URT diseases in children. Inflammation of the respiratory tract: symptoms, causes and treatment features

The respiratory system is one of the most important “mechanisms” of our body. It not only fills the body with oxygen, participating in the process of respiration and gas exchange, but also performs a number of functions: thermoregulation, voice formation, sense of smell, air humidification, hormone synthesis, protection from environmental factors, etc.

At the same time, the organs of the respiratory system are perhaps more likely than others to encounter various diseases. Every year we suffer from acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and laryngitis, and sometimes we struggle with more serious bronchitis, sore throat and sinusitis.

We’ll talk about the characteristics of respiratory system diseases, their causes and types in today’s article.

Why do diseases of the respiratory system occur?

Diseases of the respiratory system are divided into four types:

Infectious– they are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi that enter the body and cause inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. For example, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throat, etc.
Allergic– appear due to pollen, food and household particles, which provoke a violent reaction of the body to certain allergens and contribute to the development of respiratory diseases. For example, bronchial asthma.
Autoimmune diseases of the respiratory system occur when a malfunction occurs in the body and it begins to produce substances directed against its own cells. An example of such an effect is idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis.
Hereditary– a person is predisposed to the development of certain diseases at the genetic level.

External factors also contribute to the development of respiratory system diseases. They do not cause the disease directly, but can provoke its development. For example, in a poorly ventilated area, the risk of getting ARVI, bronchitis or tonsillitis increases.

This is often why office workers suffer from viral diseases more often than others. If air conditioning is used in offices in the summer instead of normal ventilation, the risk of infectious and inflammatory diseases also increases.

Another mandatory office attribute - a printer - provokes the occurrence of allergic diseases of the respiratory system.

The main symptoms of diseases of the respiratory system

Respiratory system disease can be identified by the following symptoms:

cough;
pain;
dyspnea;
suffocation;
hemoptysis

A cough is a reflexive protective reaction of the body to mucus accumulated in the larynx, trachea or bronchi. By its nature, cough can be different: dry (with laryngitis or dry pleurisy) or wet (with chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis), as well as constant (with inflammation of the larynx) and periodic (with infectious diseases - ARVI, influenza).

Coughing may cause pain. Those suffering from diseases of the respiratory system also experience pain when breathing or in a certain position of the body. It may vary in intensity, location and duration.

Shortness of breath is also divided into several types: subjective, objective and mixed. Subjective appears in patients with neuroses and hysteria, objective occurs with emphysema and is characterized by a change in the rhythm of breathing and the duration of inhalation and exhalation.

Mixed dyspnea occurs with pneumonia, bronchogenic lung cancer, tuberculosis and is characterized by an increase in respiratory rate. Also, shortness of breath can be inspiratory with difficulty in inhaling (diseases of the larynx, trachea), expiratory with difficulty in exhaling (with damage to the bronchi) and mixed (thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery).

Choking is the most severe form of shortness of breath. Sudden attacks of suffocation may be a sign of bronchial or cardiac asthma. With another symptom of diseases of the respiratory system - hemoptysis - when coughing, blood is released with sputum.

Discharge can appear in cases of lung cancer, tuberculosis, lung abscess, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart defects).

Types of respiratory system diseases

In medicine, there are more than twenty types of diseases of the respiratory system: some of them are extremely rare, while others we encounter quite often, especially during cold seasons.

Doctors divide them into two types: diseases of the upper respiratory tract and diseases of the lower respiratory tract. Conventionally, the first of them are considered easier. These are mainly inflammatory diseases: acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, etc.

Diseases of the lower respiratory tract are considered more serious, as they often occur with complications. These are, for example, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, emphysema, etc.

Let us dwell on the diseases of the first and second groups, which are more common than others.

Respiratory system disease: Sore throat

Sore throat, or acute tonsillitis, is an infectious disease that affects the tonsils. The bacteria that cause sore throat are especially active in cold and damp weather, so most often we get sick in the fall, winter and early spring.

You can become infected with a sore throat through airborne droplets or through nutritional means (for example, by using the same utensils). People with chronic tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils and caries - are especially susceptible to sore throat.

There are two types of sore throat: viral and bacterial. Bacterial is a more severe form, it is accompanied by severe sore throat, enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes, and an increase in temperature to 39-40 degrees.

The main symptom of this type of sore throat is purulent plaque on the tonsils. The disease in this form is treated with antibiotics and antipyretics.

Viral sore throat is easier. The temperature rises to 37-39 degrees, there is no plaque on the tonsils, but a cough and runny nose appear.

If you start treating a viral sore throat in time, you will be back on your feet within 5-7 days.

Symptoms of sore throat: Bacterial – malaise, pain when swallowing, fever, headache, white plaque on the tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes; viral – sore throat, temperature 37-39 degrees, runny nose, cough.

Respiratory disease Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infectious disease accompanied by diffuse (affecting the entire organ) changes in the bronchi. Bronchitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses or the appearance of atypical flora.

Bronchitis comes in three types: acute, chronic and obstructive. The first one is cured in less than three weeks. The diagnosis of chronic is made if the disease manifests itself for more than three months a year for two years.

If bronchitis is accompanied by shortness of breath, it is called obstructive. With this type of bronchitis, a spasm occurs, due to which mucus accumulates in the bronchi. The main goal of treatment is to relieve spasm and remove accumulated mucus.

Symptoms: the main one is cough, shortness of breath with obstructive bronchitis.

Respiratory system disease Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic allergic disease in which the walls of the airways expand and the lumen narrows. Because of this, a lot of mucus appears in the bronchi and it becomes difficult for the patient to breathe.

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common diseases and the number of people suffering from this pathology is increasing every year. In acute forms of bronchial asthma, life-threatening attacks may occur.

Symptoms of bronchial asthma: cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, suffocation.

Respiratory disease Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an acute infectious and inflammatory disease that affects the lungs. The inflammatory process affects the alveoli, the end part of the respiratory apparatus, and they fill with fluid.

The causative agents of pneumonia are viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoan microorganisms. Pneumonia is usually severe, especially in children, the elderly, and those who already had other infectious diseases before the onset of pneumonia.

If symptoms appear, it is better to consult a doctor.

Symptoms of pneumonia: fever, weakness, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain.

Respiratory disease Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, there are four types:

sinusitis - inflammation of the maxillary paranasal sinus;
frontal sinusitis - inflammation of the frontal paranasal sinus;
ethmoiditis - inflammation of the cells of the ethmoid bone;
sphenoiditis – inflammation of the sphenoid sinus;

Inflammation with sinusitis can be unilateral or bilateral, affecting all paranasal sinuses on one or both sides. The most common type of sinusitis is sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis can occur with acute runny nose, flu, measles, scarlet fever and other infectious diseases. Diseases of the roots of the four upper back teeth can also provoke the appearance of sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis: fever, nasal congestion, mucous or purulent discharge, deterioration or loss of smell, swelling, pain when pressing on the affected area.

Respiratory disease Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs, and in some cases the genitourinary system, skin, eyes and peripheral (accessible for inspection) lymph nodes.

Tuberculosis comes in two forms: open and closed. In the open form, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is present in the patient’s sputum. This makes it contagious to others. In the closed form, there are no mycobacteria in the sputum, so the carrier cannot harm others.

The causative agents of tuberculosis are mycobacteria, transmitted by airborne droplets when coughing and sneezing or talking to a patient.

But if you come into contact, you won't necessarily become infected. The likelihood of infection depends on the duration and intensity of contact, as well as the activity of your immune system.

Symptoms of tuberculosis: cough, hemoptysis, fever, sweating, deterioration in performance, weakness, weight loss.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a non-allergic inflammation of the bronchi, causing them to narrow. Obstruction, or more simply, deterioration of patency, affects the normal gas exchange of the body.

COPD occurs as a result of an inflammatory reaction that develops after interaction with aggressive substances (aerosols, particles, gases). The consequences of the disease are irreversible or only partially reversible.

COPD symptoms: cough, sputum, shortness of breath.

The diseases listed above are only part of a large list of diseases that affect the respiratory system. We will tell you about the diseases themselves, and most importantly their prevention and treatment, on the page

The upper respiratory tract (URT) is represented by the nasal cavity and parts of the pharynx. The initial sections of the respiratory tract are the first to encounter viruses and bacteria, which cause a significant proportion of infectious diseases. Pathological processes also often develop as a result of injuries and systemic diseases. Some conditions are prone to spontaneous healing, while a number of other disorders require specialized medical care.

Upper respiratory tract diseases

The structure of pathological disorders in the upper respiratory tract can be rationally divided according to several criteria.

Regarding the level of the inflammatory process, they are classified:

Rhinitis is a disease of the nasal cavity.
Sinusitis is a pathology of the paranasal sinuses.
Particular variants of inflammation of the accessory sinuses: sinusitis (maxillary sinus), frontal sinusitis (frontal sinusitis), ethmoiditis (ethmoiditis).
Pharyngitis is a disease of the pharynx.
Combined lesions: rhinosinusitis, rhinopharyngitis.
Tonsillitis and tonsillitis are an inflammatory reaction of the palatine tonsils.
Adenoiditis is hypertrophy and inflammation of large pharyngeal lymphoid structures.

Pathologies of the upper respiratory tract develop under the influence of various factors. The main causes of damage to the upper respiratory tract are:

mechanical damage, injuries;
entry of foreign bodies;
allergy;
infections;
congenital features and developmental anomalies.

Symptoms and treatment

The most significant proportion of diseases are inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses and bacteria. All respiratory infections are characterized by the presence of catarrhal syndrome and general intoxication of the body.

Typical manifestations of inflammation at the local level include:

soreness;
edema;
redness;
increase in temperature;
organ dysfunction.

When the upper respiratory tract is damaged, mucociliary clearance changes. The formation of mucus by respiratory epithelial cells is disrupted. Rhinitis at the initial stage is characterized by abundant appearance of liquid secretion. Subsequently, the composition of the discharge changes to mucous and viscous mucopurulent. Pain syndrome is most characteristic of inflammatory processes of other localizations.

Manifestations of diseases are directly related to the level of damage and the etiological factor. Data from the patient's story about what worries him, a typical clinic and the results of a special examination allow the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.

Rhinitis

The condition develops as a result of exposure to infectious agents or upon contact with an allergen against the background of existing sensitization. An adult suffers up to 3-4 viral rhinitis per year. Bacterial inflammation of the nasal mucosa develops mainly against the background of an untreated runny nose.

Isolated rhinitis occurs in several phases:

Infants with a runny nose are capricious and cannot fully breastfeed.

The total duration of uncomplicated rhinitis is up to 7, sometimes up to 10 days. If a person promptly resorts to rinsing the nose with saline solutions and general treatment methods (hot foot baths, warming tea with raspberries, adequate sleep), the duration of the onset of a runny nose is reduced by 2 times.

The adaptive mechanisms of pathogens determine the emergence of resistance to nonspecific types of defense. In weakened people, rhinitis can last up to 2-4 weeks and develop into a chronic form.

During an influenza epidemic, when the typical symptoms of this acute respiratory viral infection develop, a patient with a mild course of the disease is indicated for bed rest. Then, as the condition improves, activity expands. An important component in treatment is the use of drugs that block neuraminidase (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir). The use of adamantanes (Remantadine) does not always reduce the viral load on the body.

Uncomplicated rhinitis with ARVI, as a rule, is cured using simple remedies. For a runny nose, vasoconstrictors are used with concomitant irrigation of the nasal cavity with solutions of sea water. There are combined sprays and drops that combine a decongestant and a saline component (for example, Rinomaris). The addition of bacterial inflammation requires instillation of antibiotics. An enhanced drinking regimen (teas, fruit drinks, warm water) is recommended for all patients. If elevated temperatures are poorly tolerated, they resort to paracetamol or ibuprofen. The basis of treatment for allergic rhinitis is eliminating contact with the allergen, taking antihistamines and subsequent hyposensitization therapy.

Sinusitis and rhinosinusitis

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is usually a complication of a runny nose. The basis of the disease is swelling of the mucous membrane of the accessory sinuses, increased mucus production in the latter and impaired outflow of secretions. In such conditions, a favorable environment is created for the proliferation of bacterial flora. Gradually, pus accumulates in the sinuses.

In addition to nasal congestion and the appearance of mucopurulent discharge, patients are bothered by headaches. Body temperature usually rises significantly. Lethargy and irritability develop. The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray examination of the sinuses. The images visualize areas of decreased aeration and areas of darkening of the sinuses.

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the infectious pathogen. For bacterial inflammation, antibiotics are prescribed in tablet form (less often in injection form). The use of vasoconstrictors, nasal lavage and drainage of the source of infection is indicated. Mucolytics (Rinofluimucil) help thin the viscous secretion and improve its removal from areas of “stagnation” of mucopurulent contents. In some cases, medical puncture of the sinus with evacuation of pus is indicated.

There is a method of treatment using YAMIK, carried out without a puncture. In this case, the contents of the sinuses are literally “sucked out” by a special device. An otolaryngologist can prescribe complex drops (Markova et al.).

Sinusitis often occurs against the background of rhinitis. Such patients experience a combination of pathological symptoms. The condition is classified as rhinosinusitis.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis

Acute inflammation of the pharynx is considered primarily as an acute respiratory viral infection or acute respiratory infection, depending on its viral or bacterial origin. Patients are bothered by a cough, a feeling of a lump and a sore throat. Unpleasant sensations intensify when swallowing. The general condition may worsen: there is a rise in temperature, weakness, lethargy.

On examination, granularity of the posterior wall of the pharynx is noted, and the appearance of pustules and plaques is possible. The mucous membrane is loose and red. Often this condition is accompanied by enlargement of the palatine tonsils. Tonsillitis is also manifested by looseness of the lymphoid tissue, hyperemia; with bacterial damage, the appearance of purulent plugs or translucent follicles with pus is observed. The patient's anterior cervical lymph nodes become enlarged and painful.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis can be combined or isolated, but with a persistent local picture.

Treatment of viral diseases is carried out by irrigating the throat with antiseptic solutions (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, Yox). Effective results are obtained by using infusions and decoctions of chamomile, rinsing with soda-salt water. The patient is advised to drink frequent warm drinks. Food must be mechanically processed (ground, boiled). Antipyretics are used symptomatically if necessary. For bacterial etiology of the disease, appropriate antibacterial therapy is prescribed.

Deviated nasal septum

This condition is represented by a persistent deviation of the bone and/or cartilaginous structures of the septum from the median plane and is quite common. The curvature is formed as a result of injuries, long-term improper treatment of chronic rhinitis, and individual developmental characteristics. There are various forms of deformation, including ridges and spines of the septum. The condition is often asymptomatic and does not require medical intervention.

In some patients, the pathology manifests itself as:

Due to the difficulty of aeration of the paranasal sinuses, severe curvature can be complicated by sinusitis and otitis. If, against the background of existing symptoms, another ENT pathology develops, they resort to surgical alignment of the septum.

Nosebleed

The condition develops after injuries, with systemic and respiratory diseases. There are three degrees of nosebleeds:

minor, in which the blood stops on its own, blood loss is minimal (a few milliliters);
moderate, up to 300 ml of blood is lost, hemodynamics are stable;
strong or severe - loss of more than 300 ml, disturbances in the functioning of the heart and even the brain appear (with blood loss of up to 1 liter).

As self-help at home, you need to apply cold to the bridge of your nose and press the nostril on the side of the bleeding. The head is tilted forward (it cannot be thrown back). It would be optimal to introduce turunda soaked in hydrogen peroxide. If bleeding does not stop, specialized nasal tamponade or cauterization of the bleeding vessel is required. In case of heavy blood loss, infusion of solutions and administration of medications (aminocaproic acid, Dicinone, etc.) are added.

Also, the pathology of the upper respiratory tract includes other diseases of the nasal cavity and pharynx, which are diagnosed by an otolaryngologist (hematomas, perforation with a whistling sensation through a pathological hole in the septum, adhesions and bridges between the mucous membrane, tumors). In such cases, only a specialist is able to conduct a comprehensive examination, the results of which determine the scope and tactics of treatment.

Damage to the upper respiratory tract by infection very often manifests itself in tracheitis. Moreover, this disease most often occurs during epidemics of influenza and ARVI.

Tracheitis is manifested by inflammation of the tracheal mucosa and can occur in both acute and chronic forms. According to doctors, infections are the main cause of inflammation of the trachea.

Trachea looks like a cartilaginous tube, consisting of one and a half dozen segments - rings. All segments are interconnected by ligaments of fibrous tissue. The mucous membranes of this tube are represented by ciliated epithelium. Mucous glands are present in large numbers on the membranes.

When the trachea becomes inflamed, its mucous membranes swell. There is tissue infiltration and the release of large amounts of mucus into the tracheal cavity. If the source of the disease is infection, then clearly visible pinpoint hemorrhages can be seen on the surface of the mucosa. When the disease enters the chronic stage, then the mucous membrane of the organ first hypertrophies and then atrophies. With hypertrophy, mucopurulent sputum is produced. With atrophy there is very little sputum. Moreover, the mucous membranes dry out and may even become crusty. Against this background, the patient develops a persistent dry cough.

Causes of tracheitis

Inflammation of the trachea may develop for the following reasons:

Infectious path of development. Various viruses and bacteria enter the upper respiratory tract and cause inflammation, which then spreads to the trachea. The disease can be caused by influenza virus, pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci and fungi.
Non-infectious path of development. Inflammation of the trachea can develop due to hypothermia of the upper respiratory tract or exposure to dust, chemicals, or steam.

The likelihood of developing tracheitis is much higher if a person is exposed to the following factors:

Climatic conditions: cold, high humidity and wind.
Reduced immunity.
Chronic diseases of the respiratory system.
Having bad habits.

Infectious infection, which causes inflammation of the trachea, usually occurs upon contact with a sick person or contaminated object. By the way, the carrier of the infection may not even suspect that he is infected. He may not have any clinical manifestations of the disease.

Infection can occur through airborne droplets and household contact. For this reason, almost all people experience tracheal inflammation at least once in their lives.

Symptoms of the disease

Tracheitis can be acute or chronic. Each form of the disease has its own symptoms and characteristics.

Acute inflammation of the trachea

The disease manifests itself on the 3rd day after the onset of symptoms of inflammation of the nasopharynx and damage to the larynx. The first symptom of acute tracheitis is low-grade hyperthermia. Less commonly, body temperature can rise to 38.5 ° Celsius. Next come signs of intoxication. The patient begins to complain of weakness, pain throughout the body, and sweating. Often the patient's nose is stuffy.

A characteristic symptom of the disease is a severe dry cough that does not bring relief at night, and a morning cough that produces a large amount of sputum.

In children, inflammation of the trachea manifests itself in coughing attacks, which can be provoked by laughter, sudden movement, or a breath of cold air.

Regardless of age, a person with tracheitis begins to feel a sore throat and rawness in the sternum. Because deep breaths provoke painful coughing attacks, the patient begins to breathe shallowly.

When the larynx is involved in acute inflammation of the trachea, then the patient experiences a barking cough.

When listening to the patient's breathing using a phonendoscope, the doctor may hear dry and moist rales.

Chronic tracheitis

The disease develops into this form when the patient does not receive timely treatment for acute tracheitis. However, there are often cases when chronic inflammation of the trachea develops without an acute stage. As a rule, such a pathology is observed in people who smoke a lot and drink large amounts of alcohol. This can also happen to patients who have other chronic diseases of the respiratory system, heart and kidneys. These diseases can provoke stagnation of blood in the upper respiratory tract, which provokes the development of chronic tracheitis.

The main symptom of chronic tracheitis is cough. In the chronic form of the disease, it is painful and comes in the form of severe attacks. During the day, a person may not cough at all, but at night attacks will prevent him from falling asleep. The sputum with such a cough is often purulent.

Chronic inflammation of the trachea always occurs with periods of exacerbation, during which its symptoms become similar to those of acute tracheitis.

Complications of inflammation of the trachea

In most cases, with an isolated course, this disease does not cause any complications. However, if the disease occurs in combination, various rather dangerous complications may develop. For example, laryngeal stenosis. It is usually detected in young patients with laryngotracheitis. In adult patients with tracheobronchitis, obstruction of the upper respiratory tract may develop.

If you start treating tracheitis on time, it can be dealt with in just a couple of weeks.

Diagnosis of the disease

The diagnosis is made based on medical history and instrumental research methods. Initially, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, identifies concomitant diseases, and finds out the patient’s living conditions. After additional auscultation, the doctor can already make a primary diagnosis, but to clarify, he conducts several additional studies. In particular, he does laryngoscopy. With such a study, he can determine the degree of change in the tracheal mucosa: the presence of mucus, hemorrhages, infiltrates.

The patient may be prescribed a chest X-ray, sputum testing and spirometry.

A general blood test completes the diagnosis of tracheal inflammation.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment begins with medication. The fact is that in most cases this disease is caused by an infection. Therefore, medications can quickly eliminate the cause of the disease. In most cases, drug treatment prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics. Medicines from the group of natural penicillins perform best.

If tracheitis is complicated by bronchitis, then natural penicillins are added semisynthetic antibiotics last generation.

In cases where infectious tracheitis is not complicated in any way, the following drugs are used in the treatment of the disease:

Antitussives.
Antiviral.
Immunomodulators.
Antihistamines.

It is most effective to use the above drugs in the form of aerosols. In this case, they quickly penetrate into all parts of the trachea and bronchi.

For tracheitis, the most effective medications are:

Sumamed.
Lazolvan.
Berodual.
Sinekod.
Bioparox.

If the patient has hyperthermia, then antipyretics are prescribed for treatment. But he can only use them under the supervision of a doctor.

Tracheitis can also be treated by inhalation. For this treatment you need to use a nebulizer. This device sprays medications, but at the same time provides a concentrated effect directly on the affected areas.

According to doctors, inhalation is the most effective home treatment for tracheitis.

Tracheitis can be treated at home using the following medications:

Regular saline solution. It provides good hydration of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and trachea. You can breathe it through the pores without restrictions. Moreover, it is recommended to inhale it before visiting a doctor.
Treatment with soda solution. It perfectly thins mucus and helps you cough well.
Regular mineral water. It provides good sputum removal for tracheitis.
Inhalations with Lazolvan and Mukolvan. The basis of these medicines is ambroxol. Therefore, treatment can be carried out only after preliminary dilution with saline solution.
Berodual. Treatment with this drug most effectively opens up the bronchi. In severe cases of the disease, doctors often combine Berodual with hormones.

Antibiotics in treatment inflammation of the trachea are used in the following cases:

There are signs of developing pneumonia.
The cough does not go away within 14 days.
Hyperthermia occurs for several days.
Enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes in the nose and ears.

Folk remedies are quite good at treating tracheitis. They can be combined with traditional treatments, but cannot be used as independent therapy.

For tracheitis, a hot drink consisting of from milk with honey. To prepare it, you need to heat a glass of milk and add a teaspoon of honey to it, and add a little soda.

Also, treatment of inflammation of the trachea can be carried out using rinsing solutions based on decoctions of sage, chamomile and calendula.

Physiotherapeutic treatment can effectively combat tracheitis. It includes UHF, massage and electrophoresis.

Prevention

To never encounter tracheitis you need follow simple rules:

Strive for a healthy lifestyle.
Temper your body regularly.
Try not to get too cold.
Give up bad habits.
Treat upper respiratory tract diseases in a timely manner.

Attention, TODAY only!

Quite often a person suffers from inflammation of the respiratory tract. Provoking factors are hypothermia or a cold, ARVI, influenza, and various infectious diseases. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, it can result in serious complications. Is it possible to prevent the inflammatory process? What treatment options are there? Is inflammation of the respiratory organs dangerous?

Main symptoms of respiratory tract inflammation

Signs of the disease will depend on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and the degree of damage to the respiratory tract. It is possible to identify such general signs that appear when a virus is introduced. It often leads to severe intoxication of the body:

The temperature rises.
A severe headache occurs.
Sleep is disturbed.
Muscle pain.
Appetite decreases.
Nausea appears, which ends in vomiting.

In severe cases, the patient is in an excited and inhibited state, consciousness is upset, and a convulsive state is observed. Separately, it is worth noting the signs that depend on which specific organ is affected:

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis). First, a severe runny nose occurs, the patient constantly sneezes, and has difficulty breathing through his nose.
Inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa (pharyngitis). The patient has a very sore throat, the patient cannot swallow.
Inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis). The patient has a severe cough and his voice is hoarse.
Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). Severe pain occurs when swallowing, the tonsils also become significantly enlarged, and the mucous membrane turns red.
Inflammation of the trachea (tracheitis). In this case, you suffer from a dry cough that does not go away within a month.

Symptoms also depend on the pathogen that provoked the disease. If inflammation of the respiratory tract is caused by influenza, the patient's temperature rises to 40 degrees, but does not fall for three days. In this case, symptoms of rhinitis and tracheitis are most often observed.

If respiratory tract diseases are caused by parainfluenza, the temperature does not rise above 38 degrees for about 2 days. Symptoms are moderate. With parainfluenza, laryngitis most often develops.

Separately, it is worth noting adenoviral infection, which affects the respiratory tract. It most often occurs in the form of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and also affects the digestive system and eyes.

Drug treatment of airway inflammation

In case of an inflammatory process, the attending physician prescribes:

Antiseptic drugs - Chlorhexidine, Hexetidine, Thymol, etc.
Antibiotics – Framycetin, Fusafungin, Polymyxin.
Sulfonamides can be combined with anesthetics - Lidocoine, Menthol, Tetracaine.
Hemostatic drugs, this group of drugs contains plant extracts and sometimes beekeeping products.
Antiviral drugs – Interferon, Lysozyme.
Vitamins A, B, C.

Bioparox – antibacterial agent

The antibiotic Bioparox has proven itself well; it is released in the form of an aerosol; with its help, acute respiratory tract infections can be effectively treated. Due to the fact that Bioparox contains aerosol particles, it immediately affects all organs of the respiratory tract, therefore it has a complex effect. Bioparox can be used to treat acute rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, laryngitis.

Gestetidine is an antifungal drug

This is the best medicine for treating inflammation in the pharynx. The drug is released in the form of an aerosol and rinse solution. Hexetidine is a low-toxic drug, so it can be used to treat infants. In addition to the antimicrobial effect, Hexetidine has an analgesic effect.

Traditional methods of treating inflammation of the respiratory tract

Recipes for the treatment of rhinitis

Fresh beet juice. Drip 6 drops of fresh beet juice, this should be done in the morning, afternoon and evening. It is also recommended to use beetroot decoction for nasal instillation.
Boiled potatoes. Cut the boiled potatoes into several parts: one is applied to the forehead, the other two parts are applied to the sinuses.
Soda inhalation. Take 500 ml of water, add 2 tablespoons, if you are not allergic, you can add eucalyptus oil - 10 drops. The procedure is carried out at night.

Recipes for the treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis

Lemon. Eat one lemon at once, including the peel, and cut it before doing so. You can add sugar or honey.
The herbal mixture is used for gargling. You need to take pharmaceutical chamomile - 2 tablespoons, eucalyptus leaves - 2 tablespoons, linden blossom - 2 tablespoons, flaxseeds - a tablespoon. Let the mixture sit for half an hour. Gargle up to 5 times a day.
Propolis infusion. Crushed propolis – 10 grams poured into half a glass of alcohol. Leave everything for a week. Rinse three times a day. When treating, drink tea with honey and herbs.
Remedy with egg yolks. You need to take the yolk - 2 eggs, beat it with sugar until foam forms. With the help of this product you can quickly get rid of a hoarse voice.
Dill seeds. You need to take 200 ml of boiling water and brew a tablespoon of dill seeds in it. Leave for about 30 minutes. Drink no more than two tablespoons after eating.
A curd compress on the throat will help relieve inflammation and irritation from the throat. After just a few procedures you will feel better.

So, in order to avoid inflammation of the respiratory organs, it is necessary to treat a cold in a timely manner. Don't think that the disease will go away on its own. If you get a runny nose, bacteria from your nose will start to drain. First they will end up in the nose, then in the pharynx, then in the larynx, trachea and bronchi. It can all end in pneumonia (pneumonia). To prevent complications, it is necessary to take action at the first symptoms, and do not forget to consult a doctor.

Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract is dangerous primarily due to complications. It can be provoked, in particular:

bacterial infections;
viruses;
hypothermia;
common cold, etc.

How the disease manifests itself in adults and children, as well as the best way to treat it, we will tell you in this article.

Read also: What antibiotics to take for pneumonia

Symptoms

In general cases, the presence of an inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is accompanied by the following symptoms:

elevated temperature;
headache;
sleep problems;
aching joints;
aching in the muscles as after hard work;
lack of appetite;
nausea and often vomiting.

The latter occurs due to severe intoxication. In more complex situations, a person experiences either abnormal arousal or, on the contrary, inhibition. Clarity of consciousness is almost always lost. In rare cases, the picture is supplemented by seizures.

Read also: Symptoms and treatment of bronchopneumonia in children

Depending on the location of the primary localization of the infection, other specific signs are also detected.

In particular, if we are talking about a problem such as rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose), then at the first stage the patient:

profuse snot appears;
he sneezes all the time;
As swelling develops, breathing becomes difficult.

Pharyngitis is an acute throat disease. A clear sign of the disease are:

difficulty swallowing;
pain;
feeling of a lump;
itching in the palate.

Laryngitis is an inflammation that affects the larynx. Its consequences are:

dry irritating cough;
hoarseness;
coating on the tongue.

Tonsillitis is a process that specifically affects the tonsils. The latter noticeably increase in size, which interferes with normal swallowing. The mucous membranes in this area become red and inflamed. It is also a pathology that affects the upper respiratory tract - tracheitis. This disease has a very characteristic symptom - a dry, painful cough that sometimes does not go away for a month.

The development of parainfluenza is evidenced, first of all, by a relatively low temperature for viral infections, which does not exceed 38 degrees. Hyperemia usually persists for 2 days in the presence of symptoms common to the group under consideration, but not too severe. Almost always, the disease mentioned above becomes the background for the development of laryngitis.

It is also worth mentioning adenovirus infection. It also mainly affects the respiratory tract and gradually leads to the development of:

pharyngitis;
tonsillitis.

Moreover, the digestive system and organs of vision often suffer from it.

Treatment with drugs

To combat pathologies of this type, the doctor usually prescribes a set of drugs that can quickly improve the patient’s condition.

For local effects on foci of inflammation, it is advisable to use the following fairly effective medications:

Thymol;
Chlorhexidine;
Furacilin;
Hexetidine.

If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics (tablets or sprays) are prescribed:

Polymyxin;
Framycetin;
Fusafungin.

To reduce the severity of sore throat, the following anesthetics are allowed:

Tetracaine;
Lidocaine.

Preparations containing menthol and eucalyptus oil perfectly alleviate discomfort.

To combat viruses the following are prescribed:

Lysozyme;
Interferon.

General strengthening vitamin complexes are also useful for strengthening the immune system. For young children, plant-based preparations should be used, as well as those containing bee products.

Among modern medicines, it is worth highlighting the antibiotic Bioparox. This product is produced in aerosol form and is used for inhalation. Due to the fact that the drug goes directly to the source of inflammation, even very acute ailments are treated quickly. The medicine is indicated in situations where:

laryngitis;
tracheobronchitis;
pharyngitis;
rhinosinusitis.

Often the causative agent is some kind of fungal infection. Hexetidine will help here. This product is supplied to pharmacies in the form:

spray;
rinse solution.

Traditional medicine

If we are talking about rhinitis, then freshly squeezed beetroot juice will help. It must be instilled directly into the nose every 4 hours.

Warm boiled potatoes can also reduce the severity of symptoms. To do this, its slices are placed:

on the forehead;
to the nostrils.

Inhalation is a fairly simple but extremely effective procedure. Here you will need:

half a liter of hot water;
2 tablespoons of baking soda;
eucalyptus oil no more than 10 drops.

It is recommended to breathe healing steam before going to bed. Knowledgeable people also advise eating crushed lemon mixed with a few tablespoons of natural honey at night. In one sitting, you need to consume the whole fruit, including the peel, at once.

Rinsing with a decoction based on the following medicinal herbs, taken in equal parts, also helps:

chamomile;
linden;
eucalyptus leaves;
mint.

A collection of 6 tablespoons is poured into boiling water and kept in a thermos for an hour. It is recommended to use the drug at least 5 times a day. Propolis tincture relieves inflammation well. To do this, take 10 grams of the product and add it to half a glass of alcohol. Infuse the medicine for a week in a dark place, shaking daily. Also used for rinsing, diluting 10-15 drops with half a glass of warm water.

Egg yolks relieve sore throats. 2 pieces are ground with sugar to a thick white foam and eaten slowly.

A decoction of dill seed is taken after meals, two tablespoons. Prepare it like this:

a glass of hot water is placed in a water bath;
pour dried raw materials;
heat for 5 minutes, without bringing to a boil;
stand for up to half an hour.

Upper respiratory tract diseases are common throughout the world and affect every fourth person. These include sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, adenoiditis, sinusitis and rhinitis. The peak of diseases occurs in the off-season, when cases of inflammatory processes become widespread. The reason for this is acute respiratory diseases or the influenza virus. According to statistics, an adult suffers up to three cases of the disease, while a child experiences inflammation of the upper respiratory tract up to 10 times a year.

Reasons

There are three main reasons for the development of various types of inflammation.

Virus. Influenza strains, rotoviruses, adenoviruses, mumps and measles, when they enter the body, cause a reaction in the form of inflammation.
Bacteria. The cause of bacterial infection can be pneumococcus, staphylococcus, mycoplasma, meningococcus, mycobacteria and diphtheria, as well as pertussis.
Fungus. Candida, aspergillus, actinomycetes cause a local inflammatory process.

Most of the listed pathogenic organisms are transmitted from humans. Bacteria and viruses are unstable to the environment and practically do not live there. Some strains of the virus or fungi can live in the body, but manifest themselves only when the body's defenses are reduced. Infections occur during the period of activation of “dormant” pathogenic microbes.

Among the main methods of infection are:

airborne transmission;
by everyday means.

Virus particles, as well as microbes, penetrate through close contact with an infected person. Transmission is possible through talking, coughing, sneezing. All this is natural in diseases of the respiratory tract, because the first barrier to pathogenic microorganisms is the respiratory tract.

Tuberculosis, diphtheria and E. coli often enter the host's body through household means. The link between a healthy and an infected person is household items and personal hygiene items. Anyone can get sick, regardless of age, gender, financial status and social status.

Symptoms

The symptoms of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract are quite similar, with the exception of discomfort and pain, which are localized in the affected area. It is possible to determine the location of inflammation and the nature of the disease based on the symptoms of the disease, but it is possible to confirm the disease and identify the pathogen only after a thorough examination.

All diseases have an incubation period that lasts from 2 to 10 days, depending on the pathogen.

Rhinitis

Known to everyone as a runny nose, rhinitis is an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa. Characteristic of rhinitis is exudate in the form of a runny nose, which, when microbes multiply, comes out abundantly. Both sinuses are affected, as the infection spreads quickly.
Sometimes rhinitis may not cause a runny nose, but, on the contrary, may manifest itself as severe congestion. If, nevertheless, discharge is present, then its nature directly depends on the pathogen. Exudate can be a clear liquid, and sometimes purulent discharge and a green color.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses resolves as a secondary infection and is manifested by difficulty breathing and a feeling of congestion. Swelling of the sinuses causes headaches, has a negative effect on the optic nerves, and affects the sense of smell. Discomfort and pain in the area of the bridge of the nose indicate an advanced inflammatory process. The discharge of pus is usually accompanied by fever and fever, as well as general malaise.

Angina

The inflammatory process in the area of the palatine tonsils in the pharynx causes a number of characteristic symptoms:

pain when swallowing;
difficulty eating and drinking;
elevated temperature;
muscle weakness.

A sore throat can occur as a result of both a virus and a bacteria entering the body. In this case, the tonsils swell and a characteristic coating appears on them. With purulent tonsillitis, the palate and mucous membrane of the throat are enveloped in yellow and greenish deposits. With fungal etiology, a white plaque with a curd-like consistency.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the throat is manifested by sore throat and dry cough. Breathing may be difficult at times. General malaise and low-grade fever are not permanent phenomena. Pharyngitis usually occurs against the background of influenza and acute respiratory infection.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords also develops against the background of influenza, measles, whooping cough and parainfluenza. Laryngitis is characterized by hoarseness and cough. The mucous membrane of the larynx swells so much that it interferes with breathing. Without treatment, laryngitis can cause stenosis of the laryngeal walls or muscle spasm. Without treatment, symptoms only get worse.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi (this is the lower part of the respiratory tract) is characterized by mucus discharge or a strong dry cough. In addition, bronchitis is characterized by symptoms of general intoxication and malaise. At the initial stage, symptoms may not appear until the inflammation reaches the nerve processes.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lung tissue in the lower and upper parts of the lung, which is usually caused by pneumococci, is always accompanied by signs of general intoxication, fever and chills. As pneumonia progresses, the cough intensifies, but sputum may appear much later. If it is non-infectious, symptoms may not appear. The symptoms are similar to an advanced cold and the disease is not always diagnosed on time.

Therapy methods

After clarifying the diagnosis, treatment begins in accordance with the general condition of the patient and the cause of the inflammation. Three main types of treatment are considered:

pathogenetic;
symptomatic;
etiotropic.

Pathogenetic treatment

It is based on stopping the development of the inflammatory process. To do this, immunostimulating drugs are used so that the body itself can fight the infection, as well as auxiliary treatment that suppresses the inflammatory process.

To strengthen the body, take:

Anaferon;
Amexin;
Neovir;
Levomax.

They are suitable for children and adults. It is pointless to treat upper respiratory tract diseases without immune support. If the causative agent of inflammation of the respiratory system is a bacterium, treatment is carried out with Immudon or Bronchomunal. For individual indications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. They relieve general symptoms and suppress pain; this is important, especially if you are treating a child who is having a hard time with the disease.

Etiotropic method

Based on pathogen suppression. It is important to stop the reproduction of the virus and bacteria in the upper sections, as well as to prevent their spread. The main thing is to accurately establish the strain of the virus and the etiology of pathogenic microbes in order to choose the right regimen and begin treatment. Among the antiviral drugs, the following should be highlighted:

Remantadine;
Relenz;
Arbidol;
Kagocel;
Isoprinosine.

They only help when the disease is caused by a virus. If you can't kill it, as is the case with herpes, you can simply suppress the symptoms.

Bacterial inflammation of the respiratory tract can only be cured with antibacterial drugs; the dosage must be prescribed by a doctor. These medications are very dangerous if used rashly and can cause irreparable harm to the body.

For a child, such treatment can lead to complications in the future. Therefore, when choosing a drug, special attention is paid to the patient’s age, his physiological characteristics, and a test is carried out for the presence of allergic reactions. Modern pharmacology offers effective drugs from the group of macrolides, beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones for treatment.

Symptomatic treatment

Since antibacterial or antifungal treatment has a gradual effect in most cases of the disease, it is important to suppress the symptoms that cause discomfort to the person. For this there is symptomatic treatment.

Nasal drops are used to suppress a runny nose.
To relieve a sore throat and reduce swelling, use broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal topical sprays.
Symptoms such as cough or sore throat can be suppressed with expectorants.

With severe swelling of the upper and lower parts of the lungs, symptomatic treatment does not always have the desired result. It is important not to use all known treatment methods, but to choose the right regimen based on the comprehensive elimination of symptoms and the causative agent of inflammation.

Inhalation will help relieve swelling, suppress cough and soreness in the upper throat, and stop a runny nose. And traditional methods of treatment can improve breathing and prevent oxygen starvation.

The main thing is not to self-medicate, but to undergo it under the supervision of a specialist and follow all his recommendations.

Respiratory diseases are more common during the cold season. More often they affect people with weakened immune systems, children and elderly pensioners. These diseases are divided into two groups: diseases of the upper respiratory tract and lower. This classification depends on the location of the infection.

According to their form, acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract are distinguished. The chronic form of the disease occurs with periodic exacerbations and periods of calm (remission). The symptoms of a particular pathology during periods of exacerbation are absolutely identical to those observed in the acute form of the same respiratory tract disease.

These pathologies can be infectious and allergic.

They are more often caused by pathological microorganisms, such as bacteria (ARI) or viruses (ARVI). As a rule, these diseases are transmitted by airborne droplets from sick people. The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx. Infections that enter these parts of the respiratory system cause diseases of the upper respiratory tract:

Rhinitis.
Sinusitis.
Sore throat.
Laryngitis.
Adenoiditis.
Pharyngitis.
Tonsillitis.

All these ailments are diagnosed all year round, but in our country the increase in incidence occurs in mid-April and September. Such respiratory diseases are the most common in children.

Rhinitis

This disease is characterized by an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa. Rhinitis occurs in acute or chronic form. Most often it is caused by an infection, viral or bacterial, but various allergens can also be the cause. In any case, a characteristic symptom is swelling of the nasal mucosa and difficulty breathing.

The initial stage of rhinitis is characterized by dryness and itching in the nasal cavity and general malaise. The patient sneezes, the sense of smell is impaired, and sometimes a low-grade fever rises. This condition can last from several hours to two days. Next comes clear nasal discharge, liquid and in large quantities, then this discharge becomes mucopurulent in nature and gradually disappears. The patient feels better. Breathing through the nose is restored.

Rhinitis often does not manifest itself as an independent disease, but acts as an accompaniment to other infectious diseases, such as influenza, diphtheria, gonorrhea, scarlet fever. Depending on the cause of this respiratory tract disease, treatment is aimed at eliminating it.

Sinusitis

It often manifests itself as a complication of other infections (measles, rhinitis, influenza, scarlet fever), but can also act as an independent disease. There are acute and chronic forms of sinusitis. In the acute form, there is a catarrhal and purulent course, and in the chronic form - edematous-polyposis, purulent or mixed.

Characteristic symptoms for both acute and chronic forms of sinusitis are frequent headaches, general malaise, and hyperthermia (increased body temperature). As for nasal discharge, it is profuse and mucous in nature. They can be observed only on one side, this happens most often. This is due to the fact that only some of the paranasal sinuses become inflamed. And this, in turn, may indicate one or another disease, for example:

Aerosinusitis.
Sinusitis.
Ethmoiditis.
Sphenoiditis.
Frontit.

Thus, sinusitis often does not manifest itself as an independent disease, but serves as an indicative symptom of another pathology. In this case, it is necessary to treat the root cause, i.e. those infectious diseases of the respiratory tract that provoked the development of sinusitis.

If nasal discharge occurs on both sides, this pathology is called pansinusitis. Depending on the cause of this upper respiratory tract disease, treatment will be aimed at eliminating it. Antibacterial therapy is most often used.

If sinusitis is caused by chronic sinusitis, during the transition of the acute phase of the disease to the chronic phase, punctures are often used to quickly eliminate undesirable consequences, followed by washing the maxillary sinus with Furacilin or saline solution. This method of treatment in a short period relieves the patient of the symptoms that torment him (severe headache, swelling of the face, increased body temperature).

Adenoids

This pathology appears due to hyperplasia of the tissue of the nasopharyngeal tonsil. This is a formation included in the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring. This tonsil is located in the nasopharyngeal vault. As a rule, the inflammatory process of the adenoids (adenoiditis) occurs only in childhood (from 3 to 10 years). The symptoms of this pathology are:

Difficulty breathing.
Mucous discharge from the nose.
During sleep, the child breathes through the mouth.
Sleep may be disrupted.
Nasality appears.
Possible hearing impairment.
In advanced cases, a so-called adenoid facial expression appears (smoothness of the nasolabial folds).
Laryngospasms appear.
Twitching of individual facial muscles may be observed.
Deformation of the chest and skull in the facial part appears in particularly advanced cases.

All these symptoms are accompanied by shortness of breath, cough and, in severe cases, the development of anemia.

To treat this respiratory disease, in severe cases, surgical treatment is used - removal of the adenoids. In the initial stages, rinsing with disinfectant solutions and decoctions or infusions of medicinal herbs is used. For example, you can use the following fee:

All ingredients of the collection are taken in equal parts. If some component is missing, then you can get by with the composition that is available. The prepared collection (15 g) is poured with 250 ml of hot water and boiled over very low heat for 10 minutes, after which it is left for another 2 hours. The medicine prepared in this way is filtered and used warm to rinse the nose or instill 10-15 drops into each nostril.

Chronic tonsillitis

This pathology occurs as a result of the inflammatory process of the palatine tonsils, which has become chronic. Chronic tonsillitis often affects children; it practically does not occur in old age. This pathology is caused by fungal and bacterial infections. Other infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, such as hypertrophic rhinitis, purulent sinusitis, and adenoiditis, can provoke the development of chronic tonsillitis. Even untreated caries can cause this disease. Depending on the specific cause that provoked this upper respiratory tract disease, treatment should be aimed at eliminating the primary source of infection.

In the case of the development of a chronic process in the palatine tonsils, the following occurs:

Overgrowth of connective tissue.
Dense plugs form in the gaps.
Lymphoid tissue softens.
Cornification of the epithelium may begin.
Lymphatic drainage from the tonsils becomes difficult.
Nearby lymph nodes become inflamed.

Chronic tonsillitis can occur in a compensated or decompensated form.

In the treatment of this disease, physiotherapeutic procedures (UV irradiation) have a good effect, rinsing with disinfectant solutions ("Furacilin", "Lugol's", 1-3% iodine, "Iodglycerin", etc.) is applied topically. After rinsing, it is necessary to irrigate the tonsils with disinfectant sprays, for example, the drug "Strepsils Plus" is used. Some experts recommend vacuum suction, after which the tonsils are also treated with similar sprays.

In the case of a pronounced toxic-allergic form of this disease and the absence of a positive effect from conservative treatment, surgical removal of the tonsils is performed.

Angina

The scientific name of this disease is acute tonsillitis. There are 4 types of sore throat:

Catarrhal.
Follicular.
Lakunnaya.
Phlegmous.

In their pure form, these types of sore throat are practically never found. There are always at least symptoms of two varieties of this disease. So, for example, with lacunae, white-yellow purulent formations are visible at the mouths of some lacunae, and with follicular, festering follicles are visible through the mucous membrane. But in both cases, catarrhal phenomena, redness and enlargement of the tonsils are observed.

With any type of sore throat, the body temperature rises, the general condition worsens, chills appear and an increase in regional lymph nodes is observed.

Regardless of the type of sore throat, rinsing with disinfectant solutions and physiotherapy are used. In the presence of purulent processes, antibacterial therapy is used.

Pharyngitis

This pathology is associated with the inflammatory process of the pharyngeal mucosa. Pharyngitis can develop as an independent disease or a concomitant one, for example, with ARVI. This pathology can be provoked by eating too hot or cold food, as well as inhaling polluted air. There are acute and chronic pharyngitis. The symptoms that are observed with acute pharyngitis are:

Feeling of dryness in the throat (pharynx area).
Pain during swallowing.
Upon examination (pharyngoscopy), signs of inflammation of the palate and its posterior wall are revealed.

The symptoms of pharyngitis are very similar to those of catarrhal tonsillitis, but, unlike it, the patient’s general condition remains normal, and there is no increase in body temperature. With this pathology, as a rule, the inflammatory process does not affect the palatine tonsils, but with catarrhal tonsillitis, on the contrary, signs of inflammation are present exclusively on them.

Chronic pharyngitis develops with an untreated acute process. Other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, as well as smoking and alcohol abuse, can also provoke a chronic course.

Laryngitis

With this disease, the inflammatory process spreads to the larynx. It can affect individual parts of it or capture it completely. Often the cause of this illness is vocal strain, severe hypothermia, or other independent diseases (measles, whooping cough, influenza, etc.).

Depending on the location of the process in the larynx, individual areas of the lesion may be identified, which become bright red and swell. Sometimes the inflammatory process also affects the trachea, then we are talking about a disease such as laryngotracheitis.

There is no clear boundary between the upper and lower respiratory tract. The symbolic border between them passes at the intersection of the respiratory and digestive systems. Thus, the lower respiratory tract includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Lower respiratory tract diseases are associated with infections of these parts of the respiratory system, namely:

Tracheitis.
Bronchitis.
Pneumonia.
Alveolitis.

Tracheitis

This is an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the trachea (it connects the larynx to the bronchi). Tracheitis can exist as an independent disease or serve as a symptom of influenza or other bacterial disease. The patient is concerned about the symptoms of general intoxication (headache, fatigue, fever). In addition, there is a raw pain behind the sternum, which intensifies when talking, inhaling cold air and coughing. In the mornings and at night, the patient is bothered by a dry cough. When combined with laryngitis (laryngotracheitis), the patient's voice becomes hoarse. If tracheitis occurs in combination with bronchitis (tracheobronchitis), sputum appears when coughing. If the disease is viral, it will be transparent. In the case of a bacterial infection, the sputum has a gray-green color. In this case, antibiotic therapy must be used for treatment.

Bronchitis

This pathology manifests itself as inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Acute respiratory diseases of any location are very often accompanied by bronchitis. Thus, in case of inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract, in case of untimely treatment, the infection goes down and bronchitis occurs. This disease is accompanied by a cough. At the initial stage of the process, it is a dry cough with sputum that is difficult to separate. During treatment and the use of mucolytic drugs, the sputum is liquefied and coughed up. If bronchitis is bacterial in nature, antibiotics are used for treatment.

Pneumonia

This is an inflammatory process of lung tissue. This disease is mainly caused by pneumococcal infection, but sometimes another pathogen can be the cause. The disease is accompanied by high fever, chills, and weakness. Often the patient experiences pain in the affected area when breathing. During auscultation, the doctor can listen for wheezing on the affected side. The diagnosis is confirmed by an x-ray. This disease requires hospitalization. Treatment is carried out using antibacterial therapy.

Alveolitis

This is an inflammatory process of the terminal parts of the respiratory system - the alveoli. As a rule, alveolitis is not an independent disease, but a concomitant one with another pathology. The reason for this may be:

Candidiasis.
Aspergillosis.
Legionellosis.
Cryptococcosis.
Q fever.

Symptoms of this disease include a characteristic cough, fever, severe cyanosis, and general weakness. A complication may be fibrosis of the alveoli.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics for respiratory tract diseases are prescribed only in the case of a bacterial infection. If the nature of the pathology is viral, then antibacterial therapy is not used.

Most often, penicillin drugs, such as Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Amoxiclav, Augmentin, etc., are used to treat diseases of the respiratory system of an infectious nature.

If the chosen drug does not give the desired effect, the doctor prescribes another group of antibiotics, for example, fluoroquinolones. This group includes the drugs Moxifloxacin and Levofloxacin. These drugs successfully treat bacterial infections that are resistant to penicillins.

Antibiotics of the cephalosparin group are most often used to treat respiratory diseases. For this purpose, drugs such as "Cefixime" (its other name is "Suprax") or "Cefuroxime Axetil" are used (analogues of this drug are the drugs "Zinnat", "Axetin" and "Cefuroxime").

To treat atypical pneumonia caused by chlamydia or mycoplasma, macrolide antibiotics are used. These include the drug "Azithromycin" or its analogues - the drugs "Hemomycin" and "Sumamed".

Prevention

Prevention of respiratory tract diseases comes down to the following:

Try not to be in places with a polluted atmospheric environment (near highways, hazardous industries, etc.).
Regularly ventilate your home and workplace.
During the cold season, when there is a surge in respiratory diseases, try not to be in crowded places.
Good results are achieved by hardening procedures and systematic physical exercise, morning or evening jogging.
If you feel the first signs of illness, you should not expect everything to go away on its own; you need to seek medical help.

By following these simple rules for preventing respiratory diseases, you can maintain your health even during seasonal outbreaks of respiratory diseases.

In general cases, the presence of an inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is accompanied by the following symptoms:

elevated temperature;
headache;
sleep problems;
aching joints;
aching in the muscles as after hard work;
lack of appetite;
nausea and often vomiting.

Depending on the location of the primary localization of the infection, other specific signs are also detected.

In particular, if we are talking about a problem such as rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose), then at the first stage the patient:

profuse snot appears;
he sneezes all the time;
As swelling develops, breathing becomes difficult.

Pharyngitis is an acute throat disease. A clear sign of the disease are:

difficulty swallowing;
pain;
feeling of a lump;
itching in the palate.

Laryngitis is an inflammation that affects the larynx. Its consequences are:

dry irritating cough;
hoarseness;
coating on the tongue.

It is also worth mentioning adenovirus infection. It also mainly affects the respiratory tract and gradually leads to the development of:

pharyngitis;
tonsillitis.

Moreover, the digestive system and organs of vision often suffer from it.

Treatment with drugs

To combat pathologies of this type, the doctor usually prescribes a set of drugs that can quickly improve the patient’s condition.

For local effects on foci of inflammation, it is advisable to use the following fairly effective medications:

Thymol;
Chlorhexidine;
Furacilin;
Hexetidine.

If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics (tablets or sprays) are prescribed:

Polymyxin;
Framycetin;
Fusafungin.

To reduce the severity of sore throat, the following anesthetics are allowed:

Tetracaine;
Lidocaine.

Preparations containing menthol and eucalyptus oil perfectly alleviate discomfort.

To combat viruses the following are prescribed:

Lysozyme;
Interferon.

General strengthening vitamin complexes are also useful for strengthening the immune system. For young children, plant-based preparations should be used, as well as those containing bee products.

laryngitis;
tracheobronchitis;
pharyngitis;
rhinosinusitis.

Often the causative agent is some kind of fungal infection. Hexetidine will help here. This product is supplied to pharmacies in the form:

spray;
rinse solution.

Traditional medicine

If we are talking about rhinitis, then freshly squeezed beetroot juice will help. It must be instilled directly into the nose every 4 hours.

Warm boiled potatoes can also reduce the severity of symptoms. To do this, its slices are placed:

on the forehead;
to the nostrils.

Inhalation is a fairly simple but extremely effective procedure. Here you will need:

half a liter of hot water;
2 tablespoons of baking soda;
eucalyptus oil no more than 10 drops.

Rinsing with a decoction based on the following medicinal herbs, taken in equal parts, also helps:

chamomile;
linden;
eucalyptus leaves;
mint.

Egg yolks relieve sore throats. 2 pieces are ground with sugar to a thick white foam and eaten slowly.

A decoction of dill seed is taken after meals, two tablespoons. Prepare it like this:

a glass of hot water is placed in a water bath;
pour dried raw materials;
heat for 5 minutes, without bringing to a boil;
stand for up to half an hour.