Coughs and sore throats are fairly common ailments in young children, especially during the cooler months of the year.
related
As times change, pediatricians’ offices are filled with worried parents about their sons. ‘dog cough’.
This is one of the most typical symptoms laryngitisAlthough most cases usually do not present with complications, it is important to know how to distinguish it from other conditions such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
What is laryngitis?
“it is Inflammatory process of the laryngeal mucosa, usually primarily affects the vocal cords.It could be of viral or bacterial origin”, explains Dr. Miguel Fresnillo CuestaOtolaryngologist at the Madrid Institute of Otorhinolaryngology and CCC (IOM).
The main effect is Children 6 months to 6 years old Old, especially in autumn and winter.
Although this pathology is not the most common, in some cases”potentially dangerous’ explained Dr. Fresnillo.
This is due to “the anatomy of the infant’s larynx, the subglottic region is narrow, so there is increased risk of blockage Due to inflammation.
laryngitis causes
In most cases, laryngitis is caused by respiratory viruses The Spanish Pediatric Association (AEP) states eg parainfluenza and influenza viruses.
exist some more isolated caseslaryngitis is caused by bacteriaand it can become a little more serious, although there are not necessarily any complications if diagnosed in time.
Aspirin for Kids: Why It Wasn’t Recommended for Kids for 20 Years
How will I know if my child has laryngitis?
Laryngitis usually begins with a common cold or upper respiratory flu, accompanied by a mild fever.
However, it is accompanied by a very characteristic set of symptoms, as Dr. Fresnillo explains:
- dry cough, “barking cough” or metallic sounds, usually worse at night
- hoarseness or difficulty speaking
Depending on the degree of inflammation in the larynx, airway obstruction may occur, which can also lead to:
- respiratory insufficiency (difficulty breathing), shortness of breath
- sound when breathingcalled stridor
Which is the treatment?
inside mild cases In the absence of dyspnea, “symptomatic treatmentthat is, anti-inflammatory and pain relievers, or antibiotics if the laryngitis is bacterial in origin,” says Dr. Fresnillo.
On the contrary, if it is a A case of severe obstructive laryngitisthe processing is more complicated:
-
“need for corticosteroidssometimes requiring epinephrine and in some cases may require hospitalization for orotracheal intubation”.
But usually, Laryngitis is usually mild The children recovered within days without complications. According to AEP data, Fewer than 5% of children require hospitalization.
Amoxicillin in children: recommended doses and uses of this antibiotic
Some advice if your child has laryngitis
As Dr. Fresnillo insists, The best advice is always to see a pediatricianrather than self-medication.
But for mild laryngitis, parents can do the following to help their child feel better:
- increase air humidityUse a humidifier or turn on the hot water tap in the bathroom to generate steam and stay for 10-20 minutes.
- breath of cold air It deflates airway tissues.
- Try to keep your baby from cryingrunning, or fidgeting to avoid worsening symptoms.
- make sure the little one is sittinghead up.
- stay in good shape hydration If he’s not hungry, don’t force feed him.
- no smoking at home Smoke can worsen coughing if not near children.
- consult a pediatrician When in doubt, do not use antibiotics without your doctor’s supervision.
Can pharyngitis be prevented?
Preventing this disease is quite complex.because laryngitis spreads like a common cold, i.e. through saliva particles: coughing, sneezing, kissing…
It can also be through touching, using hands, or sharing glasses or utensils.
Speaking of preventing laryngitis, The most effective thing is to maintain good hygiene habits hands, avoid contact with sick people, and take care of our overall immune system.