and are slowly cleared from cells, allowing microorganisms to produce an adapted population. Therefore, when prescribing drugs of this group, it is imperative to notify the doctor that the patient has previously taken macrolides in order to select an antibiotic to which the infectious agent does not have resistance.

Antibiotics cephalosporins (I-III generation)- a group of drugs with bactericidal, i.e. stopping the growth of bacteria. These drugs are most effective against Gram-negative bacteria. Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus spp., which are the causative agents of purulent tonsillitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. This group of drugs includes:

1. Cefazolin;
2. Cefuroxime;
3. Cefadroxil;
4. Cephalexin;
5. Cefotaxime;
6. Ceftazidime.

Cephalosporins are highly resistant to the enzymatic system of microorganisms that destroy antibiotics of the penicillin group.

Taking an antibiotic depends on the severity of the course of acute respiratory infections, with the right choice of antibiotic, the effect can occur in a week, but the drug should in no case be stopped if the course prescribed by the doctor takes a longer period. One of the most important rules in the treatment of antibiotics should be followed: continue taking the antibiotic for another 2 days after the onset of the effect.

A separate issue is the prescription of antibiotics for pregnant women with acute respiratory infections and women who are breastfeeding healthy children. In the first case, taking antibiotics is possible only for serious indications, in the second case, it should be remembered that all three groups of antibiotics can pass into breast milk. Therefore, the use of these drugs should be carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician, if indicated.

In relation to pregnant women, antibiotics can be divided into 3 groups:

• Prohibited antibiotics (eg, tetracycline, fluoroquinolines, clarithromycin, furazidin, streptomycin);
• Acceptable antibiotics in extreme cases (eg, metronidazole, furadonin, gentamicin);
• Safe antibiotics (penicillin, cephalosporin, erythromycin).

Each antibiotic shows its negative effect on the development of the fetus, depending on the period of pregnancy. The most dangerous period is the time of laying the organs and systems of the body (first trimester), therefore, in the early stages of pregnancy, antibiotics should be avoided if possible.

Video: all about SARS - Doctor Komarovsky

Prevention of acute respiratory infections and SARS

For the prevention of acute respiratory infections of bacterial or viral etiology, experts advise adhering to the following recommendations:

1. Limit contacts during seasonal epidemics (going to crowded places - theatre, cinema, public transport during rush hours, large supermarkets, especially with small children, i.e. to any places where excessive crowding is possible);
2. Conduct regular cleaning of the premises using disinfectants (chloramine, chlorine, dezavid, deoxon, etc.);
3. Ventilate the room and maintain optimal air humidity in the range of 40-60%;
4. Include in the diet foods rich in ascorbic acid with vitamin P (bioflavonoids);
5. Regularly rinse the nasal cavity and throat with infusion of chamomile or calendula flowers.

World statistics show that vaccination can reduce the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections by 3-4 times. However, one should approach the issue of vaccination carefully and understand in what cases it is necessary to be vaccinated against a particular virus.

Currently, the prevention of SARS is mainly aimed at vaccination against influenza. The practice of influenza vaccination has been shown to be justified for so-called risk groups:

• Children with chronic lung diseases, including asthmatics and patients with chronic bronchitis;
• Children with heart disease and hemodynamic disorders (arterial hypertension, etc.);
• Children, after the procedure of immunosuppressive therapy (chemotherapy);
• People suffering from diabetes;
• Elderly people who may come into contact with infected children.

In addition, it is recommended to vaccinate against seasonal influenza in September-November in preschool, school institutions, for the staff of clinics and hospitals.

Live (rarely) and inactivated vaccines are used for vaccination. They are prepared from strains of the influenza virus, which are grown in the liquid of a chicken embryo. The response to the introduction of the vaccine is local and general immunity, which includes direct suppression of the virus by T-lymphocytes and the production of specific antibodies by B-lymphocytes. Inactivation (neutralization) of the virus is carried out using formalin.

Influenza vaccines are divided into three groups:

1. Inactivated whole-virion vaccines are used, due to low tolerability, only in the senior school group and for adults;
2. Subvirion vaccines (splits) - these vaccines are highly purified, recommended for all age groups, starting from 6 months;
3. Subunit polyvalent influenza vaccines - such vaccines are prepared from derivatives of the viral envelope, this group of drugs is the most expensive, since it requires high purification and concentration of virus-containing material.

Among the drugs used in vaccination can be called:

When using a particular vaccine, local or general reactions may occur, accompanied by:

1. malaise;
2. Slight redness at the injection site;
3. Increase in body temperature;
4. Muscle and headache.

Particular attention on the day of vaccination should be given to children. Vaccination requires a preliminary examination of the child by the attending physician. It should be remembered that if there is a suspicion or signs of any infection are already showing, vaccination should be postponed until the body has completely recovered.

Video: treatment of acute respiratory infections, Dr. Komarovsky

The diagnosis of acute respiratory infections is well known to every mother, because in children under 10 years old it can occur about 6-7 times a year. ARI, or acute respiratory infections, is a whole complex of diseases that are caused by different types of viruses (parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus). Once upon a time, children were immediately prescribed antibiotics to treat them, but today the approach to the treatment of respiratory infections has changed significantly, and some ailments can be cured even without the use of drugs.

In order to prescribe adequate therapy to the child when the first symptoms appear, it is first necessary to correctly determine the disease. There are significant differences between acute respiratory infections and a cold: the common cold occurs due to hypothermia of the body, and the causes of acute respiratory infections are viruses and bacteria that are present in the surrounding atmosphere.

The symptoms of a cold are usually less pronounced, develop rather slowly and do not grow, and respiratory infections (especially parainfluenza) proceed rapidly: from the moment of infection to the moment the first signs appear, it can take 1-2 days, and sometimes several hours.

As for SARS and acute respiratory infections, in the first case the disease is caused by viruses, and in the second by bacteria, but even doctors often use these concepts as synonyms.

In any case, it is not recommended to independently diagnose and prescribe treatment for a child, since in some cases (for example, with tonsillitis or bacterial infections), the use of antibiotics and other potent drugs is fully justified, and sometimes they are simply useless.

Typically, the incubation period of acute respiratory infections lasts up to 5 days, after which the following symptoms appear:

• rhinitis (discharge of a transparent color), nasal congestion, sneezing;
• cough, hoarseness and sore throat;
• increase in body temperature up to 38-39 degrees;
• headaches, muscle pain, ear pain;
• irritability, drowsiness, or, conversely, excessive activity;
• lack of appetite;
• general malaise.

The most unpleasant and severe symptoms of acute respiratory infections occur in the first few days, when the virus is actively multiplying, and the immune system has not yet given an adequate response.

In children over the age of 5 years, the disease lasts about a week, and the kids get sick for 10-14 days. If ARI was accompanied by a strong cough, it can last about 3 weeks after recovery.

The main task of parents in the treatment of respiratory diseases in a child is not only to help him cope with the disease, but also not to harm the body. Unfortunately, many parents in this case choose the wrong tactics, as a result of which the disease is delayed or complicated. So, what steps are not recommended to take in the treatment of acute respiratory infections in a child?

1. Do not bring down the temperature below 38-38.5. For infants under 2 months, the allowable temperature threshold is 38 degrees, for children older than 2 months - 38.5. Fever means that the body is actively fighting pathogens, so parents who are in a hurry to bring down the fever deprive the baby's body of natural protection and allow viruses to actively multiply. Exceptions are children who suffer from convulsive syndrome at high temperatures, as well as patients with intrauterine malformations of the central nervous system and heart, impaired metabolism, blood circulation and other congenital diseases. In such cases, the temperature should be brought down immediately.
2. Do not use antipyretics without a reason. Antipyretic drugs are allowed to be used up to 4 times a day, but it is recommended to do this only when the temperature rises above the permissible limits. Prohibited drugs also include complex drugs for the treatment of influenza like Coldrex and Fervex. In fact, they are a mixture of paracetamol with antihistamine components and vitamin C, and can only blur the overall picture of the disease and mask complications.
3. Do not put warm compresses at a temperature. Warm compresses and ointments should only be used in the absence of fever, otherwise they will only aggravate the disease, and even lead to the development of obstruction, a dangerous condition that can lead to respiratory arrest. It is also not recommended to use popular compresses and rubdowns from vinegar and alcohol - even in small doses, these substances can cause poisoning or intoxication.
4. Do not give your child antibiotics without appropriate prescriptions. Taking antibiotics is a crucial step, so the doctor should make a decision after conducting research and tests. Such drugs fight bacteria well, but they are powerless against viruses. In addition, together with harmful microorganisms, antibiotics destroy beneficial microflora and reduce immune defenses.
5. Do not dress your child in overly warm clothing. Many parents believe that additional hypothermia during acute respiratory infections will only aggravate the disease, however, overheating will not bring anything good. The best option is spacious light clothing in several layers and a thin blanket (if the child wears diapers, it is also better to remove them - urine creates a greenhouse effect, which also leads to overheating). Thus, the body will freely lose heat and independently regulate the temperature.
6. Do not force the baby to eat or lie down. Do not ignore the requirements of the child's body during illness. Most children refuse to eat during such periods, which is an absolutely normal phenomenon, since all the energy is directed to the fight against the disease. Bed rest is indicated only in severe cases, so forcing the baby to constantly lie in bed is also not worth it - he will lie down on his own if he feels bad.

The first actions of adults should be aimed at creating an atmosphere around the baby that promotes the body's fight against viruses.

1. Healthy atmosphere. The least favorable environment for bacteria and viruses is moist, cool air (temperature - 20-21 degrees, humidity - 50-70%). In addition, in such an atmosphere, mucus does not accumulate in the respiratory tract of the child, which greatly facilitates her well-being. Accordingly, in the room where the baby is located, you need to create the appropriate temperature and humidity - regularly ventilate the room and hang wet rags on the batteries.
2. Plentiful drink. With colds and viral diseases, the body actively loses fluid, so you need to drink the patient often and plentifully. Drinking should be non-carbonated and approximately correspond to body temperature - that is, it should not be too hot, but not cold. If the child shows signs of dehydration (dry tongue, infrequent urination), you need to give him a saline solution to drink: " Regidron», « Humana Electrolyte" etc.
3. Washing the nose. It is necessary to rinse the nose with acute respiratory infections as often as possible, using preparations with sea water for this (“ Humer», « Aquamaris», « Marimer”), regular saline solution or homemade sea salt solution (a teaspoon in two glasses of water). They well dry the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, wash off pathogenic microorganisms from it and thin the mucus.

Subject to these simple rules, the treatment of acute respiratory infections will require no more than 5-6 days. If the symptoms do not go away or worsen, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Medications for acute respiratory infections in a child

Antivirals

Drugs that activate the production of interferon and contribute to the destruction of viruses will bring much more benefit and less harm, but there are several nuances here. The body gets used to antiviral drugs much faster than to other drugs, so you should not use them without special need or as a prophylaxis (with the exception of a number of drugs that are approved for prophylactic use). Antiviral drugs used to treat acute respiratory infections are divided into two groups: extended-acting drugs and those aimed at combating respiratory infections. Choose a specific drug should be based on the age of the baby and the characteristics of the disease.

Flu medications

Name	Image	The form	Child's age	Application features
"Tamiflu"		Capsules, powder for suspension	From 1 year (during pandemics allowed for use from 6 months)	Fights influenza A and B viruses. Can be used as a prophylactic after contact with infected people. Dosage depends on the age of the patient
"Orvirem"		Syrup	From 1 year	Treatment and prevention of influenza A. Take after meals according to the appropriate scheme, gradually reducing the dose
"Rimantadine"		Tablets	From 7 years old	Treatment of Influenza A. Take by mouth starting the first two days after the onset of symptoms. The average dose is 50 mg twice a day

Complex preparations

Name	Image	The form	Child's age	Application features
"Grip-Heel"		Tablets	Since birth	Homeopathic remedy for influenza and acute respiratory infections. Has no side effects, can be used as a prophylactic
"Viferon"		Candles rectal	Since birth	It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, including those complicated by a bacterial infection. Dosage depends on the age of the patient
"Grippferon"		Nasal drops	Since birth	The drug comes into direct contact with the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, where viruses multiply most actively. It is not addictive, does not require additional symptomatic treatment. The average dose is 1-2 drops 3-5 times a day
"Anaferon" for children		Tablets	From 1 month	It is used for the treatment of acute respiratory infections and complex therapy of bacterial infections. Treatment should begin immediately after the onset of symptoms. Can be used to prevent respiratory diseases
"Arbidol"		Tablets	From 3 years old	Treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections, influenza A and B. Reduces the risk of complications. In therapeutic doses, there are practically no side effects.
"Kagocel"		Tablets	From 3 years old	Prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections. Take according to the scheme depending on the age of the patient

Before using any of the above drugs, you should make sure that there are no allergic reactions, and also consult your doctor.

Cold drops

Any drugs against the common cold, with the exception of drops based on salt water, are recommended to be used only in cases where the disease causes serious discomfort to the child. In the initial stages of the disease, when liquid clear mucus is released from the nasal passages, vasoconstrictors can be used to reduce swelling and make breathing easier. The drugs in this group include:

• "Nazivin";
• "Otrivin";
• "Sanorin";
• "Vibrocil";
• "Tizin".

It is important to remember that vasoconstrictor drops for children (especially under the age of 3 years) should have a reduced concentration. In addition, you must strictly observe the dosage and do not use drugs for more than 5 days, otherwise they can be addictive.

In the later stages of rhinitis, when the mucus becomes thick and difficult to remove from the nasal passages, antibacterial drugs can be used: Collargol», « Protargol», « Pinosol". These tools also have their own characteristics and disadvantages. "Protargol" contains silver ions, which effectively kill most bacteria without the use of antibiotics, but silver is not excreted from the body on its own and tends to accumulate in tissues. "Pinosol" is a natural preparation based on essential oils, which has a mild long-lasting effect, but thick oils impede the natural outflow of mucus.

Cough preparations

ARI usually begins with a dry cough, after which the sputum begins to flow, and the cough becomes wet. It is not recommended to actively fight cough with respiratory infections - it is a natural protective reaction of the body and contributes to the removal of bacteria and viruses from the body. Expectorant and mucolytic drugs are recommended to be taken only in cases where acute respiratory infections are complicated by bronchitis or pneumonia and only for medical reasons (under the age of 2 years, most drugs that thin sputum are prohibited). If the child has a sore throat, use cough drops (" Bronchicum», « Linkas"") or sprays (" Ingalipt», « Pharyngosept», « Tantum Verde»).

Folk remedies

The use of folk remedies against acute respiratory infections in children should also be balanced and thoughtful, since they can also cause side effects and allergic reactions (especially for infants under one year old).

The best way to deal with ARI in children is not treatment, but prevention. To reduce the risk of respiratory infections, the child needs proper nutrition, hardening (within reasonable limits), taking vitamins and regular walks in the fresh air. During periods of pandemics, it is better to avoid crowded places, lubricate the baby's nostrils with oxolin ointment before going outside, and after returning home, rinse the nasal passages with preparations based on sea water or saline.

Video - Treatment of acute respiratory infections in children