How is croup treated in children. True croup

What is croup? How does it arise? How is it manifested? This will be discussed further in the article. We will also talk about how to treat this disease.

Causes

Inflammation of the airways, complicated by narrowing of the larynx (stenosis) is called croup. Its main manifestation is a croaking or barking dry cough.

Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the larynx, the named disease is most susceptible to young children. Croup disease in children is more common between the ages of 6 months and 5 years and less often at an older age.

The larynx is narrow in children. It has a conical shape, and with swelling that develops due to coughing, it narrows even more. This makes breathing difficult. In especially severe cases, edema is able to completely block the child's breathing. But it should be noted that the disease is not independent. The pathological condition of a child with croup is a combination of symptoms of other ailments.

So, for example, the cause false croup can serve as a viral respiratory disease:

flu;
parainfluenza;
adenovirus;
measles;
SARS.

In some cases, the disease can be triggered by chemical or thermal burn larynx, allergic reactions. The cause of the described pathology can also be a disease of other respiratory organs:

tracheitis;
rhinitis;
pharyngitis.

True and false

So what is croup? What are its types? There are two types of this disease - true and false. Both diseases manifest themselves in the same way. But the causes of croup (true and false) are different. In both cases, laryngeal edema develops and a characteristic cough appears.

False croup occurs as a result of viral respiratory diseases. Sometimes it is caused by pathogenic bacteria such as streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. Much less often it can be caused by chlamydia or mycoplasmas, as well as fungal bacteria.

The cause of true croup is severe airborne infection, diphtheria. The causative agent of this disease is a diphtheria bacillus.

Croup stages

In medicine, 4 stages of false croup are distinguished. They are classified according to the degree of stenosis (narrowing) of the larynx:

compensated stenosis. At this stage, the child's condition is calm, breathing is slightly rapid, consciousness is clear, there may be a slight blue around the mouth. When breathing, there is a visible retraction of the jugular fossa and skin on the ribs. From time to time there is a characteristic cough.
compensated stenosis. The patient's condition is deteriorating. Consciousness remains clear, but the child shows anxiety, especially during seizures. Respiration and pulse noticeably quicken, strong tension of the skin in the region of the ribs, collarbones and larynx. When inhaling, a whistle appears, hoarse sounds, a croaking cough, the voice is hoarse. There is cyanosis in the nasolabial region.
decompensated stenosis. Breathing is superficial, the pulse quickens, confusion, the skin turns blue. Coughing fits become more frequent.
Asphyxia. Very serious condition. The patient is unconscious, the skin is cyanotic due to lack of oxygen, the pulse is very frequent, interspersed with slowdowns. Breathing is shallow and rare. In this state, the child may have convulsions and loss of consciousness, with severe asphyxia, a fatal outcome is possible.

Symptoms

Signs of false croup appear on the second or third day of a viral infectious disease upper organs breathing.

The main features that characterize croup:

characteristic barking / croaking cough, constantly recurring;
shortness of breath and noisy breathing, especially in calm state;
hoarse voice.

During bouts of coughing, the child shows great anxiety. Secondary Symptoms groats - heavy sweating, quickening breathing and pulse, fever, possible nausea.

Due to increased respiratory failure, all signs intensify, the child's skin on the face and body turns blue, wheezing is heard on inspiration, strong agitation is replaced by a inhibited state, body temperature rises.

First aid for a child before the arrival of a doctor

Attacks of croup most often occur at night. This happens because a child who has been in horizontal position, there is an outflow of blood from the tissues and swelling of the larynx increases. This condition is aggravated by dry hot air, which negatively affects the condition of the mucosa.

During an attack of coughing, the child may be frightened, begins to act up and cry. It is very important to calm him down without showing unnecessary anxiety. Since the child can feel it and get even more nervous. And his condition will intensify the attack.

At the first signs of croup, parents should call ambulance. Until the doctor arrives, it is possible to alleviate the manifestation of symptoms.

Must be turned on in the bathroom hot water and create a steam room, the child should be in the room for some time. Bring the baby to open window or take out to the balcony, pre-wrapped warmly. Cool, moist air will help soothe your cough.

It should be remembered that with this ailment, inhalation with hot steam, hot rubbing and baths are contraindicated. Treatment of croup can not be carried out independently, it can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of the disease is established by an otolaryngologist or pediatrician.

First, the doctor examines the child, conducts auscultation (listening) of the lungs. In order to establish what form of the disease takes place - true or false croup - laboratory tests are prescribed:

bacterial culture of the mucous membranes of the larynx;
analysis blood PCR and ELISA to exclude the presence of mycoplasma and chlamydia;
radiography;
examination of the larynx - microlaryngoscopy;
inoculation on Sabouraud's medium to rule out fungal infection.

Therapy at home

Treatment of croup at home is to alleviate and localize attacks, relieve swelling in the larynx. It is necessary to exclude factors that provoke the manifestation of seizures. Provide access to fresh air and do not give the child food that can irritate the inflamed larynx. Do not give citrus fruits, honey, raspberry jam. Shown abundant warm drink.

The air in the room where the sick child is located should be cool and humid, not higher than +19°C. Additionally, humidifiers can be used.

Worth giving to a child warm milk With mineral water borjomi or soda. Such a drink dilutes sputum and moisturizes the mucous membrane of the larynx. For this, one part of mineral water and two parts of milk are taken. Instead of Borjomi, you can use any other alkaline water. Useful mineral inhalations using a nebulizer.

To relieve attacks, it is worth doing mustard foot baths. For this, it is necessary to warm water dissolve mustard powder(2 tablespoons) and keep your feet in the water for 5-10 minutes. In the presence of a temperature above 37.5 ° C, heating the legs is contraindicated.

Useful warm compresses on the chest and larynx, cans on the back. It is possible to carry out treatment at home only with the manifestation of false croup at the initial stage and for children from 3 years old. In other cases, the child needs hospitalization. Treatment is carried out in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. And at the III or IV stage of the disease, hospitalization in the intensive care unit and intensive care is provided.

Drug treatment of an ailment in children: what drugs are used?

We found out what croup is. And how to treat it? What medications are used? In order to relieve spasms of the larynx, the child can be given the anesthetic drug "No-shpu". To reduce swelling of the larynx, antihistamines are indicated. At high temperature antipyretics such as Nurofen or Panadol are used. When the temperature rises above 38 degrees, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen should be given.

Do not give your child antitussive drugs without a doctor's prescription.

Since false croup is caused by a viral infection, antibiotics are not used in its treatment. Antibacterial and antifungal drugs the doctor prescribes if the disease is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection.

With severe swelling of the larynx, the doctor prescribes the following medications:

"Prednisolone".
"Prednisone".
"Hydrocortisone".
"Dexamethasone".
"Budesonide".

Antihistamines are also used (Suprastin, Dimedrol, Fenistil), and antitussives (Codeine, Termopsis, Prenoxdiazine, Oxeladin) are also prescribed.

If possible, it is better to take antitussives in the form of syrups. Lozenges and lozenges, aerosol preparations help to alleviate the condition. Appointed and sedatives: motherwort tincture, valerian, drugs with bromine.

False View Features

A disease like croup scares parents. However right action them and timely help specialists will help to avoid the consequences of the disease. Since this is basically childhood disease Parents are interested in the following questions:

up to what age should be on the lookout;
how is false croup transmitted in children.

Symptoms and treatment this disease also interesting for moms and dads.

There is no unequivocal answer to the question of how old a baby can develop such an ailment. Since everything is purely individual. Croup syndrome affects children from 6 months to two years. As the child grows older, the likelihood of developing croup also decreases. In children after the age of five, the syndrome does not manifest itself.

Another pressing question is how is false croup transmitted in children? Here, experts advise isolating the child for the period of treatment. Since the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Causes of a false type of illness

What are the known causes of false croup in children? More often the syndrome manifests itself in children with weakened immune systems. It is also believed that children breastfeeding less prone to disease than babies on artificial.

The appearance of croup is facilitated by:

tendency to allergic reactions;
overweight in a baby;
rickets;
presence of diathesis.

Transfer to newborns birth injury or fetal hypoxia increases the possibility of his manifestation of the syndrome.

Possible complications after the disease

False croup, diagnosed at the first stage, is quickly cured and has no complications. After the start of therapy at this phase of the disease, the child quickly recovers.

If the syndrome is diagnosed at the second and third stages, without proper treatment, bacterial infection. As a result, a purulent film appears on the larynx, the infection spreads further along the respiratory tract, affecting nearby organs. May develop:

pneumonia;
sinusitis;
meningitis;
otitis;
acute tracheobronchitis.

Prevention of illness in children

We found out what croup is, now let's talk about the prevention of this disease. The described disease is a set of symptoms caused by viral infections. Syndrome prevention is:

V general hardening child;
vitamin therapy;
the use of natural phytoncides (onion, garlic).

In order to prevent attacks from recurring, you should monitor the humidity and cleanliness of the room, making regular wet cleaning and airing.

The child should be dressed according to the weather so that he does not overheat and does not get cold. The baby needs frequent walks in the fresh air and balanced diet nutrition.

A small conclusion

Now you know what true and false croup is in children. We also examined in detail the symptoms and treatment of pathology in the article. We repeat that with a timely diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease, the prognosis is favorable. However, parents should not forget that relapses of false croup are possible. For this, houses must be necessary funds for first aid in the event of an attack.

True croup is an inflammatory pathology affecting the region of the larynx and its lumen. hallmark disease is a gradual development of symptoms, passing through three stages. When taking a smear in patients with true croup, a diphtheria bacillus is found.

True croup

True croup has significant differences from false. The symptoms appear spontaneously, and the narrowing of the lumen changes during the day. Attacks occur most often at night.

At the same time, they can be repeated just every two days, and once every few months. True croup always goes through three stages with the gradual development of symptoms:

Dysphonic stage, which proceeds without certain signs of obstructive processes;
Stenotic, on which obstruction is already manifesting;
Asphyxia, in which the patient suffers from shortness of breath, heavy breathing and may even choke.

Edema in the area vocal cords gradually aggravates dysphonia (voice disorder) up to aphonia (loss of voice). The voice does not increase when crying, screaming, coughing. If it has come, then crying and coughing become silent. False croup never leads to aphonia, although it may be accompanied by some hoarseness. The amplification of the voice during coughing or screaming persists.

With true croup, catarrhal changes are found on the mucous surfaces of the larynx with edema and hyperemia. At the same time, in addition to narrowing the lumen on the walls of the larynx, a characteristic diphtheria plaque is observed, which can also affect the throat area. The plaque is removed very difficult, and small sores are found under it.

With false croup, catarrhal inflammation, stenosis of the larynx are accompanied by accumulation in the affected area thick mucus V in large numbers. Plaque may be present, which is simply removed from the surface.

What is the difference between true croup and false

Causes

The cause of true croup is defeat diphtheria bacillus and development of diphtheria. The most common pathology affects children whose upper respiratory tract is still developing. The disease is most often observed in a child if:

Weakened immunity;
Even in the womb, he suffered fetal hypoxia;
Received a birth injury;
Sick with rickets;
Has chronic diseases;
Sick of diathesis.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of true croup:

Gradual decrease in the function of the vocal cords - a decrease in the volume of the voice up to complete aphonia;
Noisy, wheezing breathing;
Difficulty swallowing;
to high marks;
Severe intoxication of the body;
Loss of appetite;

Symptoms proceed gradually along the growing without paroxysmal course. Patients with true croup are subject to immediate hospitalization in infectious department.

What is the difference between true croup and false, says Dr. Komarovsky:

Urgent Care

The main danger of diphtheria croup is. If there are no relevant skills, then it is not recommended to do anything.

It is impossible to give the patient solutions, syrups, oral medications that can close the narrowed passage and cause asphyxia, followed by lethal outcome. In such states, it is assigned hormonal drug type or by injection. If the effect does not follow, then after 20-30 minutes a second dose is administered at the rate of 2-5 mg / kg and 10-20 mg / kg, respectively.

IN without fail an ambulance is called to necessary therapy and take the patient to the ward infectious hospital. There, depending on the nature of the course of the disease, doctors will decide which detoxification, antihistamine drugs to use, and whether it is necessary to use antidiphtheria serum.

How to provide first aid for croup, see our video:

Differential Diagnosis

Diagnostics is carried out using:

External examination of the patient and his questioning;
holding;
Taking .

It is important to differentiate pathology from viral croup,.

Throat on examination

Treatment

Treatment is exclusively inpatient with hospitalization in the infectious diseases department. The following drugs are used in this case:

Human immunoglobulin;
Antispastic therapy;
Dehydration therapy;

Croup is a syndrome of damage to the larynx, which is characterized by choking, barking cough, noisy breathing and hoarse cough. This disease develops with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea, there are two types of croup - this is false and true. True croup, that is, diphtheria croup is characterized by hoarseness, difficulty breathing, the patient is present. And similar phenomena diseases are on the rise. The hoarseness increases, leading to loss of voice, and at the end of the first week and the beginning of the second week after the onset of the first symptoms, respiratory distress develops. As a result, the patient's breathing can be heard at a distance, the child rushes about the bed, turns blue and quickly weakens, and his cardiac activity drops, so timely medical help is very important for such a disease. Otherwise, such a disease can lead to death.

False croup develops against the general background of acute respiratory diseases, influenza, scarlet fever, measles, chicken pox and other conditions in which there are barking cough, shortness of breath and hoarseness. In most cases, these phenomena become the first signs of the disease. And unlike diphtheria croup, with this form of the disease, shortness of breath appears suddenly.

Causes of croup

If a child has a true croup, then it instantly affects the vocal cords, and there is also a change in the mucous membrane of the larynx. With the development of the disease, inflammation begins to spread to the mucous membrane of the trachea, further to the bronchi and then to the bronchioles. If this is a false croup, then it develops against the background of such viral diseases, like parainfluenza, measles, herpes, as well as against the background of various bacterial infectious diseases that are not of a diphtheria nature. In addition, false croup can be a consequence of injuries of the larynx, chemical burns, allergic reactions, if present foreign body V respiratory tract or in the throat. Another reason for the appearance of false croup in children may be a reaction to preventive vaccination on the background . Concerning infants, then among the causes of the disease at this age may be rickets, increased neuromuscular excitability. The risk group for this disease includes people with thymic-lymphatic or exudative-catarrhal diathesis.

Croup symptoms

by the most frequent symptoms croup become rough barking cough, nausea and fever. And in the most severe cases, there is difficulty in breathing the patient. In addition, the patient has a noticeable wheezing, which is especially evident during the crying of a sick child. Moreover, wheezing can also be heard in a normal calm state, which indicates that this is already a critical narrowing of the airways. When diagnosing croup, you should make sure that there are no other possible causes for difficulty breathing, for example, it could be the ingress of a foreign body into the airways. If there is a deterioration in the condition of a sick child, then he may experience blue lips and skin, permanent profuse salivation, rapid breathing. Of course, in such a situation, it is necessary to immediately call a doctor so that measures are taken for admission required dose oxygen into the patient's airways.

Croup treatment

In most cases, croup goes away on its own. A sick child should be calmed, then his face should be washed with cool water, then sit him down and let him breathe in the steam. And in the room where the patient was, you need to create a cool temperature regime, for example, the air temperature in the room should be only 18 degrees and no more. The humidity in the room should be optimal and for this you can use a humidifier. Be sure to give the patient only a warm drink, it can be warm milk or Borjomi water. In addition, treatment with antihistamines, sputum thinners and. If it is true croup, then it is treated with early administration of antibiotics and antidiphtherias. In severe stages of the disease, steroids and psychosedatives are prescribed, and in some cases, patients are intubated. When the patient developed retropharyngeal abscess he will need surgery.

One of the most accessible and simple ways croup treatments are therapeutic inhalations. However, it should be remembered that for the treatment of croup, inhalation should be carried out only with saline or ordinary steam. It is strictly forbidden to use means for inhalation plant origin, which can cause irritation of the mucous membranes. If the course of the disease is milder, then ambulatory treatment where children are under medical supervision. If the disease is severe, then the child will need urgent hospitalization. If the child has a false croup of the middle course, then the doctor prescribes glucocorticoid hormones orally, and if there is no possibility of swallowing due to swelling, then the drug is prescribed in the form of injections or. With a severe form of croup, the most effective method treatments are inhalation of a solution of adrenaline with the help of which is necessary to obtain a fine solution as active substance. If a child has severe or average degree course of the disease, then such children are subject to hospitalization, where they will be under the supervision of specialists.

It is an inflammatory process in the larynx with a pronounced narrowing of its lumen, which makes breathing difficult. It develops in children mainly in preschool age. Croup is not an independent disease, it is pathological condition- a syndrome of another disease.

The development of croup in children is promoted anatomical features structures of the larynx:

narrow funnel-shaped (and not cylindrical, as in adults) shape of the larynx;
loose mucous membrane;
a large number of blood vessels;
features of the innervation of the larynx in children are the cause of reflex spasm of the muscles of the larynx.

These features create conditions for rapid development swelling of the mucosa and an increase in the severity of the croup, a pronounced narrowing of the glottis. How less age baby, the heavier the croup.

Causes and mechanism of croup development

Above - a healthy bronchus, below - the wall and lumen of the bronchus with croup.

Allocate true and false croup. Both lead to a narrowing of the larynx, but the mechanism of development and the causes of their appearance are different. The cause of true croup is diphtheria, a severe airborne infection caused by diphtheria bacillus.

False croup can develop with a number of viral infections:

with measles;
whooping cough;
parainfluenza;
adenovirus infection and other acute respiratory viral infections.

It can also be caused by bacterial flora:

streptococcus;
hemophilic bacillus;
staphylococcus.

Much less often, the cause of false croup is mushrooms and specific pathogens(chlamydia, mycoplasma,).

Immediate causes cereals are such phenomena:

pronounced swelling of the mucosa due to inflammation;
reflex spasm (sharp contraction) of the muscles of the larynx, narrowing its lumen;
accumulation in the lumen of the larynx of mucus or fibrinous films.

In any case, stenosis occurs at the level of the vocal cords, since it is the glottis that is the narrowest point in the airways. Due to stenosis, inhalation is difficult, which leads to a decrease in the volume of oxygen entering the respiratory tract, to the subsequent development of oxygen starvation in tissues (hypoxia).

At first, the body tries to compensate for the condition by increasing breathing and strengthening the work of the respiratory muscles, as evidenced by the retraction of the intercostal spaces in the child during breathing. But the breakdown is coming soon compensatory mechanisms, the flow of air at a far advanced stage of stenosis of the larynx stops. Asphyxia (suffocation) develops with a fatal outcome.

There are differences in the mechanism of development of true and false croup:

with true croup, the steadily progressing swelling of the mucosa and the accumulation of diphtheria films are of primary importance;
false croup develops mainly due to a sudden reflex spasm of the muscles of the larynx and blockage of the lumen with thick mucus.

Therefore, true croup develops gradually, with increasing respiratory failure, and false - suddenly and quickly, in the form of an attack.

The development of croup in children with infectious disease contribute to the following factors:

transferred fetal hypoxia at the stage of intrauterine development;
birth injury;
rickets;
exudative diathesis;
chronic pathology of organs;
increased nervous excitability of the child.

Classification

Of no small importance for clinicians is the division of croup according to the mechanism of development into false and true.

Due to development, false croup is viral and bacterial.

True croup is diagnosed in stages:

catarrhal (dysphonic croup);
stenotic;
asphyxia.

With a false croup, the degrees of stenosis are distinguished:

I st., or compensated stenosis;
II stage, subcompensated stenosis;
III stage, decompensated stenosis;
IV stage, terminal stage of stenosis.

Symptoms

True croup develops more often at the end of the 1st week of diphtheria. Initially, with the catarrhal stage of stenosis, against the background elevated temperature and symptoms of intoxication in the form of decreased appetite and weakness of the child appears and. Breathing becomes whistling, noisy, audible at a distance. Stenosis develops gradually catarrhal stage can last several hours (up to 3 days).

Continues to increase during stenotic stage respiratory failure, breathing is difficult, when breathing, retractions of the intercostal spaces are noticeable. The voice gradually weakens, sometimes completely disappears. Even the baby's crying and coughing become silent. noisy breathing(stridor) can be heard in the distance. Increasing symptoms of heart failure. Skin nasolabial triangle acquire a bluish tint.

The asphyxic stage is manifested by a violation of the rhythm of breathing, it becomes intermittent. The blueness of the skin extends to the extremities. Arterial pressure falls, the child loses consciousness, convulsions occur. With absence medical care death occurs by suffocation.

false croup develops suddenly, often at night. On the background subfebrile temperature, anxiety and fright of the child appear hoarseness (due to inflammation of the vocal cords), shortness of breath with difficulty breathing, barking cough. The beginning of the development of the syndrome is similar to true croup, but significant differences appear in the future.

There is no development in stages, the narrowing of the larynx increases rapidly, within a few hours. However, with false croup, there is never aphonia (absolute loss of voice), the voice is preserved during coughing and crying.

Signs of hypoxia increase depending on the degree of obstruction (blockage) of the lumen of the larynx: anxiety can be replaced by lethargy, local cyanosis of the skin is common. Increased heart rate (tachycardia) is replaced in the stage of decompensation by a slowing of the pulse (bradycardia).

Shortness of breath can become mixed, with difficulty in both inhalation and exhalation. Paradoxical breathing may appear: in the process of inhalation, the size chest decreases, and on exhalation - expands. With an abundant accumulation of mucus and in the larynx, the breath becomes bubbling. If the spasm of the muscles of the larynx prevails, then a decrease in the noise during breathing indicates an increase in stenosis.

Diagnostics

The characteristic symptoms and results of the examination of the child allow the doctor to diagnose croup. During the examination, laryngoscopy is used (examination of the larynx using a special device - a laryngoscope), listening to the chest. Whistling dry rales are heard in the lungs. The presence of wet rales indicates an aggravation of the process.

Laryngoscopy for true croup allows you to detect redness and swelling of the mucosa, narrowing of the lumen of the larynx and fibrinous films typical of diphtheria. Films can also be observed when examining the pharynx: they are distinguished by dense attachment to the mucous membrane, they are difficult to remove, and when they are removed, a bleeding ulcer is formed.

Laryngoscopy for false croup reveals swelling, redness, stenosis of the larynx and significant amount mucus.

From additional methods diagnostics apply:

microscopic analysis of a throat swab;
bacteriological analysis of a throat swab;
PCR to detect the causative agent of the underlying disease;
ELISA - identification of the pathogen by detecting specific antibodies;
study of the acid-base state in the blood and gas composition it to assess the degree of hypoxia.

Treatment

A child with croup needs urgent medical advice.

If you find signs of croup, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Before the arrival of the doctor, parents can provide first aid to the child:

it is necessary to ensure the supply of fresh air (open windows);
give the child a warm alkaline drink;
the child needs to be seated or picked up, because in the prone position it is more difficult for him to breathe;
if you have a home, you can do inhalation with an alkaline solution;
as a distracting procedure, you can put mustard plasters on your shins;
give (Claritin, Suprastin, Tavegil, Tsetrin) to reduce edema and allergic mood of the body.

At true croup treatment is carried out in a hospital.

Appointed:

the introduction of antidiphtheria serum (intravenously or intramuscularly, depending on the severity);
detoxification therapy: drip introduction solutions into a vein, in severe cases - hemosorption, plasmapheresis;
glucocorticosteroid drugs;
antiallergic drugs;
cardiovascular drugs (according to indications).

With severe stenosis of the larynx and the threat of asphyxia, a tracheotomy operation is performed - dissection of the trachea and the introduction of a special tube to ensure the flow of air into the lungs.

In treatment false croup (preferably in a hospital setting) are used:

antispastic drugs (No-shpa, Platifilin);
antiallergic drugs (Suprastin, Claritin, Cetrin, Tavegil);
(with the development of croup in the first 3 days of a viral infection): Nazoferon, Proteflazid, Viferon, etc .;
antibiotics for bacterial infection;
glucocorticoids (prednisolone) for decompensated and subcompensated stenosis;
(Oxeladin, Prenoxdiazine, Glaucine) or mucolytics (Ambroxol, Acetylcysteine, Carbocysteine) depending on the nature of the cough;
oxygen therapy.

In severe cases, with the threat of asphyxia, a tracheotomy is indicated.

Prevention

Prevention of diphtheria (the cause of the development of true croup) is to vaccinate the child. According to the vaccination calendar, it is carried out from the age of 3 months three times with an interval of 30-40 days (traditionally after 45 days). Revaccination is carried out after 9-12 months. after the last vaccination and every 10 years thereafter.

Such a false croup specific prevention does not have. To prevent its development, it is necessary to increase defensive forces child's body these preventive measures:

hardening of the child (regular and gradual);
daily walks in the fresh air;
balanced diet;
active lifestyle;
compliance with the daily routine and sufficient sleep;
exclusion of hypothermia of the child.

A pediatrician will advise on the method of hardening a child - there is different approaches and methods (rubbing, dousing, contrast showers, etc.). One way is to harden the throat: daily gargling with water with gradual decline its temperature (from room to ice). The main rule in this case is gradual and regular hardening(within a few months).

An important point in the prevention of false croup is timely and proper treatment viral and bacterial infections.

Summary for parents

Croup is a life-threatening condition for a child. Reliable protection from true croup are vaccinations against diphtheria. Parents should not lightly abandon them, thereby exposing the child to the risk of developing diphtheria with its serious complications, one of which is croup.

With false croup, the situation is more complicated, because it is quite difficult to completely protect a child from viral infections. With the development of a false croup, parents should not panic, but be able to provide first aid. There is no need to refuse hospitalization of the child, even if the ambulance doctor managed to cope with an attack at home - no one can rule out the development of a false croup again. In a hospital, assistance will be provided on time and in full.

About the treatment of croup in children in the program "School of Dr. Komarovsky":

Elena Malysheva in her program also talks about false and true croup in children:

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

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

For a false form of the disease, inflammation of a catarrhal nature is characteristic, while it is accompanied by swelling of the larynx. The disease affects the ligaments, which can change the voice. This disease provoked various viruses- influenza, parainfluenza, measles, etc.

Symptoms of false croup

The child's breathing becomes difficult this phenomenon called stridor, when there is a stabbing, wheezing breath. The reason for the sounds during inhalation is the swelling of the larynx, the more it spread, the more quantity produced noise.

With an increase in the noise level, the development of edema can be determined, this situation requires emergency care. Before stridor develops, it is possible to develop a dry cough, which is characteristic of most respiratory diseases.

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

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

The patient should be treated accompanied by a doctor, under his constant supervision, to observe increased caution with secondary infection.

The manifestations of the disease are highly dependent on the stage of development, in total there are 4 stages:

Stenosis of the larynx has a small volume, manifests itself only when physical activity or heightened anxiety. For diagnosis, an examination is performed, which examines a long breath and some wheezing with a whistling sound, they usually appear on inspiration;
The next stage of development is characterized by shortness of breath even at rest. When a child inhales, movement is visually observed in the jugular fossa, and retraction can also be felt in the spaces between the ribs. When listening, rales of dry origin are clearly distinguishable. At the same time, it is possible oxygen starvation, which is manifested by a bluish color in the region of the nasolabial gap. Additionally, a change in the rhythm of sleep is possible (usually the patient sleeps poorly, wakes up often) and arousal;
The 3rd degree is characterized by the formation of inspiratory dyspnea, while the intercostal spaces are drawn in and epigastric region. There is a distinct "barking", while accompanied by dysphonia and pathological change breathing. Additionally, there is increased anxiety, which is periodically replaced by drowsiness, lethargy, confusion;
On last step"barking" and noises during breathing disappear, but it becomes superficial, arrhythmic. Possible bradycardia, hypotension, convulsions, confusion, in some cases comes to hypoxic coma. Lack of treatment can lead to asphyxia, and it provokes death.

Timely treatment is simply necessary, with signs of false croup, you should immediately seek help, with feeling unwell an ambulance is called.

First aid for false croup

Predominantly, the symptoms of false croup are aggravated at night. This is provoked by the fact that during sleep, the blood flow in the larynx increases, but the outflow decreases somewhat, creating favorable conditions to form edema.

Breathing can be even more difficult if, along with croup, ARVI with nasal congestion is also manifested. Then the sputum from the larynx dries out due to the intensive movement of air and becomes more difficult to separate.

What not to do:

Some parents at self-treatment, not understanding the cause of the disease, resort to standard methods- mustard plasters, rubbing with essential oils. This cannot be done, since the substances have enough pungent odor, which can provoke an attack of severe coughing;
Honey is quite effective various diseases respiratory tract, but if the child is allergic to it, it can provoke even more swelling and aggravate the severity of the course;
You can not give antitussive drugs that suppress the cough center and reduce its intensity, since sputum accumulates quickly enough. The body reacts quite normally to these deposits, but it can be helped by taking medicines to facilitate expectoration. With this disease, it is better to resort to syrups, they have a faster effect.

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

You need to fill the bath, the water must be hot and add to it drinking soda per eye approximately 2-3 tbsp. The child is required to be in the bathroom, which is saturated with moisture, the air becomes warm and at the same time alkaline. It is necessary to leave the child here until the arrival of the doctor. The air in the bathroom helps to somewhat reduce spasmodic processes, as well as slightly thin the sputum, making it easier to separate. To enhance the effect, you can prepare a bowl with hot water for steaming feet and hands, the temperature should be high, but gentle on the skin - +40 ° C.
With false croup, warm drinks, such as milk, are excellent. Add a pinch of soda to it and some mineral water without gas.
The child needs to stimulate the discharge of sputum, the easiest, old-fashioned way is to press on the root of the tongue with a handle from a teaspoon. Need to provoke vomiting reflex, but initially do not bring it to it, touching it a little, the patient will have an attack of coughing, and subsequently induce vomiting.
If you have an inhaler, you can carry out the procedure with a 0.05% mixture of naphthyzinum, apply for 5 minutes. To prepare the solution, it is necessary to mix 1 to 1 0.05% medicine and saline, initially it is enough to prepare 2 ml. If the concentration of the drug is higher (0.1%), then the proportion changes 1 to 2. If there is no inhaler, you should drip the solution into the nostrils - 2-3 drops for each. The position of the child can be any, depending on how it will be easier for him to breathe. Bed rest should not be imposed.

Treatment of false croup with medications

Any patient who has manifestations of a respiratory disease should undergo an examination, and it is better to stay in a hospital until the disease is determined and the initial control by a doctor.

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

False croup in adults is extremely rare, mainly due to allergic reaction. The basis of treatment for an adult is the use of antiallergic drugs. Among antihistamines, almost anyone can be preferred, it is recommended: Gismanal, Trexil, Telfast, etc. It is also possible to stop a cough with antitussive drugs.

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

In general, for the treatment of false croup, apply various drugs, depending on the nature of the occurrence, but there are the most effective means.

Inhaled corticosteroids with the help of adrenaline-containing preparations are most actively recommended for use. Corticosteroids are very effective against inflammatory processes, allow you to eliminate swelling in the mucous surface. The use of corticosteroids is justified even for initial stages diseases and without them the acute form is not complete. At the same time, the drugs have practically no side effects.
The appropriateness of using the drug should be carefully and carefully assessed if the child has diabetes or tuberculosis (even in remission), as well as chicken pox. Otherwise, there is a risk of regression of the disease.
You can use dexamethasone, the dosage is calculated from the ratio of 0.6 mg of the substance per 1 kg of the child's weight. This allows you to reduce the severity of the disease during the first time. It is introduced into the body intravenously and intramuscularly, it can also be consumed orally. The method of use depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases.
As inhalation solution berodual can be used, which helps with most diseases of inflammatory origin in the respiratory tract. At inpatient treatment inhalation with a mixture of epinephrine may be used.
It is very individual, but antitussive drugs can be used - this is possible with a clean false croup without complications of SARS and sputum formation. In this case, the cough becomes unproductive, you can use: codelac, codeine, tusuprex, libexin. Sedatives are also prescribed as needed.

Folk remedies for the treatment of false croup

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

warming up

It is natural that hoarse voice creates an unnecessary load on the larynx and provokes certain damage, discomfort in the patient. It is better at this stage to minimize communication, and engage in warming up. It is useful to arrange breathing procedures to moisturize and stimulate sputum discharge (if any). Warming helps to reduce pain swelling and relieve coughing spells.

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

Vomiting reflex

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

Inhalation

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

Drink plenty of liquid

You need to drink a lot, but in small doses. Normal will do too pure water but to improve palatability you can use a little lemon juice. Can be alternated with milk.

Use of kerosene

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

Collection tincture

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

false croup in acute stages very dangerous, so it is necessary to take timely action to eliminate the disease on early stages. The croup develops quickly enough, so you need to as soon as possible take the child to the hospital.

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