Croup.
Acute laryngotracheitis (croup) is a viral disease of the lower and upper respiratory tract, accompanied by difficulty breathing, especially inhalation.
Symptoms of the disease.
Croup begins with signs that are characteristic of colds. The infection leads to swelling of the mucous membranes, as a result of which they narrow and breathing becomes difficult. Hoarseness, barking cough and difficulty breathing usually occur at night. Due to difficulty breathing, the child wakes up. Breathing is deep, fast, the child's body temperature may rise. The child's condition may improve in the morning, and deteriorates again at night. The duration of the disease is 3-4 days. Recurring croup is called spasmodic croup. The cause of it may be an allergy, but the disease begins with a viral infection.
Causes of the disease.
Croup is caused by a large number of different viruses. The cause of the disease in autumn is the parainfluenza virus. In spring and autumn – measles virus, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus. Most often, croup affects children aged six months to 3 years, but it can also occur in older or younger children. Croup, which is caused by the flu virus, is especially difficult. Most often it occurs in children aged 3-7 years. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, as well as during contact with infected objects.
The diagnosis of the disease is carried out according to the characteristic symptoms.
Treatment of the disease.
Children who suffer from mild croup are treated at home. The patient needs rest, plenty of drink, comfort, because crying and fatigue worsen the patient's condition. Home devices that humidify the air (for example, humidifiers and air purifiers) reduce the dryness of the respiratory tract, as well as facilitate breathing.
In order to facilitate breathing, medications that expand the respiratory tract are prescribed, for example, adrenaline. Epinephrine can be inhaled through a spray bottle in the form of an aerosol. In the hospital, hormonal drugs (corticosteroids) are sometimes prescribed for the treatment of severe viral croup. In rare cases, antibiotics are prescribed - this is if the child develops a bacterial infection in the croup.
When it is necessary to consult a doctor and call an ambulance:
- with lacrimation, fever, other signs of acute respiratory infections, sore throat, cough and runny nose;
- if the child wakes up at night with hoarseness, difficulty breathing, barking, and coughing. get latest bonus from the best online casino in malaysia now