29/06/2022
Laryngitis in children
Particular attention should be paid to children under 5 years of age. Young children have their own anatomical features of the larynx: narrow, short, funnel-shaped larynx, submucosal tissue, which swells easily. This contributes to the development of stenosis (narrowing of the larynx) with the development of respiratory failure. Often develops in children prone to exudative diathesis, laryngospasm.
It is necessary to differentiate the development of stenosis in viral infection and diphtheria. With SARS, most often an attack occurs abruptly at night, the child becomes restless, trying to choose a comfortable position in bed. Cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, difficulty in breathing (mainly inhalation), "barking cough" are noted. It can pass on its own, repeated attacks are possible in a couple of days.
With diphtheria, signs of respiratory failure gradually increase, elements of fibrous plaque of the mucous membrane enter the respiratory tract, blocking their lumen (immediate medical attention is required).
Parents need to know the first aid measures for a child with stenosing (obstructive) laryngitis:
complete emotional and mental peace (screaming and crying increase the degree of stenosis);
access to fresh air;
comfortable body position;
inhalation with glucocorticoids (Budesonide 0.5 mg (up to 1 year) or 1.0 mg (after a year) + saline 2 ml, through a nebulizer);
foot hot baths (no more than 3 minutes).
If the condition worsens, breathing is disturbed, the intercostal spaces are drawn in, cyanosis spreads to the face, hands, body, and breathing increases, immediate hospitalization is required.
The hospital provides intensive treatment of stenosing laryngitis with hormonal drugs, antibiotics, bronchodilators, detoxification, antipyretic drugs, oxygen inhalation. The patient is discharged home no earlier than 2-3 days after the normalization of laboratory and physical parameters (body temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, skin color).
