Laryngitis in children

The child's respiratory system is most susceptible to inflammatory diseases. Change of season, infection trigger pathogenic mechanisms in the nasopharynx. Harmful microorganisms freely descend into the larynx, trachea, and sometimes into the bronchi.

Inflammatory process in the larynx or laryngitis in children begins with a common runny nose, coughing, feeling of discomfort in the throat. Edema of the larynx in adults brings only temporary unpleasant sensations, and in children it is dangerous with an attack of suffocation. Unfortunately, stenosis (narrowing of the lumen of the larynx) of viral or bacterial nature is a common phenomenon at the age of three to seven years. In this regard, parents need to be able to recognize alarming symptoms and provide emergency medical care.

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Causes of laryngitis in children

Laryngitis in children can be acute or chronic. The factors that cause the acute course of the disease include viruses or bacteria. The leading place in the acute process is occupied by diphtheria bacilli, streptococci, staphylococci, parainfluenza virus. The chronic form of the disease is provoked by persistent cough, vocal cord strain, prolonged stay in a dusty room, frequent colds, etc. Inflammation of the mucous membrane in childhood can be of an allergic nature.

The following causes of laryngitis in children are identified:

• viral/bacterial infection;
• complications after measles, scarlet fever;
• weakened body (physical fatigue);
• hypothermia;
• inhalation of cold, dusty, dry air through the throat;
• oral infection;
• excessively hot/cold drinks;
• overstrain of the vocal apparatus (shouting, choral singing, etc.);
• contact with allergens (paint, varnish, house dust, animals, etc.);
• the presence of lymphaticohypoplastic diathesis - weak innate resistance of the upper respiratory tract;
• use of aerosols and sprays - they often irritate the nerve endings of the larynx, which can provoke a reflex contraction of the vocal cords;
• psycho-emotional factors that led to laryngeal spasm (strong experiences, shocks).

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Viral laryngitis in children

Common factors influencing the occurrence of laryngitis in children are respiratory viral infections. Acute inflammation of the larynx in childhood occurs as a result of infection with the influenza virus, parainfluenza, rhino-syncytial infection.

Viral laryngitis in children initially manifests itself in the form of general weakness, nasal congestion, discharge from the nasal passages, fever, and a red throat. The symptoms are joined by voice changes, a painful cough of a dry, unproductive, "barking" nature. The viral course of the disease often occurs against the background of rubella, chickenpox, and measles.

Inflammation from the mucous membrane spreads to the vocal cords and subglottic space, preventing air from entering the lungs.

Symptoms of laryngitis in children

The classic course of laryngitis in children begins with discharge from the nasal sinuses and a dry cough, the voice often becomes hoarse, and rarely disappears completely. The disease manifests itself in single attacks of suffocation or, as a recurrent disease, with a periodically recurring state of difficulty breathing.

Laryngitis in children always occurs suddenly, most often at dawn. The situation is aggravated by the fright of a child who is absolutely healthy before falling asleep. Childhood nervous excitement is directly related to the respiratory function, so parents should first calm the baby down.

The following symptoms of laryngitis in children are distinguished:

• increase in temperature (no more than 39 C);
• heavy, shallow breathing;
• a whistling sound is heard when inhaling;
• hoarseness of voice or loss of voice (more common with diphtheria);
• dry, "barking" type of cough;
• the baby is worried and scared;
• discomfort, burning in the larynx area;
• pain when swallowing;
• The first sign of suffocation is that the skin around the mouth takes on a bluish tint.

Chronic laryngitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• catarrhal process - pronounced hoarseness, rapid fatigue, sputum production when coughing;
• hypertrophic course of the disease - hoarseness can develop into complete loss of voice, cough occurs during exacerbation;
• atrophic laryngitis - along with hoarseness and dry cough, there is a small amount of blood in the sputum due to strong coughing.

In children, the disease is accompanied by swelling of the larynx, called false croup. Difficulty breathing, rapid development of oxygen deficiency due to narrowing of the larynx lumen require immediate medical intervention.

How long does laryngitis last in children?

Therapeutic action is prescribed based on the diagnostic results, depending on the nature and severity of the disease. If laryngitis in children is not neglected and treated correctly, then sputum discharge is observed already on the third day. It is possible to cope with the acute process in a week if you contact a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations, including the voice regimen.

How long does chronic laryngitis last in children? It all depends on the individual characteristics of the child's body and the severity of the disease itself. So, laryngitis of the second, third and fourth degrees is treated in a hospital setting. Some cases require intensive care with the installation of a tracheostomy - in the intensive care unit, an incision is made below the thyroid gland, where a breathing tube is inserted.

The medical prognosis for young patients who have had laryngitis is optimistic in most situations. After the final formation of the nervous system and the disappearance of the loose submucous layer, the disease recedes. That is, the moment of "outgrowing" the disease comes.

Cough with laryngitis in children

A dry, "barking" cough with laryngitis in children allows experienced mothers to determine what disease they are dealing with. Changes in the voice are caused by inflammation of the ligament space. A strong, painful cough is characteristic of the atrophic form of the disease, in which dry crusts with blood streaks are observed.

Attacks of barking cough at night with fever, difficulty breathing, noisy inhalation, cyanosis, respiratory arrest and loss of consciousness indicate a condition of acute subglottic laryngitis (false croup). The nasolabial triangle area acquires a bluish tint.

The catarrhal type (the simplest form) of the disease is characterized by a slight cough.

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An attack of laryngitis in a child

A typical manifestation of laryngitis in children is a "barking" cough. Inflammation from the mucous membrane spreads to the ligament area, the subglottic zone, which in turn causes a decrease in the laryngeal lumen. Swelling of the mucous layer, accumulation of viscous sputum and the appearance of drying crusts further impede the penetration of air into the body. The condition called false croup syndrome is heralded by three components - an unproductive "barking" cough, increasing hoarseness, noise when inhaling. The muscles of the sternum are often involved in the respiratory process: during inhalation, the intercostal muscle structures are drawn in, as well as the jugular notch area.

False croup or an attack of laryngitis in a child appears suddenly at night or before dawn. Parents should remember that the development of symptoms is always rapid - a couple of hours is enough for the process to worsen as much as possible, fraught with suffocation. Therefore, when the first signs of "constrained" breathing are detected, you need to call emergency medical care. While waiting for a specialist, you should calm the frightened child, ensure the supply of fresh air, and put a mustard plaster on the larynx area.

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Temperature in laryngitis in children

Laryngitis in children is usually accompanied by a rise in temperature to 39°C. However, subfebrile values on the thermometer often accompany the condition of false croup.

Temperature in laryngitis in children often occurs with viral, bacterial forms of the disease and is not a cause for concern. Temperature means that the child's body is "fighting" the infection, activating the immune system. An increase in temperature helps to reduce the duration of the disease, and also enhances the effect of antibiotics. Plenty of warm drinks and bed rest can help the baby.

Acute laryngitis in children

Acute laryngitis in children (false croup) develops as a complication after measles, scarlet fever, and respiratory infection. Factors influencing the onset of the disease:

• childhood hypovitaminosis;
• poor nutrition;
• a decrease in the body's defenses as a result of hypothermia, overwork, etc.;
• adverse environmental influences (cold, dust, etc.);
• hereditary predisposition.

Clinical manifestation of acute laryngitis is pronounced hoarseness, a "barking" cough. The course of the disease is not severe. The danger is posed by swelling of the mucous membrane, which can cause stenosis due to the narrowness of the larynx in children.

Due to the low resistance of the body, laryngitis in children develops quickly - within one or two days. There is malaise, fever, burning in the throat, cough. Exacerbation occurs at night or in the morning, which especially frightens children, increases nervousness. The increasing suffocation is indicated by the cyanosis of the skin of the nasolabial triangle.

The disease lasts for several days, and the prognosis in most cases is favorable.

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Chronic laryngitis in children

The chronic process is preceded by a series of recurring acute inflammations of the larynx. Measles or influenza laryngitis in children can transform into a chronic form. The disease is also called the "screamers' disease" due to excessive strain on the ligaments during systematic and prolonged screaming.

Predispose to chronic laryngitis:

• enlarged lymphoid ring in the pharynx, which interferes with nasal breathing;
• damage to the respiratory tract with persistent coughing, as in chronic bronchitis, irritating the mucous membrane of the larynx;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or cardiovascular system.

Chronic laryngitis in children is observed at an older age. The process leads to pathological changes in the mucous membrane: round cell infiltration, tissue hypertrophy, vasodilation, restructuring of the secretory glands.

Hoarseness in children may indicate the presence of diffuse hypertrophic or limited form of laryngitis with nodules in the vocal cord area. Limited type of chronic laryngitis in children is rare.

The main sign of a chronic process is voice changes (dysphonia), which have various shades - from a slight change to clearly defined hoarseness, as well as aphonia. Pain syndrome, as a rule, is not observed. Children complain of tingling, discomfort in the trachea or larynx area. There are no breathing problems or dysphagia. When coughing, sputum is released. Chronic laryngitis can drag on for an indefinite period.

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Allergic laryngitis in children

Allergic laryngitis in children is the formation of edema as a reaction of the body to some allergen. The edema zone can cover the entire larynx or a separate part of it. The process develops with a violation of phonation, difficulty swallowing and stenosis.

Edema of allergic laryngitis makes the voice hoarse, often occurs in the dark with symptoms of croup - a restless state of the child, a "barking" cough, difficulty in breathing, cyanosis of the lip area and nasolabial triangle.

There are four degrees of the disease:

• The 1st is characterized by short-term attacks, one might say painless;
• The 2nd is characterized by longer attacks and impaired cardiac function;
• The 3rd is described by severe shortness of breath and manifestation of local cyanosis;
• 4th – loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest.

When treating allergic laryngitis, it is important not only to eliminate the symptoms, but also to identify and eliminate the cause - the allergen carrier. The prognosis for the condition at the first degree of severity is favorable, the rest depend on the correctness of the prescribed treatment.

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Stenosing laryngitis in children

Stenosing laryngitis in children is an acute inflammation of the larynx, which can spread to the bronchi and trachea. It develops against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, with the addition of a bacterial factor, as a complication after influenza. In children, false croup syndrome is often observed in combination with allergic diathesis, is severe and has a wave-like nature. The mucous membrane in an inflamed, edematous state and the narrow lumen of the larynx in children cause a violation of the respiratory function, which is aggravated by reflex spasm.

An attack of stenosing laryngitis manifests itself acutely, at night. Its harbingers are a "barking" cough, discomfort in the throat, hoarseness. The severity of the disease is determined by the degree of stenosis and respiratory dysfunction. With stenosis of the 1st degree, there is a short-term or mild long-term breath hold. Breathing is noisy, the voice is rough, the cough is dry, the narrowing of the lumen is insignificant. Stenosis of the 2nd degree can last up to five days. The child's condition is restless, characterized by an increasing cough and frequent attacks of suffocation, the noise from breathing is heard at a distance. Pallor of the skin and slight cyanosis of the lip area are also noted. The third degree of stenosing laryngitis is expressed by constant difficulty breathing and retraction of the jugular fossa, the area above and below the collarbone, the epigastric region. The child tosses and turns in bed, sweating, signs of cardiovascular failure and hypoxemia appear. The fourth stage of the disease is asphyxia.

Laryngitis in a newborn

Laryngitis in children is a common occurrence, which is more difficult to bear than in adulthood. The child's immune system is not yet fully formed, and the throat is much narrower than in adult patients.

Laryngitis in a newborn is considered a life-threatening condition due to possible suffocation. The mucous membrane of infants is loose, and the swelling of the larynx can reach such a level that it blocks the access of oxygen to the lungs.

Signs of concern include:

• a cough that resembles a dog's barking;
• difficulty breathing.

The baby's skin may be pale, bluish. The general condition is defined as sluggish or, on the contrary, restless. Sometimes an increase in temperature is noted. Whatever the indirect signs, parents should not delay calling for medical help.

Laryngitis in a newborn develops lightning fast. The appearance of stridor (rough breathing, audible at a distance) indicates a severe stage of the disease, followed by asphyxia.

Laryngitis in children under one year

The body of children under one year of age has low resistance to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and adverse environmental factors (dusty, cold, dry air, etc.). Acute or chronic laryngitis in children occurs as a result of cooling, infectious diseases (measles, rubella, flu, etc.), long-term inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx or paranasal sinuses.

Dry throat mucosa, increasing cough, hoarseness - all this indicates laryngitis in children under one year old, which can lead to a dangerous consequence in the form of false croup. Paleness, shortness of breath, restlessness of your baby - alarming symptoms when you can not hesitate for a minute. Having called emergency medical care, sit the child on your lap, give warm milk or water with soda to drink (it will help relieve swelling). It would be reasonable to do a soda inhalation, put a mustard plaster on the chest.

Laryngitis in infants

In the first months of life, laryngitis may develop in children as a complication after a viral, cold disease or under the influence of an allergen. The structure of the respiratory system of babies is imperfect, and the immune system is not yet ready to cope with pathogens.

The most important thing is to recognize laryngitis in an infant in time and seek medical help. Parents will be prompted by the baby's lethargic, restless state, nasal discharge and cough. Screams combined with wheezing, noise and whistling when breathing, bluish skin in the nasolabial triangle are distinctive features of a progressive disease.

Narrowing of the larynx due to swelling can lead to suffocation, so the baby should be kept upright and given warm drinks until the ambulance arrives.

Laryngitis in a 1 year old child

The anatomical features of the throat structure in young children are characterized by a narrow laryngeal lumen, a tendency to swelling of the mucous membrane and reflex muscle spasms. A millimeter swelling of the laryngeal mucosa narrows the lumen almost twice, so laryngitis in a 1-year-old child often leads to stenosis. The disease is caused by infectious factors, allergies, and injuries.

Recovery will be facilitated by fresh, humidified air in the room, drinking plenty of warm mineral non-carbonated water, compotes, milk with honey, herbal infusions (if there is no allergy). Laryngitis in children from one year requires constant monitoring of respiratory function by parents and compliance with the pediatrician's instructions.

Laryngitis in a 2 year old child

Laryngitis in children over two years of age has the same clinical symptoms as at a younger age - cough, discharge from the nasal passages, discomfort and swelling of the throat, changes in voice or its loss. Possible overstrain of the vocal cords is added to viral, bactericidal, allergic, traumatic causes of the disease.

Laryngitis in a 2-year-old child requires breathing through the nose, keeping silence, which parents should constantly monitor. At this age, relapses are possible in the form of acute subglottic laryngitis (false croup) and suffocation.

Laryngitis in a 3 year old child

In childhood, laryngitis is more common in the cool season, when the body is most susceptible to the effects of microorganisms. The problem can be caused by vocal strain (long and loud screaming), an allergic reaction. The symptoms are always the same - hoarseness, cough, complaints of pain when swallowing.

It can be difficult, but it is necessary to convey to the child the idea of the importance of maintaining silence as the main condition for a quick recovery. Laryngitis in a 3-year-old child can be defeated in a couple of days with timely detection of the disease and proper treatment. Warm drinks, a favorable microclimate in the room, inhalations, bed rest and a balanced diet will help get rid of the unpleasant disease.

What if a child often suffers from laryngitis?

Laryngitis in children due to weakened immunity, hereditary predisposition, frequent colds can occur very often (several times a month). With frequent laryngitis, it is important that the disease does not become chronic, which is quite difficult to treat. It happens that the symptoms of laryngitis disappear with age, when the child's body's defenses become able to resist infection.

If a child often suffers from laryngitis, he should:

• treat in time, without letting the disease progress;
• walk in any weather, taking into account the general well-being of the baby;
• toughen up the child (do not wrap him up, do not use synthetic underwear);
• Do not smoke in front of the baby.

Developing immunity sometimes takes a long time, including the adaptation period in kindergarten, which lasts at least six months. To help your child get stronger, be patient and do not panic when the next illness occurs.

Selecting an effective remedy for laryngitis may be based on trial and error, because each organism is individual. Some people are helped by folk remedies, others by homeopathy, and still others by medications. It is important for parents to be patient and caring, and to strictly follow measures to prevent the disease.

Diagnosis of laryngitis in children

Laryngitis in children is recognized quite simply - by visual observation of the behavior and condition of the baby. Small children who are unable to express complaints about their health, lose interest in games, become lethargic, passive, capricious. Often, babies, not understanding what is happening to them, show excessive nervousness, panic, and can rush around in their crib. All these changes will not go unnoticed by parents, who should respond promptly by calling a doctor.

Symptoms of laryngitis in children begin in the form of a runny nose, hoarseness with a sharp change in voice. The crying of infants also changes to hoarse, noisy, whistling. The clinical picture of the disease reveals characteristic difficulties in inhaling. The disease is differentiated by increasing attacks of a "barking" cough, which after a couple of days transforms into a wet cough with sputum.

Laboratory diagnostics of laryngitis in children is not always indicated due to painfulness or impossibility of use due to physiological characteristics of the larynx of children. New technologies allow to establish the correct diagnosis and evaluate the quality of treatment prescribed by the doctor: spirometry, capnography, pulse oximetry, etc. Modern devices for studying the respiratory function are non-invasive, informative and are used dynamically, which allows to observe the dynamics of the child's recovery during therapy.

Blood tests can quickly identify the infectious nature of the disease and select effective therapy.

Drug treatment of laryngitis in children

To lower a child's temperature, you can give him paracetamol, preferably in the form of a suppository.

In case of stenosing laryngitis, an antispasmodic injection with noshpa, papaverine, diphenhydramine, analgin or tavegil is given. The amount of the medicine is required at the rate of 0.1 mg per year of life. Remember that the injection is an emergency action against laryngeal edema and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Medication for laryngitis in children is used strictly as prescribed by a pediatrician. Sometimes doctors recommend taking the following medications:

• antihistamines (suprastin, claritin) - if the disease is of an allergic nature;
• antibiotics – in the presence of bacteria and viruses;
• cough suppressants (usually broncholitin). If sputum appears, the drugs are discontinued;
• If the cough is wet, expectorants and mucolytics are prescribed.

In most cases, the therapy is gentle, using herbal preparations and physiotherapy methods. For example, tonsipret is an effective remedy for laryngitis in children. Consisting entirely of plant extracts, the medicine in the form of drops and tablets is used to treat children from one year of age, has an immune-boosting, antiseptic, and antiviral effect. Tonzipret cures chronic laryngitis and prevents the transformation of the acute process into a chronic form.

How to treat laryngitis in children?

Laryngitis in children is treated depending on the severity of the disease. At the first stage of the disease, it is necessary to provide the child with complete rest and mandatory duty in the adult's room. Foot baths and mustard plasters are used as distracting procedures. Warming, strongly smelling ointments are contraindicated, as they can increase the symptoms of laryngitis. Inhalations with a nebulizer give a good effect. Milk with added honey should be given with great caution to avoid an allergic reaction. It is better to give dried fruit compote to younger children as a drink, since herbal infusions (especially multi-component ones) can increase the symptoms of the disease.

In cases of infectious laryngitis, it is appropriate to take antibiotics, and in cases of allergic course of the disease, it is important to eliminate the root cause, that is, the allergen.

How to treat laryngitis in children in the second and third stages? In these cases, medical care is provided in a hospital setting. It is better to conduct an examination when the child is calm and is on the parent's lap. Laryngitis can develop into the third or fourth stage in a few hours, so complex therapy is prescribed - inhalations, antipyretic effects, antibacterial and infusion treatment (IV with euphyllin and prednisolone).

Laryngitis of the fourth degree requires placing the child in intensive care. Cases of complete blockage of the glottis include the placement of a tracheostomy, when a tube is inserted through an incision in the neck below the thyroid gland, allowing breathing.

Antibiotics for laryngitis in children

Antibacterial agents, including antibiotics for laryngitis in children, are not indicated due to the lack of sensitivity of viruses to them. The effect of antiviral drugs is observed in the first days of the disease and in cases of prevention. Most of these substances have age restrictions for use and a long list of side effects. In case of bacterial laryngitis, antiseptic sprays are prescribed.

In rare cases, antibiotics are prescribed, but only after a blood test for the presence of a bacterial infection, as well as all signs of a severe course of the disease: purulent discharge, high temperature, chills. With such symptoms, it is appropriate to use antibiotics of the penicillin group. If natural penicillins are not effective, then it is possible to use semi-synthetic or antibiotics of other groups.

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Laryngitis syrup for children

The main problem with laryngitis is cough, which children can cope with with syrup. Glycodin is balanced, effective and harmless. This syrup gently affects the cough center, has a protective effect on the mucous membrane and activates the secretory function of the epithelium. Pleasant-tasting syrup for laryngitis for children is used in acute or chronic processes with dry cough. Dosage of the drug: children from one to three years old - a quarter of a teaspoon up to three times a day, children from four to six years old - a quarter of a teaspoon up to four times a day, patients from seven to twelve years old - half a teaspoon three to four times a day. The drug rarely causes side effects, but can have a depressing effect on the central nervous system.

Laryngitis in children over two years old is treated with gerbion syrup, which is an extract of the rhizome of the primrose and thyme herb. It has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effect, reduces the viscosity of sputum and promotes its discharge. Half a measuring spoon of syrup is recommended three times a day for children aged two to five years. From five to fourteen years, the dosage is increased to a measuring spoon (5 ml). In rare cases, individual intolerance to the drug is observed.

Inhalations for laryngitis in children

Inhalations for laryngitis in children are considered a safe and effective method for suppressing the symptoms of the disease. Special inhalers - nebulizers, which break up medicinal solutions into small droplets that penetrate into hard-to-reach places of the respiratory system, will be indispensable. With such treatment, there is no irritation of the nerve endings of the respiratory organs and spasm of the vocal cords.

The following are used as solutions for inhalation:

• still mineral waters – Borjomi, Narzan (especially recommended in the morning hours);
• 0.5 ml of euphyllin and 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl – the solution helps relieve spasms;
• Prednisolone is a steroidal anti-inflammatory substance that relieves swelling quickly and effectively. The ratio of the agents is the same as in the case of euphyllin.

Of course, you can do with steam inhalation over potatoes, chamomile, eucalyptus, sage or St. John's wort, but this is not always convenient when treating babies. For inhalation with steam, you will need a wide saucepan, into which you pour a liter of water, then add three tablespoons of dry herbs and boil for a couple of minutes. You can add a few teaspoons of soda to the water. It is not necessary to hold the child over the steam (the temperature should be comfortable, not scalding), it is enough to close the doors tightly in the room and stay there with the baby.

Prevention of laryngitis in children

In order to prevent recurrence of laryngitis, it is necessary to increase the resistance of the child's body to pathogenic microorganisms. Visit a pediatrician who will identify the cause of the disease and recommend a number of preventive measures.

Prevention of infectious and respiratory diseases by hardening is the best prevention of laryngitis in children. Walk more in the fresh air in any season, use a contrast shower, avoid talking in the frosty air.

In case of frequent attacks of laryngitis it is necessary:

• avoid hypothermia/overheating (clothing should be appropriate for the season, without wrapping yourself up too much);
• maintain a balanced diet;
• adhere to the daily routine;
• maintain cleanliness and sufficient humidity in the room (avoid contact with dust and other allergens);
• alternate physical and mental activity;
• avoid crowded places during epidemics;
• use hardening techniques.

If your child sings in a choir or often screams, it is necessary to follow the rules of the vocal regime and contact a specialist to receive a set of special exercises for the vocal cords.

Laryngitis in children can be prevented by strengthening the immune system by taking adaptogens - tincture of rhodiola, aralia, eleutherococcus extract.