Croup – Laringotraxeoʙronxit

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

What is croup?

Croup – inflammation and swelling of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Swelling can cause breathing difficulties and coughing, like barking (barking cough). Croup is most often seen in children aged six months to three years, because young children have smaller airways. As the child's airways become wider, which reduces the likelihood of croup in older children and adults.

Causes of croup

Croup can cause a variety of viral infections, such as:

• Parainfluenza;
• Paramyxovirus;
• Influenza virus type A;
• Respiratory virus sintsitialynыy;
• Adenovirus;
• Rynovyrus;
• Enteroviruses;
• Coxsackie virus;
• Intestinal Echoviruses (Enteric Cytopathogenic Human Orfhan);
• Reovirus;
• Measles virus.

Risk Factors cereal

Factors, that may increase the risk of cereal include:

• Age: Three years or younger;
• The presence of cereal in the past;
• Family history of croup;
• Frequent upper respiratory infections;
• Coldest month: October to March.

Symptoms of croup

Croup often begins with symptoms, similar upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms may begin suddenly and often at night. Below is a list of the most common symptoms of croup:

• Cough with spasms;
• Cough , that sounds like a barking;
• Hoarseness;
• Fever;
• Sharp, alt, when the child breathes in the air, especially during crying;
• Labored breathing;
• Poor appetite and poor fluid intake.

More serious symptoms of croup, which may require immediate medical attention include:

• Bluish color of the nails, lips or skin around the mouth. It is a life-threatening situation. Immediately contact an ambulance;
• Reduced attention – also a very serious symptom, I need to call an ambulance;
• Anxiety or agitation – It may be due to dangerous lack of oxygen for the health;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Sharp, piercing sound when breathing, even at rest;
• Swallowing problems;
• Drooling.
• Unable to speak because of breathing problems;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Dizziness or lightheadedness;
• Fast, irregular heartbeat, chest pain;
• Hives or rash;
• Hyperthermia.

Diagnosing croup

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history of the child, and perform a physical examination.

Additional tests are not always necessary. However, croup is severe or the diagnosis is unclear, your doctor may prescribe:

• Blood tests to check for signs of infection;
• X-rays of the neck, to find changes, associated with croup;
• Laryngoscopy – through the mouth into the throat inserted into a thin tube, to examine the tissues of the throat. During the procedure can be selected a sample of mucus to check for infection.

Treatment of croup

The goal is, to keep patient airways open, until the infection clears. Infection, causes croup usually goes away on its own within 5-7 days. Severe symptoms usually disappear after a cereal 3-4 day.

If a child is diagnosed with croup, Follow your doctor's instructions. Treatment includes cereal:

Spy in the House of Krupa

The child may have trouble sleeping because of shortness of breath. Moist air will help ease baby's breath. To do this, use the following methods:

• Install a humidifier in the bedroom;
• Use the bathroom like a Russian bath. Give the child into the bathroom and close the door. Turn on the hot shower. Baby's breath should improve within 15-20 minutes;
• The cool night air may also help relieve the symptoms of croup. Sit down with the child near an open window or go outside.

Check, that a child consumes a lot of fluid. Give him water and unsweetened juices.

Drugs of haunches

Your doctor may recommend certain medications:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen – to relieve discomfort. Strictly follow the instructions for use of these drugs;
• Steroids – reduce swelling in the airways. Typically used in severe cases,, for child support before hospitalization;
• Ratsemicheskiy adrenaline – It applied by inhalation;
• Antibiotics – ineffective in the treatment of viral infections, Calling cereals. But they may be required, if you have any other problems, such as otitis media, or pneumonia.

Inpatient treatment of croup

When severe symptoms of croup, child, perhaps, It should be hospitalized. Hospital treatment may include:

• Special tent, in which the child is placed and served cool, wet air;
• Medications or breathing treatments – to treat inflammation and respiratory insufficiency;
• Snorkel – It is inserted into the throat, to keep the airway open;
• Intravenous fluids;
• Monitoring of oxygen levels and heart rate;
• Tracheotomy – surgical procedure, allows you to open the airways in children with severe breathing problems.

Prevention cereal

Croup usually occurs because of an upper respiratory infection. To reduce the likelihood of cereals need to take measures for the protection of the child against colds and flu. MY PART Ruki. Avoid contact with people, who suffer from a cold or flu.

Annual influenza vaccination will help prevent Croup due to flu epidemic and. The flu shot is highly recommended for all children aged six months to five years.