Barking cough in a child: with and without fever, dry, moist, strong

A barking cough in a child is the appearance of a cough of a very intense nature, which resembles a dog's bark. Such a cough is the most common manifestation of a respiratory disease. As a rule, this symptom occurs in children of the first six years of life, which is due to the anatomical and functional features of the structure of the respiratory tract. Regardless of the cause of this symptom, you must definitely consult a doctor, because this may be only a minor symptom of a more complex pathology.

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Epidemiology

The epidemiology of the spread of barking cough is such that this symptom occurs in every second child with a respiratory disease. More than 93% of cases of barking cough have an infectious genesis, and only 3% are allergic. Foreign body aspiration syndrome most often occurs in children under one year old, and is diagnosed after active treatment at the stage of its ineffectiveness. This confirms the need to diagnose this cause of cough.

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Causes a barking cough in a baby

Cough is a protective mechanism of the human body, which does not allow any organisms and mechanical particles to enter the bronchi and lungs. If dust, mucus, a crumb of bread or any microorganism gets into the respiratory tract, it irritates the receptors in the pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchi, which causes excitation of the cough center. Thanks to this mechanism, this foreign agent is removed with mucus and cough impulses. In this way, the child's body protects itself from everything "foreign".

Based on this mechanism, all causes of barking cough in children can be divided into three main groups:

1. infectious agents;
2. allergic triggers;
3. mechanical irritants.

Among infectious agents of respiratory diseases, which are accompanied by the appearance of a barking cough, viruses and bacteria are distinguished. Among bacteria, the most common pathogens of respiratory diseases can be the cause - these are Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus, mycoplasma. Among viruses, there are many pathogens of the respiratory tract - these are the influenza virus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus. But all these microorganisms have the same mechanism of action on the bronchi and can equally cause a barking cough.

Children have their own peculiarities of the structure of the respiratory tract. First of all, children do not have such a well-developed epithelium with cilia, which is responsible for the elimination of pathogenic particles. Therefore, they are more often exposed to all sorts of agents that cannot be evacuated. Children's nasal passages are narrow, well saturated with vessels, which leads to the fact that they quickly fill with mucus and make breathing difficult. The larynx in children has an hourglass shape, and the area under the vocal cords is very vascularized. Therefore, any pathological process that is localized in the respiratory tract easily descends to the larynx and causes a spasm. The process quickly involves the vocal cords, so the cough is not superficial, but due to the swelling of the larynx, it seems rough and barking.

The pathogenesis of such a cough is that a microorganism gets on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and cannot be immediately neutralized, so the disease develops. In response to this foreign protein, the immune system is triggered and leukocytes are released. They surround the bacteria and kill it, and the more bacteria, the more leukocytes. In this case, pus is formed or lymph and plasmatic fluid are released, which accumulates in the respiratory tract and irritates the cough receptors. To remove this fluid, the child coughs - that is, a protective mechanism is triggered.

In children under three years of age, the cause of a barking cough may be stenosing laryngotracheitis. This disease, which is most often caused by the parainfluenza virus, is accompanied by a spasm of the larynx, increased secretion of mucus and swelling of the larynx under the vocal cords. These three components lead to the fact that the lumen of the larynx narrows greatly and the cough becomes barking.

Another cause of a barking cough may be an allergy. Allergic manifestations in a child are transformed with age, and if in infancy he had a food allergy, then later it may be an allergy to flowering plants or external factors. And a manifestation of this may be a barking cough, especially in children of the first five years of life, when the bronchi are not yet fully mature. The pathogenesis of such a cough is that an allergen (a factor that causes an allergy) enters the respiratory tract. Then, basophils (blood cells) immediately react to its entry, which secrete histamine. This substance is a mediator of allergy, that is, histamine dilates local vessels and increases their permeability. In this case, plasma and intercellular fluid enter the lumen of the bronchi and trachea and causes such a cough. Cough of allergic etiology is usually caused by the action of those allergens that are in the air, that is, pollen, fluff, dust. Therefore, one should not forget about the possibility of this type of barking cough.

Very often, children, in their great desire to learn about the world, can accidentally swallow small parts of toys, matches, pins or even crumbs of food. In this case, the mechanical agent gets into the trachea or bronchus and is fixed to the wall. This is how the receptors are irritated and the same barking cough occurs. Parents may not always know that the child has swallowed something, since this happens very quickly. Therefore, this cause of barking cough should be excluded first of all, because such a mechanical body can move further and cause serious complications up to apnea.

Risk factors

Based on the main groups of causes of barking cough, it is necessary to identify the risk factors for the development of this pathology:

1. children under one year of age, due to anatomical features, automatically fall into the risk group for developing such symptoms;
2. children with a history of atopy or a family history of atopy;
3. children with a tendency to broncho-obstruction;
4. Frequent colds in a child.

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Symptoms a barking cough in a baby

A barking cough in a child may be a symptom of laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, stenosing laryngotracheitis, bronchitis, allergic edema of the larynx or a foreign body. All these diseases have their own characteristic symptoms that must be taken into account in a comprehensive manner.

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the back wall of the oropharynx, which is accompanied by redness, swelling and cough. In addition to such manifestations, there is also a pronounced pain in the throat, there may be symptoms of rhinitis, as this is caused by a virus. The virus most often first enters the nasal cavity, causing mucous discharge from the nose, and then descends to the pharynx. Barking cough, sore throat and red throat are symptoms characteristic of pharyngitis.

A barking cough in a child with laryngitis develops very often, since the source of infection is located in the larynx. Inflammation develops in the subglottic space and causes swelling, which changes the nature of the cough with a barking tint. A hoarse barking cough with laryngitis develops very often, because the vocal cords are affected and they swell, which causes a change in the nature of the sound when air passes. Therefore, with laryngitis, a change in the voice is also observed or it disappears altogether.

It is also worth noting acute stenosing laryngotracheitis as a cause of barking cough. This condition is considered urgent, since the entire larynx is involved in the process and a prolonged spasm with laryngeal edema can lead to respiratory arrest. Therefore, it is important to distinguish other symptoms of this condition, in addition to barking cough. The first signs of this condition appear against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection, often on the first or second day of the disease. Barking cough at night in a child's sleep most often occurs, since it is at this time that the swelling and spasm intensify in a horizontal position. Therefore, a symptom of stenosing laryngotracheitis is a pronounced cough in a child, which occurs abruptly in the middle of the night and wakes him up. At the same time, a hoarse voice and pronounced shortness of breath are also present. This can manifest itself as anxiety, fear, difficulty breathing, retraction of the intercostal spaces. Attacks of barking cough in a dream or in the morning are characteristic symptoms of this disease.

A dry barking cough in a child is a symptom of tracheitis. Such a cough is superficial, frequent, unproductive and painful. The child may also complain of pain in the chest or abdomen, which may be due to tension in the intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles.

A wet barking cough in a child is a manifestation of bronchitis. Bronchitis is accompanied by inflammation of the bronchi and accumulation of a large amount of sputum. It gradually leaves the respiratory tract, which causes such a wet cough. A barking cough in the morning also indicates bronchitis, especially if it is productive. During the night, mucus accumulates in the bronchi, since the child lies in a horizontal position, and in the morning this mucus comes out, which causes such symptoms.

A barking cough in a child with a fever is a clear sign that the cause is an infectious disease. Therefore, all inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract are characterized by an increase in body temperature. Which is also an important symptom for differential diagnostics.

A barking cough without fever may indicate either an allergic pathology or aspiration of a foreign body.

Allergy symptoms appear at a certain time of year, that is, they are characterized by seasonality. In addition to coughing, there may be watery eyes, skin rash, sneezing and other manifestations of allergy. The main sign is the connection with the allergen.

It is difficult to suspect a foreign body if the parents did not notice how the child swallowed something. But here it is necessary to take into account that the symptoms appear suddenly when the child was playing and there are no manifestations of the infectious process.

These are the main symptoms that can occur with different diseases, which are accompanied by one similar symptom - a barking cough.

Complications and consequences

What is the danger of a barking cough in a child? This question is asked by many mothers who hear such a cough in their baby. In short, nothing serious threatens the child, except for the case when there may be stenosing laryngotracheitis. In this case, the consequence of a sharp spasm of the respiratory tract may be apnea of the child, which will lead to suffocation. All cases end favorably, since this is a false croup, but you should remember about such a complication. If we are talking about a barking cough caused by acute bronchitis or tracheitis, then the most common complication in the absence of adequate treatment is pneumonia. If there is no adequate treatment for the pathology, then the inflammatory process descends on the lungs and the situation becomes more serious.

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Diagnostics a barking cough in a baby

The tests that need to be taken to clarify the diagnosis are a complete blood count and urine test. A complete blood count is needed solely for the purpose of differential diagnosis of cough of viral and bacterial etiology. If the etiology is viral, the number of lymphocytes will be increased, and if bacterial, there will be an increased number of leukocytes and band neutrophils (shift of the formula to the left). If a certain bacterial infection is suspected, a blood test is performed to determine antibodies to a particular type of bacteria, which will make it possible to choose a more accurate treatment. This is called a serological blood test. For example, with whooping cough, a barking cough will be strongly expressed, and with blood serology, an increase in the number of antibodies to the whooping cough bacillus can be determined.

If an allergic nature of the cough is suspected, then you cannot do without consulting an allergist. The allergist conducts specific tests - scarification tests and determination of specific immunoglobulin. Then it is possible to determine exactly what the child is allergic to and use this in treatment.

Instrumental diagnostics of barking cough in infectious diseases are not carried out. The only thing is that in difficult cases, to exclude pneumonia, chest X-ray can be performed. If a child is suspected of having a foreign body, then a bronchoscopy is necessarily performed as soon as possible. This is an examination of the bronchi from the inside with a special device that allows you to see the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and immediately remove the body.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics of barking cough should be carried out between different diseases that can cause it. And first of all, it is necessary to exclude stenosing laryngotracheitis, as this is an emergency condition.

Treatment a barking cough in a baby

Treatment of barking cough directly depends on the cause. Antibiotics for barking cough in children are used only under strict indications - if there is a suspicion of pneumonia or whooping cough. In other cases, with viral etiology, antibacterial drugs are not prescribed. Preference is given to cough mixtures, syrups depending on the productivity of the cough, and inhalations. Traditional methods of treatment are very widespread and have a good effect, because many cough medicines are developed on the basis of plants and herbs.

Inhalations for barking cough in children are considered the main effective means of assistance. This is explained by the fact that during inhalation, the medicinal substance is inhaled with steam and gets directly into the bronchi. This stimulates the receptors and causes the effect of the drug immediately. Speaking about inhalations, you need to understand the cause of the cough. If the cough is unproductive and appears at the beginning of the disease, then it is recommended to prescribe inhalations with antiseptic drugs, for example, with decasan.

Dekasan is a drug from the group of antiseptic drugs, the main active ingredient of which is decamethoxin. The drug acts on the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and kills them when applied locally. The drug also kills fungus, which prevents the development of stomatitis in the future in the child. The method of using the drug is inhalation by spraying through a nebulizer. The dosage is one milliliter of the drug for children in the first year of life, and two milliliters from the second year. The solution must be diluted in the same amount of saline and inhaled for up to fifteen minutes twice a day. Side effects are very rare, since the drug is not toxic.

Among other inhalations, especially with stenosing laryngotracheitis, as well as with pronounced spasm of the respiratory tract in obstructive bronchitis, inhalations with bronchodilators are recommended. Such drugs include salbutamol, fenoterol, ventolin. Berodual is also used for inhalations for barking cough in children.

Berodual is a combined bronchodilator, which includes an adrenomimetic (fenoterol) and an anticholinergic drug (ipratropium bromide). Due to this combined composition, the drug effectively dilates the bronchi and relieves their spasm, which improves the nature of the cough and improves the discharge of sputum. The dosage of the drug is one or two milliliters diluted only with saline to 3-4 milliliters. The method of administration is inhalation for at least ten minutes, twice a day. Side effects are possible in the form of reactive bronchospasm.

Ventolin is a drug from the beta-adrenergic agonist group, the active ingredient of which is salbutamol. The drug is also used to relieve bronchospasm by inhalation through a nebulizer. The dosage of the drug is standard - 1-2 milliliters diluted in saline. Method of application - at least twice a day and at least three days. Side effects may be in the form of local allergic reactions.

Pulmicort is used for barking cough in children only if there are signs that it is caused by an allergic reaction, or if the child has atopic manifestations, and the cough may be complicated by this. This drug is not recommended for the treatment of cough and bronchospasm in laryngotracheitis or viral infection due to its action.

Pulmicort is a glucocorticoid drug that exhibits its bronchodilator effect with a pronounced allergic component. The dosage of the drug is 0.1 milliliter per kilogram of the child's body weight. The method of administration is inhalation after dilution with a solution. Side effects may occur with prolonged use in the form of stomatitis, gingivitis and the formation of erosions of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. This occurs due to the suppression of local immunity and the effect on opportunistic flora.

Syrups for barking cough in children are used in most cases for bronchitis. Depending on the nature of the cough, different syrups are taken to improve the discharge of sputum or with an anti-inflammatory effect.

Sinekod is used for a barking cough in a child if it has a dry, unproductive and painful character, which happens with tracheitis. The active substance of the drug is butamirate citrate, a drug that has a non-opioid central mechanism of action. When using the drug, the excitability of the cough center in the brain decreases and this relieves the intensity of the cough. The method of using the drug is parenteral in the form of syrup. The dosage depends on the age of the child, but such syrup should be prescribed to children from three years old. Side effects can be rare in the form of drowsiness, diarrhea, headache. Precautions - cannot be used together with expectorants.

Ascoril for barking cough in children can be used for obstructive bronchitis in complex therapy. This is a combination drug that contains bromhexine (expectorant) and salbutamol (bronchodilator). Due to this composition, the drug first effectively relieves bronchial spasm, and then promotes sputum discharge. The method of using the drug in the form of syrup, the dosage is for children over two years old, five milliliters three times a day, and for children over six years old, ten milliliters with the same frequency of administration. Side effects can be local in the form of paradoxical bronchospasm or there may be intestinal motility disorders.

ACC for a barking cough in a child is used for a wet cough for better expectoration. This drug is a derivative of acetylcysteine, a substance that contains a free sulfhydryl group. Due to this, the drug is able to break down mucopolysaccharides of sputum and it becomes more liquid. So sputum is better evacuated from the respiratory tract and the cough passes faster. Method of administration of the drug in the form of syrup. Dosage - for children over two years old, five milliliters three times a day, and for children over six years old, ten milliliters with the same frequency of administration. Side effects can be from the intestines and nervous system.

Gerbion for a barking cough in a child is used depending on the severity and nature of the cough. Gerbion created on the basis of ivy is a remedy that is used for a wet cough. Gerbion with plantain extract is suitable for a dry cough. The dosage of syrup for children from two years old is five, and from seven years old is ten milliliters three times a day. Side effects can be in the form of diarrhea and slight drowsiness.

Lazolvan for a barking cough in a child can be used for a wet cough even in children under two years of age. The drug has a good effect on the respiratory tract by increasing the secretion of the bronchial glands and enhancing the synthesis of surfactant. The method of using the drug in the form of a syrup, there are also ampoules for inhalation. The dosage of syrup for children under two years is 1.25 milliliters twice a day, from two to six - 1.25 milliliters three times, and from six - 2.5 milliliters three times. Side effects can be in the form of taste distortion.

Vitamins can be used for children already during the recovery period; they increase the overall immunity of the respiratory system and improve cell metabolism.

Physiotherapy is very useful in the treatment of barking cough. Drainage massages are used, which improve the outflow of sputum. Thermal procedures can be used to improve the secretion of the bronchial glands.

Folk treatment for barking cough in children

Traditional methods of treatment are very effective, sometimes in case of a viral infection they can be enough for a child to fully recover. After all, many medicines are based on plants or extracts from them.

1. Badger fat is known for its warming effect. This product has many useful vitamins (A, E, C), as well as minerals and oils that penetrate the skin well. Due to this effect, badger fat warms the lungs and bronchi, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation. At the same time, the lymphatic system works better and all bacteria and toxins are removed faster. Therefore, rubbing with badger fat is considered the number one remedy for coughing, of course, if there is no inflammation. For compresses, rub the child's chest with fat at night and wrap it in a warm terry or woolen towel. Such procedures should be done for at least three days.
2. Inhalations can be done at home, even if there is no inhaler at home. For this, you can use an infusion of herbs. To do this, take marshmallow, chamomile and ivy, steam them in hot water. After the infusion has stood for five minutes under the lid, you need to bend the child over the saucepan and cover yourself with a towel. You need to breathe with an open mouth for at least five to seven minutes. Such inhalations are more effective if they are done at least twice a day. You can use other herbs.
3. Milk with honey has long been known as a cough remedy. To prepare a more useful medicine, you need to boil the milk and add two teaspoons of honey, twenty grams of butter and a few drops of olive oil to a cup of milk. This recipe improves the discharge of phlegm and softens the mucous membrane of the throat, which reduces the pain in the throat.
4. Barley is considered a very good cough remedy, which normalizes immune processes in the throat and stabilizes the tonsils, as the main protective complex of the respiratory tract. To prepare a barley decoction, take one hundred grams of young barley, leave it in clean water for a day, and then boil for ten minutes. This decoction should be drunk in a tablespoon every two hours during the acute period.

Herbal treatment is very effective in reducing cough and improving the child's general condition. Many herbs also have antiviral activity, so their use speeds up the recovery process.

1. A decoction of coltsfoot, chamomile and marshmallow herbs is good for a wet cough that is difficult to cough up. These herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect, thin mucus and improve breathing. To make the decoction, take 30 grams of each herb and make tea. The child should drink this tea often, you can add a few drops of lemon juice.
2. The calamus root and plantain grass are boiled in hot water for several minutes, then the solution is cooled and diluted with boiled water in a one-to-one ratio. This is used for children, since the solution itself is very strong and can have allergenic properties. This infusion is most effective for a dry barking cough, which occurs with bronchitis or tracheitis.
3. Viburnum is an excellent remedy for sore throat, and this plant also has very high immunostimulating properties. To prepare a medicinal solution, take fifty grams of viburnum berries, add two tablespoons of honey and grind to a pulp. After that, add a glass of boiling water and drink hot. This tea should be drunk at least three times a day and always made fresh.
4. A decoction of succession leaves can be used for coughs caused by pharyngitis. In this case, make an infusion of one hundred grams of succession leaves and one liter of water, and rinse the throat. This eliminates redness, sore throat and irritation, which can cause such a cough.

Homeopathy is widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Coughs that occur with various diseases can be treated with homeopathic syrups, lozenges and mixtures.

1. Gripp-hel is an organic homeopathic preparation that contains many medicinal herbs. It is used to treat cough caused by a viral infection without a pronounced allergic component. The method of using the drug depends on the form. The dosage in case of taking drops is one drop per ten kilograms of body weight twice a day. Side effects are possible in the form of hyperemia of the skin of the hands and feet, as well as a feeling of heat. Precautions - do not use in combination with drugs of bee origin.
2. Tonsilotren is a complex homeopathic preparation, which includes many inorganic substances. The preparation is used to treat throat diseases with pronounced redness and pain in the throat. The method of using the preparation in the form of lozenges. Dosage - one tablet for children from two years old three times a day, from two to six - up to six times a day. Side effects may be in the form of increased salivation and nausea.
3. Echinacea compositum is a homeopathic remedy of natural plant origin based on echinacea with the addition of various respiratory herbs. The drug can be used for coughs of any origin, including acute bronchitis. The method of using the drug is to use a homeopathic solution in ampoules, dissolving them in clean water. Dosage is five drops per glass of water for children from two years old. Side effects may include insomnia or stool disorders in the form of diarrhea.
4. Influcid is a complex six-component herbal preparation. It is used to treat a barking cough caused by an infectious agent and, in addition to affecting the throat, also reduces temperature and relieves headaches. The method of using the drug in tablets. The dosage of the drug for children from one year is one tablet every two hours in the acute period. Side effects can only be in the form of allergic reactions.
5. Engystol is a combination homeopathic remedy used to treat cough and other symptoms of acute respiratory diseases. The method of administration of the drug in tablets. The daily dose is taken three times. The dosage for children from one to six years is one teaspoon, from six to twelve - two teaspoons. You need to grind one tablet into powder, add twenty milliliters of boiled water and give according to the dose. Side effects are rare.

Surgical treatment of barking cough in children is not used, since there are no indications for such intervention. The only case when invasive intervention is required is aspiration of a foreign body. Then bronchoscopy is performed with simultaneous extraction of such a body. In other cases, surgical intervention is not required. An exception may be laryngeal diphtheria with the development of true croup, which requires immediate conicotomy or tracheostomy.

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Prevention

Prevention of barking cough in a child should be primarily non-specific. It is necessary to avoid foci of infection, especially if your child is prone to bronchospasms. But it is difficult not to let a child play with other children, so specific therapy can be carried out in the center of infection. For this, you can take the same drugs as for treatment, but in the existing preventive doses, which are indicated in the instructions.

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Forecast

The prognosis for a child’s recovery with a barking cough is favorable, since the disease is not so serious and requires only active therapy.

A barking cough in a child is a symptom of a respiratory disease, which indicates the need to clarify the topic of the lesion. In most cases, such a cough has a viral etiology, but one should not forget about allergic and mechanical causes of such a cough. Treatment should be carried out not only for one symptom, but for the entire disease using both medications and folk remedies.

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