Stenoses of the larynx: first aid

Often in childhood, stenoses of the larynx are common, which are characterized by a narrowing of its lumen. As a result, the child can not breathe fully. This condition threatens the lives of children, so you should immediately call an ambulance.

It should every mother, even if her child has not been subjected to similar attacks of asthma earlier, know what to do in such a situation. You need to be able to provide first aid before the doctors arrive, because every minute is precious.

Officially, this disease is called stenosing laryngotracheitis, in children it can manifest in both chronic and acute forms.

The chronic form of laryngitis occurs under the influence of the same factors as its acute form. Only their action is longer and less noticeable. Symptoms of chronic form are also similar to acute, but manifest not so clearly and strongly. Symptoms in this situation is the rigidity of the voice. The throat starts to perspire after a short conversation, there is a cough with phlegm. When the disease worsens, these signs become more pronounced.

The second form of the disease is the heavier one, acute stenosing laryngotracheitis, the main causes of which are the presence of acute viral infections, bacterial infections or allergens that cause a dangerous reaction (Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock).

There are a number of reasons that do not belong to the category of infections, but they can also cause stenosis of the larynx: foreign body entry into the larynx, traumas of various nature and laryngospasm.

This disease, as noted above, requires immediate assistance from parents. So, first of all, you should calm the child, put on your knees to yourself, ensure sufficient ventilation of the room. You can open a tap with hot water in the bathroom and go there with the baby to allow him to inhale warm moist air. If you have an inhaler, do inhalation with saline. It is better to do this procedure before the ambulance arrives.

If after this the child becomes lighter, do not give up the help of doctors. No one can guarantee that the stenosis of the larynx will not recur again after any period of time. It is necessary to go to the hospital to prevent attacks of suffocation. Doctors prescribe a comprehensive treatment, which includes the intake of hormonal drugs, necessary antibiotics and drugs to prevent the onset of edema.

Stenoses of the larynx are divided into four types depending on the degree of complexity:

- compensated stenosis, which is characterized by a state of moderate severity: anxiety barking cough. In a state of rest, the child breathes evenly, his voice will be hushed;

- subcompensated stenosis: a state of moderate severity. Shortness of breath increases and is interrupted by coughing attacks, pale skin is observed, the voice is hoarse;

- Decompensated stenosis, which is characterized by possible confusion, difficulty breathing and a shortening of exhalation. There is a cold sweat, the skin can be an earthen shade with a marble pattern. The pulse is weak, deaf, the liver is enlarged ;

Asphyxiation. In this case, the child is unconscious, the pupils are dilated, there may be seizures. The pulse is threadlike or absent with a cavity, breathing is noiseless. The condition is extremely dangerous and is characterized by a possible stop of breathing and heart. Requires emergency medical attention.

Treatment of each type of stenosis is characterized by its specificity, the appointment of certain drugs. If the child has asphyxia, it is necessary to inject 5-7 μg intravenously or intramuscularly without waiting for the brigade to arrive, prednisolone (hormonal drug).

All stenoses of the larynx should be treated out-patient, under the supervision of doctors.