home Folk remedies Frequent diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Diagnosis of respiratory tract infections. Are antibiotics needed?

Frequent diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Diagnosis of respiratory tract infections. Are antibiotics needed?

infections respiratory tract- This is a group of diseases that develop when pathogenic microbes enter the respiratory system.

Causes

The causative agents of infectious diseases are:

bacteria: gonococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, mycoplasma, streptococci, etc.;
viruses: rotavirus, herpes, influenza, etc.;
yeast-like and mold fungi.

If it was not possible to establish the pathogen, they speak of an unspecified infection. pathogens are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person during coughing and sneezing or by inhaling particles containing bacilli. In some situations, microbes enter the body through surrounding objects.

Respiratory tract infections are diagnosed at any age and affect both sexes.

The ease of entry and spread of pathogens leads to high level morbidity among the population, while respiratory pathologies occur in 20% of all cases, and can be diagnosed in one person more than once during the year.

Most susceptible to infectious diseases respiratory organs the following categories of people:

infants;
elderly people;
patients with frequent colds chronic pathologies upper ENT pathways;
persons suffering from concomitant chronic diseases (oncological neoplasms, disorders nervous system, diabetes mellitus);
people with a weakened immune system, prone to regular hypothermia.

An important role is played by timely vaccination: in people who have received immunoprophylaxis on time, infections are diagnosed much less frequently.

Depending on the method of entry and spread of microorganisms, diseases are divided into the following types:

infectious diseases in which the pathogen multiplies at the site of penetration. These include influenza, SARS, whooping cough and others;
pathologies that have a hematogenous mode of spread (through the blood), for example, parotitis, pneumonia, encephalitis;
diseases in which infectious phenomena occur in the oropharynx and on mucous surfaces (tonsillitis, diphtheria, etc.);
infections that affect skin and mucous membranes (chickenpox, measles).

The first symptoms of AIVD usually occur 12 hours after pathogen entry, with symptoms becoming noticeable after about 3 days. Characteristic manifestations become: pain symptoms in the throat, itching in the nasal cavity, sneezing, nasal discharge, etc.

List of respiratory pathologies

The respiratory tract is conditionally divided into the upper section (nose, larynx, oropharynx) and the lower section (trachea, bronchi, lungs).

The list of diseases of infectious origin is quite extensive. Among the most common are: rhinitis, pharyngitis, influenza, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, measles, diphtheria, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. In addition, there is a simultaneous defeat of several departments (laryngotracheitis, tracheobronchitis and others).

Flu

Acute pathology respiratory system viral origin, affecting the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system. Influenza begins with an intense intoxication syndrome: chills, deterioration general well-being, increase in body temperature over 38-40 ° C, pain in the joints and muscles. As a rule, there is no runny nose, there is a hacking cough.

Among the varieties of the disease are virus A, B and C. Influenza can lead to quite severe consequences and end in death.

Rhinitis

A disease in which inflammation occurs on the mucous surfaces of the nasal passages.

Among the characteristic symptoms there is a mucous exudate, the nature of which depends on the pathogen: if the cause is bacteria or fungi, the discharge has an unpleasant odor, yellow or green color, when the virus enters the body - the snot is colorless and odorless. If a runny nose is accompanied by profuse colorless secretions, rhinovirus infection or influenza may be suspected.

Other manifestations may be:

violation of nasal breathing;
itching in the nose;
increased tearing;
sneezing
in some situations, there is fever, general weakness.

Acute rhinitis often accompanies scarlet fever, diphtheria, gonorrhea, measles, etc.

Sinusitis

Inflammatory phenomena on the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses can occur in the form of sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis, sphenoiditis. These diseases have a bacterial or viral nature of origin, and are accompanied by the following symptoms:

congestion of the nasal passages;
violation of nasal breathing;
increase in temperature indicators;
smell disorder;
a feeling of fullness in the bridge of the nose and frontal lobes;
thick yellow-green discharge;
general weakness.

Angina (tonsillitis)

Angina is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract, which can be provoked by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Angina begins with severe pain in the throat and fever (up to 40 ° C), as well as an increase in lymph nodes. The palatine tonsils become swollen and edematous, with a lacunar, follicular and ulcerative membranous form, plaque appears on the tonsils. With the transition of angina to chronic form talk about chronic tonsillitis.

Pharyngitis

Inflammatory phenomena affecting the mucous surfaces of the pharynx, most often occur when inhaled chemical substances, dirty air or are the result of hot or cold food intake. However, pharyngitis can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms - staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, fungi of the genus Candida, adenovirus. In this case, the pathology may accompany other inflammations of the respiratory tract (rhinitis, sinusitis, influenza, SARS, scarlet fever).

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis are:

violation of respiratory function;
intoxication syndrome;
redness and swelling of the throat;
dry cough, perspiration;
general weakness.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is dangerous for its consequences - stenosis of the larynx or croup.

Tracheitis

A disease characterized by damage to the trachea - the organ that connects the larynx to the bronchi. Frequent provocateurs are toxic substances, tobacco, polluted air, etc.. Tracheitis can be a manifestation of influenza and a bacterial infection, while patients experience:

intoxication syndrome;
pain symptoms in the pharynx and behind the sternum;
a slight increase in temperature indicators;
unproductive cough that occurs mainly in the morning and at night;
if tracheitis is combined with laryngitis, hoarseness is observed.

Bronchitis

Pathology of the respiratory organs, in which inflammation occurs in the bronchi. The most common pathogens are rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, pneumococci, streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae. Symptoms of the disease include:

intoxication syndrome;
dry or wet cough;
deterioration in general well-being;
pain symptoms in the head.

Bronchitis is acute or chronic course. Forms of leakage have significant differences in etiology, pathogenesis, and also differ in methods of therapy.

Pneumonia

Lung disease predominantly infectious nature. The causative agents of infection are pneumococci, Klebsiella, staphylococci, streptococci, cytomegalovirus, molds and yeast-like fungi. There are also pneumonias of other origins.

The following clinical picture is characteristic of the disease:

intoxication, chills;
general weakness;
growing cough with sputum;
temperature increase;
sweating.

Most often, pneumonia develops as a complication of other systemic diseases.

Diphtheria

Infectious disease, the provocateur of which is Loeffler's bacillus. Most often affects the oropharynx, diphtheria of the larynx, bronchi, skin is less common. It is transmitted mainly through the air, less often through surrounding objects and food. The incubation period is 2-10 days.

The classic manifestation of diphtheria is the presence of a grayish film on the soft palate. Other symptoms include:

increase in temperature indicators;
skin blanching;
discomfort when swallowing;
hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membranes;
swollen lymph nodes.

Measles

Acute infectious disease viral origin, characterized by sufficiently high temperature indicators (up to 40.5 degrees), inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes of the oropharynx and upper respiratory organs, inflammation of the conjunctiva, as well as the appearance of a characteristic red rash on the palate, face, neck, limbs. At the same time, papules have the ability to merge with each other.

The measles provocateur is an RNA virus from the paramyxovirus family. The pathogen is transmitted through the air during cough reflexes and sneezing from a sick person. Pathology occurs mainly in children under 5 years of age, but can also be diagnosed in adulthood.

Whooping cough

A serious infectious disease of the respiratory system, especially dangerous for young children. The causative agent is the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is transmitted by airborne droplets. Characteristic manifestations of whooping cough are bouts of spasmodic cough, which can intensify. Other signs of whooping cough resemble SARS and appear as a runny nose, sneezing, and a slight increase in temperature.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of AIVDP can be made on the basis of complex diagnostics. First of all, the doctor collects an anamnesis, listens to complaints and conducts an initial examination of the patient.

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests will be required:

general blood analysis. An increase in white blood cells indicates acute stage the course of the disease, while with viral infections there is an increase in the number of lymphocytes and monocytes, with bacterial infections - an increase in the number of neutrophils;
to establish the pathogen, bakposev from the nose and throat is used, as well as a study of the secret for microflora and antibiotic sensitivity;
a serological blood test will help determine antibodies and their titers;
depending on the type of pathology, instrumental diagnostic methods are used - laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, x-rays.

Treatment

Infectious pathologies of the upper and lower divisions respiratory tract is usually not an indication for hospitalization of the patient. They are treated by a therapist or an otolaryngologist. The therapy uses an integrated approach:

Etiotropic therapy consists in suppressing and stopping the spread of the pathogen:

The viral origin of the disease, for example, influenza, involves the use of antiviral drugs (Arbidol, Kagocel, Antigrippin, Remantadine, Isoprinosine, Tamiflu).
Antimicrobial therapy is used for bacterial infections: for example, for tonsillitis, macrolide agents are indicated - Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, penicillin preparations - Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Amoxiclav; for inflammation of the bronchi and lungs, both macrolides and penicillins, as well as fluoroquinolones - Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, can be used.

Pathogenetic treatment is aimed at restoring impaired body functions and accelerating recovery. For this purpose, the following immunomodulatory substances are prescribed:

Cycloferon, Anaferon, Grippferon, Amiksin, Viferon are indicated for viral infections;
IRS-19, Imudon, Bronchomunal - with bacterial;
in addition, in some cases, combined medications that relieve inflammation (Erespal) are used, if necessary, NSAIDs are used.

Symptomatic therapy is carried out to improve the quality of life of the patient:

for rhinitis, vasoconstrictors are used - Nazol, Tizin, Pinosol;
for removal pain in the throat with sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, absorbable tablets Faringosept, Lyzobakt, aerosols for irrigation of the glands Geksoral, Tantum Verde, Yoks are used;
for infections accompanied by a cough, mucolytics and expectorants (ACC, Mucobene, Acetylcysteine, Bromhexine, Ambroxol), herbal remedies based on licorice, thyme, as well as combined (Ascoril, Stoptussin, Gedelix) and antitussive drugs (Sinekod, Falimint, Tussin) are indicated .
Analgesics (ibuprofen) will help relieve pain in the head and muscles.
Also used antipyretic Paracetamol, Nurofen.
To relieve nasal congestion and swelling of the mucous membranes, antihistamines are used (Suprastin, Claritin).

ethnoscience

It is necessary to treat infections of the respiratory organs in a complex manner. Traditional medicine can help with this:

with rhinitis, aloe juice showed excellent results, which can be instilled into the nasal cavity 3-4 times a day;
washing the nasal passages with a solution of salt with iodine will help to cope with a runny nose;
with bronchitis, sage with milk is used. Honey can be added to the mixture and applied 2 times a day;
the following recipe will help with pneumonia: for a glass of aloe juice, you need 1 tablespoon of ground birch buds and 2 tablespoons of eryngium leaves. A kilogram of propolis and liquid honey are added to the ingredients. The composition is heated in a water bath and used in a tablespoon 3 times a day;
St. John's wort infusion will relieve sinusitis, which can be consumed orally and used for washing;
for the treatment of sinusitis, the following recipe is used: 5 g pork fat mixed with 4 tablespoons of sea salt. The resulting mixture is treated with the area of the nose and nasal sinuses;
To alleviate the flow of tonsillitis, you can use the following mixture: coltsfoot juice, onion juice, dry red wine. The composition is taken orally, diluting it with water in a ratio of 1 to 3.
to eliminate the manifestations of pharyngitis, garlic and honey syrup, which is consumed one spoon per day, will help;
raspberries with ginger will help restore the lost voice: for 2 tablespoons of raspberries - a pinch of ginger, 2 tablespoons sunflower oil, a glass of boiling water;
for the treatment of tracheitis, an infusion of marshmallow root is used. Take 1 spoon 4 times a day.

Infectious pathologies of the respiratory tract should be treated mainly with medicines. The choice of medication depends on the type and severity of the disease. However, any disease is easier to prevent than to cure, which is why it is necessary to undergo timely vaccination in advance, as well as follow preventive measures.

The defeat of the upper respiratory tract infection very often finds manifestation in tracheitis. Moreover, this disease most often occurs during epidemics of influenza and SARS.

Tracheitis is manifested by inflammation of the tracheal mucosa and can occur in both acute and chronic forms. According to doctors, infections are the main cause of inflammation of the trachea.

Trachea looks like a cartilaginous tube, consisting of one and a half dozen segments - rings. All segments are interconnected by bundles of fibrous tissue. The mucous membranes of this tube are represented by ciliated epithelium. Mucous glands are present in large numbers on the membranes.

With inflammation of the trachea, its mucous membranes swell. There is infiltration of tissues and the release of a large amount of mucus into the tracheal cavity. If the source of the disease is an infection, then clearly visible pinpoint hemorrhages can be seen on the surface of the mucosa. When the disease passes into the chronic stage, then the mucous membrane of the organ first hypertrophies and then atrophies. With hypertrophy, there is a release of mucopurulent sputum. With atrophy, there is very little sputum. Moreover, the mucous membranes dry up and may even become covered with crusts. Against this background, the patient develops a persistent dry cough.

Causes of tracheitis

Inflammation of the trachea may develop for the following reasons:

Infectious way of development. Various viruses and bacteria enter the upper respiratory tract and cause inflammation, which then passes to the trachea. The disease can be caused by the influenza virus, pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci and fungi.
Non-infectious way of development. Inflammation of the trachea can develop due to hypothermia of the upper respiratory tract or exposure to dust, chemicals, steam.

The likelihood of earning tracheitis is much higher if a person is exposed to the following factors:

Climatic conditions: cold, high humidity and wind.
Reduced immunity.
Chronic diseases of the respiratory system.
Having bad habits.

infectious infection, due to which inflammation of the trachea develops, usually occurs upon contact with a sick person or an infected object. By the way, the carrier of the infection may not even suspect that he is infected. He may not have any clinical manifestations illness.

Infection can occur by airborne and contact-household routes. For this reason, almost all people in their lives at least once encounter inflammation of the trachea.

Symptoms of the disease

Tracheitis can be acute and chronic. Each form of the disease has its own symptoms and characteristics.

Acute inflammation of the trachea

The disease manifests itself on the 3rd day after the onset of symptoms of inflammation of the nasopharynx and damage to the larynx. The first symptom of acute tracheitis is subfebrile hyperthermia. Less commonly, body temperature can rise to a value of 38.5 ° Celsius. Followed by signs of intoxication. The patient begins to complain of weakness, pain throughout the body, sweating. Often the patient's nose is blocked.

A characteristic symptom of the disease is a strong dry cough that does not bring relief at night, and a morning cough with a large amount of sputum.

In children, inflammation of the trachea is manifested in coughing fits, which can be triggered by laughter, a sudden movement, a breath of cold air.

Regardless of age, a person with tracheitis begins to feel a sore throat and soreness in the sternum. Because deep breaths provoke painful attacks cough, the patient begins to breathe shallowly.

When in acute inflammation the larynx is involved in the trachea, then the patient has a barking cough.

When listening to the patient's breathing with a phonendoscope, the doctor can hear dry and wet rales.

Chronic tracheitis

The disease passes into this form when the patient has not received timely treatment with acute tracheitis. However, it is not uncommon for chronic inflammation trachea develops without an acute stage. As a rule, such a pathology is noted in people who smoke a lot and use a large number of alcohol. It can also happen with patients who have other chronic diseases of the respiratory system, heart and kidneys. These diseases can provoke stagnation of blood in the upper respiratory tract, which provokes the development chronic tracheitis.

The main symptom of chronic tracheitis is cough. In the chronic form of the course of the disease, it is painful and comes in the form severe attacks. During the day, a person may not cough at all, but at night the attacks will prevent him from falling asleep. Sputum with such a cough is often purulent.

Chronic inflammation of the trachea always occurs with periods of exacerbation, during which its symptoms become similar to those of acute tracheitis.

Complications of inflammation of the trachea

In most cases, with an isolated course, this disease does not cause any complications. However, if the disease proceeds in combination, then various, quite dangerous complications. For example, stenosis of the larynx. It is usually detected in small patients with laryngotracheitis. Adult patients with tracheobronchitis may develop upper airway obstruction.

If you start treating tracheitis on time, then it can be dealt with in just a couple of weeks.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis is based on history taking and instrumental methods research. Initially, the doctor listens to the patient's complaints, identifies comorbidities, finds out the living conditions of the patient. After additional auscultation, the doctor can already make a primary diagnosis, but for clarification, he spends several additional research. In particular, he doing laryngoscopy. With such a study, he can determine the degree of change in the tracheal mucosa: the presence of mucus, hemorrhages, infiltrates.

The patient may be prescribed x-ray of the lungs, sputum for bacanalyses and spirometry.

A complete blood count completes the diagnosis of inflammation of the trachea.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment begins with medication. The fact is that in most cases this disease is caused by an infection. Therefore, medications can quickly eliminate the cause of the disease. In most cases, when drug treatment antibiotics are prescribed a wide range actions. The drugs from the group of natural penicillins show themselves best.

If tracheitis complicates bronchitis, then natural penicillins are added semi-synthetic antibiotics last generation.

In cases where infectious tracheitis is not complicated in any way, the following drugs are used in the treatment of the disease:

Antitussives.
Antiviral.
Immunomodulators.
Antihistamine medicines.

The most effective way to use the above drugs in the form of aerosols. In this case, they quickly penetrate into all parts of the trachea and bronchi.

With tracheitis, the most effective drugs are:

Sumamed.
Lazolvan.
Berodual.
Synekod.
Bioparox.

If the patient has hyperthermia, then antipyretics are prescribed for treatment. But he can use them only under the supervision of a doctor.

Tracheitis can also be treated by inhalation. For that treatment, you need to use a nebulizer. This device sprays medicines, but at the same time it provides their concentrated effect directly on the affected area.

According to doctors, it is inhalations that are the most effective remedy home treatment of tracheitis.

Tracheitis can be treated at home with the following drugs:

Regular saline. It provides good hydration of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and trachea. You can breathe it through the pores without restrictions. Moreover, it is recommended to do inhalations with it before visiting a doctor.
Treatment soda solution. It loosens phlegm very well and helps to cough well.
Plain mineral water. It provides a good discharge of sputum with tracheitis.
Inhalations with Lazolvan and Mukolvan. Ambroxol is the basis of these medicines. Therefore, treatment can be carried out only after preliminary dilution with saline.
Berodual. Treatment with this drug most effectively allows you to open the bronchi. In severe cases of the disease, doctors often combine Berodual with hormones.

Antibiotics in treatment inflammation of the trachea are used in the following cases:

There are signs of pneumonia.
Cough does not go away within 14 days.
Hyperthermia is noted for several days.
Enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes in the nose and ears.

Not bad in the treatment of tracheitis show themselves folk remedies. They can be combined with traditional means treatment, but should not be used as a standalone therapy.

With tracheitis, a hot drink is very effective, consisting from milk with honey. To prepare it, you need to heat a glass of milk and add a teaspoon of honey to it, and add a little soda to the loan.

Also, the treatment of inflammation of the trachea can be carried out using solutions for rinsing based on decoctions of sage, chamomile and calendula.

With tracheitis, physiotherapy can effectively fight. It includes UHF, massage and electrophoresis.

Prevention

To never encounter tracheitis, you need follow simple rules:

Aim for healthy lifestyle life.
Regularly harden the body.
Try not to overcool.
To refuse from bad habits.
Treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract in time.

Attention, only TODAY!

Quite often, a person suffers from inflammation of the respiratory tract. Provoking factors are hypothermia or a cold, SARS, influenza, and various infectious diseases. If timely treatment is not started, everything can end in serious complications. Is it possible to prevent the inflammatory process? What treatments are available? Is respiratory inflammation dangerous?

The main symptoms of inflammation of the respiratory tract

Symptoms of the disease will depend on individual features the patient's body and the degree of damage to the respiratory tract. It is possible to distinguish such common features that appear when a virus is introduced. It often leads to severe intoxication of the body:

The temperature rises.
There is a severe headache.
Sleep is disturbed.
Muscle pain.
Appetite decreases.
There is nausea, which ends with vomiting.

IN severe cases the patient has an excited and inhibited state, his consciousness is upset, a convulsive state is observed. Separately, it is worth noting the signs that depend on which particular organ is affected:

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis). First comes severe runny nose, the patient constantly sneezes, his nasal breathing is difficult.
Inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa (pharyngitis). The patient has a strong perspiration in the throat, the patient cannot swallow.
Inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis). The patient is worried coughing, the voice is hoarse.
Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis). Arises strong pain when swallowing, the tonsils also increase significantly, the mucous membrane turns red.
Inflammation of the trachea (tracheitis). In this case, he suffers from a dry cough that does not go away within a month.

Symptoms also depend on the pathogen that provoked the disease. If the inflammation of the respiratory tract is caused by influenza, the patient's temperature rises to 40 degrees, he does not fall for three days. In this case, symptoms of rhinitis, tracheitis are most often observed.

If the respiratory disease is caused by parainfluenza, the temperature rises no higher than 38 degrees for about 2 days. Symptoms are moderate. With parainfluenza, laryngitis most often develops.

Separately, it is worth noting adenovirus infection, which affects the respiratory tract. It most often occurs in the form of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, is also affected digestive system and eyes.

Medical treatment of airway inflammation

The attending physician in the inflammatory process prescribes:

Antiseptic drugs - Chlorhexidine, Hexetidine, Timol, etc.
Antibiotics - Framycetin, Fusafunzhin, Polymyxin.
Sulfonamides can be combined with anesthetics - Lidocoin, Menthol, Tetracaine.
Hemostatic drugs, this group of drugs contains plant extracts, sometimes bee products.
Antiviral drugs - Interferon, Lysozyme.
Vitamins A, B, C.

Bioparox - antibacterial agent

The antibiotic Bioparox has proven itself well, it releases in the form of an aerosol, it can be used to effectively cure acute infections respiratory tract. Due to the fact that Bioparox contains aerosol particles, it immediately affects all organs of the respiratory tract, therefore it has complex action. Bioparox can be used to treat acute rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, laryngitis.

Gestetidine is an antifungal drug.

This is the best medicine for the treatment inflammatory process in the throat. The drug is released in the form of an aerosol solution for rinsing. Hexetidine is a low-toxic agent, so it can be used to treat infants. Except antimicrobial action, Hexetidine has an analgesic effect.

Alternative methods of treatment of inflammation of the respiratory tract

Recipes for the treatment of rhinitis

Fresh beetroot juice. Drip 6 drops of fresh beet juice, you need to do this in the morning, afternoon and evening. It is also recommended to use beetroot decoction for instillation of the nose.
Boiled potatoes. Cut boiled potatoes into several parts: one is applied to the forehead, the other two parts to the sinuses.
Soda inhalation. Take 500 ml of water, add 2 tablespoons, if there is no allergy, you can add eucalyptus oil - 10 drops. The procedure is carried out at night.

Recipes for the treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis

Lemon. Eat one lemon at once with the peel, before that cut it. You can add sugar or honey.
Herbal collection is used for gargling. It is necessary to take a pharmacy chamomile - 2 tablespoons, eucalyptus leaves - 2 tablespoons, Linden blossom- 2 tablespoons, flax seeds- a tablespoon. Means to insist for half an hour. Gargle up to 5 times a day.
Propolis infusion. Crushed propolis - pour 10 grams in half a glass of alcohol. Leave everything for a week. Rinse three times a day. When treating, drink tea with honey and herbs.
Egg yolk remedy. It is necessary to take the yolk - 2 eggs, beat it with sugar until foam forms. With the help of the tool, you can quickly get rid of a hoarse voice.
Dill seeds. It is necessary to take 200 ml of boiling water and brew dill seeds in it - a tablespoon. Leave for about 30 minutes. Drink after eating no more than two tablespoons.
Curd compress on the throat will help relieve inflammation, irritation from the throat. After a few procedures, you will feel better.

So, in order to avoid the inflammatory process of the respiratory organs, it is necessary to treat a cold in a timely manner. Do not think that the disease will go away on its own. If you start a runny nose, the bacteria from your nose will start to descend. First they will be in the nose, then in the pharynx, then in the larynx, trachea and bronchi. Everything can end with pneumonia (pneumonia). To prevent complications, it is necessary to take measures at the first symptoms, and do not forget to consult a doctor.

Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract is dangerous primarily due to complications. It can be provoked, in particular:

bacterial infections;
viruses;
hypothermia;
common cold, etc.

How the disease manifests itself in adults and children, as well as the best way to treat it, we will describe in this article.

See also: What antibiotics to take for pneumonia

Symptoms

In general cases, the presence of an inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is accompanied by such signs:

fever;
headache;
sleep problems;
aches in the joints;
aching in the muscles as after hard work;
lack of appetite;
nausea and often vomiting.

The latter is due to severe intoxication. In more complex situations, a person experiences either abnormal excitement or, on the contrary, lethargy. Clarity of consciousness is almost always lost. IN rare cases the picture is complemented by convulsions.

See also: Symptoms and treatment of bronchopneumonia in children

Depending on the site of the primary localization of the infection, other specific signs are also found.

In particular, if we are talking about such a problem as rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose), then the patient at the first stage:

abundant snot appears;
he sneezes all the time;
as edema develops, breathing becomes difficult.

Pharyngitis is acute illness throat. a bright sign ailments are:

difficulty swallowing;
resi;
lump feeling;
itching in the palate.

Laryngitis is an inflammation that affects the larynx. Its consequences are:

dry irritating cough;
hoarseness;
plaque on the tongue.

Tonsillitis is a process that specifically affects the tonsils. The latter noticeably increase in size, which makes it difficult to swallow normally. Mucous membranes in this area turn red and inflamed. She is also a pathology that affects the upper respiratory tract - tracheitis. This disease is very feature- dry, agonizing cough, sometimes not passing for a month.

The development of parainfluenza is evidenced, first of all, by the relatively low temperature for viral infections, which does not exceed 38 degrees. Hyperemia usually persists for 2 days in the presence of symptoms common to the group under consideration, which are not too pronounced. Almost always, the disease mentioned above becomes the background for the development of laryngitis.

It is also worth mentioning the adenovirus infection. It also mainly affects the respiratory tract and gradually leads to the development of:

pharyngitis;
tonsillitis.

Moreover, the digestive system and organs of vision often suffer from it.

Treatment with drugs

To combat pathologies of the type in question, the doctor usually prescribes a set of tools that allow you to quickly improve the patient's condition.

For a local effect on the foci of inflammation, it is advisable to use such fairly effective medicines:

Thymol;
Chlorhexidine;
Furacilin;
Hexetidine.

In the presence of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed (tablets or sprays):

Polymyxin;
Framycetin;
Fusafungin.

To reduce the severity of sore throat, the following anesthetics are allowed:

Tetracaine;
Lidocaine.

Perfectly softens discomfort preparations containing menthol and eucalyptus oil.

To fight viruses appoint:

Lysozyme;
Interferon.

Useful for strengthening immunity and tonic vitamin complexes. For young children, drugs should be used on plant-based, and also those that contain bee products.

From modern medicines It is worth highlighting the antibiotic Bioparox. This remedy is produced in the form of an aerosol and is used for inhalation. Due to the fact that the drug comes directly to the focus of inflammation, even very acute ailments are treated quickly. The medicine is shown in situations if it is detected:

laryngitis;
tracheobronchitis;
pharyngitis;
rhinosinusitis.

Often the causative agent is some fungal infection. Hexetidine will help here. This tool is supplied to pharmacies in the form of:

spray;
rinse solution.

ethnoscience

If we are talking about rhinitis, then freshly squeezed beetroot juice will help. It must be instilled directly into the nose every 4 hours.

Warm boiled potatoes can also reduce the severity of symptoms. To do this, put his slices:

on the forehead;
to the nostrils.

Inhalation is quite simple, but extremely efficient procedure. Here you will need:

half liter hot water;
2 tablespoons of baking soda;
eucalyptus oil no more than 10 drops.

It is recommended to breathe healing steam before going to bed. Knowledgeable people it is also advised to eat crushed lemon mixed with a few tablespoons of natural honey at night. In one sitting, you must immediately consume the whole fruit along with the peel.

Help and rinsing with a decoction based on the following medicinal herbs taken in equal parts:

chamomile;
Linden;
eucalyptus leaves;
mint.

A collection in the amount of 6 tablespoons is poured into boiling water and kept for an hour in a thermos. It is advised to use the drug at least 5 times a day. Propolis tincture relieves inflammation well. For this, 10 grams of the product is taken and added to half a glass of alcohol. Infuse the medicine for a week in a dark place, shaking daily. Also used for rinsing, diluting 10-15 drops with half a glass of warm water.

Eliminate sore throat egg yolks. 2 pieces are ground with sugar to a thick white foam and slowly eaten.

A decoction of dill seed is taken after meals, two tablespoons. Prepare it like this:

a glass of hot water is placed in a water bath;
fall asleep dried raw materials;
heat for 5 minutes without bringing to a boil;
last up to half an hour.

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract are common throughout the world and occur in every fourth inhabitant. These include tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, adenoiditis, sinusitis and rhinitis. The peak of diseases falls on the off-season, then cases of inflamed processes take on a massive character. The reason for this is acute respiratory diseases or the influenza virus. According to statistics, an adult suffers up to three cases of the disease; in a child, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract occurs up to 10 times a year.

Causes

There are three main reasons for the development of various kinds of inflammation.

Virus. Influenza strains, rotoviruses, adenoviruses, mumps and measles, when ingested, cause an inflammatory reaction.
bacteria. The cause of a bacterial infection can be pneumococcus, staphylococcus, mycoplasma, meningococcus, mycobacteria and diphtheria, as well as whooping cough.
Fungus. Candida, aspergillus, actinomycetes cause a local inflammatory process.

Most of the listed pathogenic organisms are transmitted from humans. Bacteria and viruses are resistant to environment and almost never live there. Some strains of the virus or fungus can live in the body, but only manifest themselves when the body's defenses are reduced. Infection occurs during the period of activation of "sleeping" pathogenic microbes.

Among the main methods of infection should be distinguished:

transfer by airborne droplets;
household way.

Virus particles, as well as microbes, enter through close contact with an infected person. Transmission is possible when talking, coughing, sneezing. All this is natural in diseases of the respiratory tract, because the first barrier to pathogenic microorganisms is the respiratory tract.

tuberculosis, diphtheria and coli more often penetrates into the host's body through the household route. Household and personal hygiene items become the link between a healthy and infected person. Anyone can get sick, regardless of age, gender, material condition and social status.

Symptoms

The symptoms of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract are quite similar, with the exception of discomfort and pain, which are localized in the affected area. It is possible to determine the place of inflammation and the nature of the disease based on the symptoms of the disease, but it is really possible to confirm the disease and identify the pathogen only after a thorough examination.

All diseases are characterized incubation period, which lasts from 2 to 10 days, depending on the pathogen.

Rhinitis

Known as the common cold, rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. A characteristic of rhinitis is exudate in the form of a runny nose, which, when microbes multiply, profusely goes outside. Both sinuses are affected, as the infection spreads rapidly.
Sometimes rhinitis may not cause a runny nose, but, on the contrary, manifest itself severe congestion. If, nevertheless, discharge is present, then their nature directly depends on the pathogen. Exudate may be present clear liquid, and sometimes purulent discharge and green color.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses resolves as a secondary infection and is manifested by difficulty breathing and a feeling of congestion. Swelling of the sinuses causes headaches Negative influence on optic nerves, impaired sense of smell. Discomfort and pain in the region of the bridge of the nose indicates a running inflammatory process. The discharge of pus is usually accompanied by fever and fever, as well as general malaise.

Angina

The inflammatory process in the region of the palatine tonsils in the pharynx causes a number of characteristic symptoms:

pain when swallowing;
difficulty in eating and drinking;
elevated temperature;
muscle weakness.

Angina can occur due to the ingestion of both a virus and a bacterium. At the same time, the tonsils swell, a characteristic plaque appears on them. At purulent tonsillitis palate and throat mucosa are covered with yellow and greenish overlays. With fungal etiology, plaque white color curdled consistency.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the throat is manifested by perspiration and dry cough. Breathing may be difficult from time to time. general malaise and subfebrile temperature phenomenon is not permanent. Pharyngitis usually occurs against the background of influenza and acute respiratory infection.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the throat and vocal cords also develops against the background of influenza, measles, whooping cough and parainfluenza. Laryngitis is characterized by hoarseness and cough. The mucous membrane of the larynx swells so much that it interferes with breathing. Left untreated, laryngitis can cause stenosis of the walls of the larynx or muscle spasm. Symptoms without treatment only get worse.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi (this is the lower respiratory tract) is characterized by sputum or a strong dry cough. In addition, bronchitis is characterized by symptoms of general intoxication and malaise. On initial stage symptoms may not appear until the inflammation reaches the nerve processes.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lung tissue in the lower and upper parts of the lung, which is usually caused by pneumococci, is always accompanied by signs of general intoxication, fever and chills. Progressing, the cough with pneumonia intensifies, but sputum may appear much later. If non-infectious, symptoms may not appear. The symptoms are similar to a running cold and diseases are not always diagnosed on time.

Therapy Methods

After clarifying the diagnosis, treatment is started in accordance with the general condition of the patient, the cause that caused the inflammation. There are three main types of treatment:

pathogenetic;
symptomatic;
etiotropic.

Pathogenetic treatment

It is based on stopping the development of the inflammatory process. For this, immunostimulating drugs are used so that the body itself can fight the infection, as well as ancillary treatment which suppress the inflammatory process.

To strengthen the body take:

Anaferon;
Amexin;
Neovir;
Levomax.

They are suitable for children and adults. It is pointless to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract without immune support. If a bacterium has become the causative agent of inflammation of the respiratory system, treatment is carried out with Immudon or Bronchomunal. For individual indications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. They're filming general symptoms and oppress pain syndrome, this is true, especially if you treat a child who is difficult to tolerate the disease.

Etiotropic method

Based on the suppression of the pathogen. It is important to stop the reproduction of the virus and bacteria in the upper sections, as well as to prevent their spread. The main thing is to accurately establish the strain of the virus and the etiology of pathogenic microbes in order to choose correct scheme and start treatment. Among antiviral drugs should be highlighted:

Remantadine;
Relenz;
Arbidol;
Kagocel;
Isoprinosine.

They help only when the disease is caused by a virus. If it cannot be killed, as is the case with herpes, you can simply suppress the symptoms.

Bacterial inflammation of the respiratory tract can only be cured with antibacterial drugs, the dosage should be prescribed by a doctor. These drugs are very dangerous if used carelessly and can cause irreparable harm to the body.

For a child, such treatment can lead to complications in the future. Therefore, when choosing a drug Special attention pay attention to the age of the patient, his physiological features and test for allergic reactions. Modern pharmacology offers for the treatment effective drugs groups of macrolides, beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones.

Symptomatic treatment

Since antibiotic or antifungal treatment has a gradual effect in most cases of the disease, it is important to suppress the symptoms that cause discomfort to the person. For this there is symptomatic treatment.

Nasal drops are used to suppress a runny nose.
Broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory drugs or sprays are used to relieve sore throat, as well as reduce swelling. local application plant-based.
Symptoms such as cough or sore throat are suppressed with expectorants.

At severe swelling upper, as well as lower parts of the lungs, symptomatic treatment does not always have the desired result. It is important not to use all known methods treatment, but to choose the right scheme based on the complex elimination of symptoms and the causative agent of inflammation.

Inhalation will help to relieve puffiness, suppress cough and soreness in the upper parts of the throat, as well as stop a runny nose. And alternative methods of treatment can improve breathing and prevent oxygen starvation.

The main thing is not to self-medicate, but to undergo it under the supervision of a specialist and follow all his recommendations.

Respiratory diseases are more common during the cold season. More often they affect people with a weakened immune system, children and elderly pensioners. These diseases are divided into two groups: diseases of the upper respiratory tract and lower. This classification depends on the location of the infection.

The shape distinguishes sharp and chronic diseases respiratory tract. The chronic form of the disease occurs with periodic exacerbations and periods of calm (remission). Symptoms of a particular pathology during periods of exacerbation are absolutely identical to those observed during acute form the same respiratory disease.

These pathologies can be infectious and allergic.

They are more often caused by pathological microorganisms, such as bacteria (ARI) or viruses (ARVI). As a rule, these ailments are transmitted by airborne droplets from sick people. The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx. Infections that enter these parts of the respiratory system cause diseases of the upper respiratory tract:

All these ailments are diagnosed year-round, but in our country the increase in incidence occurs in mid-April and September. Similar diseases respiratory tract in children are most common.

Rhinitis

This disease is characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Rhinitis occurs in acute or chronic form. Most often it is caused by an infection, viral or bacterial, but various allergens can also be the cause. Anyway characteristic symptom is swelling of the nasal mucosa and difficulty breathing.

The initial stage of rhinitis is characterized by dryness and itching in the nasal cavity and general malaise. The patient sneezes, the sense of smell is disturbed, sometimes subfebrile temperature rises. This state can last from several hours to two days. Next join transparent selection from the nose, liquid and in large quantities, then these discharges acquire a mucopurulent character and gradually disappear. The patient gets better. Breathing through the nose is restored.

Rhinitis often does not manifest itself as an independent disease, but acts as an accompaniment to other infectious diseases, such as influenza, diphtheria, gonorrhea, scarlet fever. Depending on the cause that caused this respiratory disease, treatment is directed to its elimination.

Sinusitis

It often manifests itself as a complication of other infections (measles, rhinitis, influenza, scarlet fever), but can also act as independent disease. There are acute and chronic forms of sinusitis. In the acute form, a catarrhal and purulent course is distinguished, and in a chronic form, it is edematous-polypous, purulent or mixed.

Typical symptoms for both acute and chronic forms of sinusitis are frequent headaches, general malaise, hyperthermia (fever). As for the discharge from the nose, they are plentiful and have a mucous character. Can be observed only on one side, this happens most often. This is due to the fact that only some paranasal sinuses. And this, in turn, may indicate a particular disease, for example:

Aerosinusitis.
Sinusitis.
Etmoiditis.
Sphenoiditis.
Frontit.

Thus, sinusitis often manifests itself not as an independent disease, but serves as a indicative symptom other pathology. In this case, it is necessary to treat the root cause, i.e. those respiratory infections that provoked the development of sinusitis.

If nasal discharge occurs on both sides, this pathology is called pansinusitis. Depending on the cause that caused this disease of the upper respiratory tract, the treatment will be aimed at eliminating it. Most often applied antibiotic therapy.

If sinusitis is caused chronic sinusitis, during the transition acute phase diseases into chronic to quickly eliminate undesirable consequences, punctures are often used, followed by washing with the drug "Furacilin" or saline maxillary sinus. This method of treatment in a short period relieves the patient of the symptoms that torment him (severe headache, swelling of the face, fever).

Adenoids

This pathology appears due to hyperplasia of the tissue of the nasopharyngeal tonsil. This is a formation that is part of the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring. This tonsil is located in the nasopharyngeal vault. As a rule, the inflammatory process of the adenoids (adenoiditis) affects only in childhood (from 3 to 10 years). The symptoms of this pathology are:

Difficulty breathing.
Mucus discharge from the nose.
During sleep, the child breathes through the mouth.
Sleep may be disturbed.
Annoyance appears.
Possible hearing loss.
IN advanced cases the so-called adenoid facial expression appears (smoothness of the nasolabial folds).
There are laryngospasms.
Twitching of individual muscles of the face may be observed.
Deformation of the chest and skull in the front part appears in especially advanced cases.

All these symptoms are accompanied by shortness of breath, cough and, in severe cases, the development of anemia.

For the treatment of this disease of the respiratory tract in severe cases, apply surgery- removal of adenoids. Washing is used in the initial stages disinfectant solutions and decoctions or infusions of medicinal herbs. For example, you can use the following collection:

All ingredients of the collection are taken in equal parts. If some component is missing, then you can get by with the composition that is available. The prepared collection (15 g) is poured into 250 ml of hot water and boiled over very low heat for 10 minutes, after which it is insisted for another 2 hours. The medicine prepared in this way is filtered and used in a warm form to wash the nose or instill 10-15 drops into each nostril.

Chronic tonsillitis

This pathology occurs as a result of the inflammatory process of the palatine tonsils, which has become chronic. Chronic tonsillitis often affects children, in old age it practically does not occur. This pathology is caused by fungal and bacterial infections. provoke development chronic tonsillitis may other infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, such as hypertrophic rhinitis, purulent sinusitis, adenoiditis. Even untreated caries can become the cause of this disease. Depending on the specific cause that provoked this disease of the upper respiratory tract, treatment should be aimed at eliminating the primary source of infection.

In case of development chronic process in the palatine tonsils, the following occurs:

The growth of connective tissue.
Dense plugs form in the lacunae.
The lymphoid tissue softens.
The keratinization of the epithelium may begin.
Lymphatic outflow from the tonsils is difficult.
Nearby lymph nodes become inflamed.

Chronic tonsillitis can occur in a compensated or decompensated form.

In treatment this disease good effect give physiotherapy procedures (UV irradiation), locally apply rinsing with disinfectant solutions ("Furacilin", "Lyugolevy", 1-3% iodine, "Iodglycerin", etc.). After rinsing, it is necessary to irrigate the tonsils with disinfectant sprays, for example, Strepsils Plus is used. Some experts advise vacuum suction, after which the tonsils are also worked out with similar sprays.

In the case of a pronounced toxic-allergic form of this disease and the absence of positive effect from conservative treatment, surgical removal of the tonsils is performed.

Angina

The scientific name for this disease is acute tonsillitis. There are 4 types of angina:

Catarrhal.
Follicular.
Lacuna.
Phlegmous.

In the pure version, these types of angina are practically not found. Always present at at least symptoms of two varieties of this disease. So, for example, with a lacuna at the mouths of some lacunae, white-yellow purulent formations, and with follicular, festering follicles shine through the mucous membrane. But in both cases, catarrhal phenomena, redness and enlargement of the tonsils are observed.

With any type of angina, body temperature rises, worsens general state, chills appear and an increase in lymphatic regional nodes is observed.

Regardless of the type of angina, rinsing with disinfectant solutions and physiotherapy are used. In the presence of purulent processes apply antibiotic therapy.

Pharyngitis

This pathology is associated with the inflammatory process of the pharyngeal mucosa. Pharyngitis can develop as an independent disease or concomitant, for example, with SARS. This pathology can be provoked by eating too hot or cold food, as well as inhaling polluted air. Allocate acute course pharyngitis and chronic. The symptoms seen with acute pharyngitis, are:

Sensation of dryness in the throat (in the region of the pharynx).
Pain during swallowing.
On examination (pharyngoscopy), signs of an inflammatory process of the palate and its posterior wall are revealed.

The symptoms of pharyngitis are very similar to the signs of catarrhal angina, but, unlike it, the general condition of the patient remains normal, and there is no increase in body temperature. With this pathology, as a rule, the inflammatory process does not affect the palatine tonsils, and with catarrhal angina on the contrary, signs of inflammation are present exclusively on them.

Chronic pharyngitis develops with an untreated acute process. Others can provoke a chronic course inflammatory diseases respiratory tract, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, as well as smoking and alcohol abuse.

Laryngitis

In this disease, the inflammatory process extends to the larynx. It can affect individual parts of it or capture it completely. Often the cause of this disease is voice surge, severe hypothermia or other independent diseases (measles, whooping cough, influenza, etc.).

Depending on the localization of the process on the larynx, separate areas of the lesion can be identified, which become bright red and swell. Sometimes the inflammatory process also affects the trachea, then we are talking about a disease such as laryngotracheitis.

There is no clear boundary between the upper and lower airways. The symbolic boundary between them runs at the intersection of the respiratory and digestive systems. Thus, the lower respiratory tract includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Diseases of the lower respiratory tract are associated with infections of these parts of the respiratory system, namely:

Tracheitis.
Bronchitis.
Pneumonia.
Alveolitis.

Tracheitis

This is an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the trachea (it connects the larynx with the bronchi). Tracheitis can exist as an independent disease or serve as a symptom of the flu or other bacterial disease. The patient is concerned about the symptoms of general intoxication (headache, fatigue, fever). In addition, there is a sore pain behind the sternum, which is aggravated by talking, inhaling cold air and coughing. In the morning and at night, the patient is disturbed by a dry cough. In the case of a combination with laryngitis (laryngotracheitis), the patient's voice becomes hoarse. If tracheitis is manifested in combination with bronchitis (tracheobronchitis), sputum appears when coughing. With the viral nature of the disease, it will be transparent. In the case of a bacterial infection, the sputum has a gray-green color. In this case, antibiotic therapy is mandatory for treatment.

Bronchitis

This pathology manifests itself as inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Acute respiratory diseases of any localization very often accompanies bronchitis. So, in case of inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract, in case of untimely treatment, the infection falls lower and bronchitis joins. This disease is accompanied by a cough. In the initial stage of the process, it is a dry cough with sputum difficult to separate. During treatment and the use of mucolytic agents, sputum liquefies and is coughed up. If bronchitis is bacterial in nature, antibiotics are used for treatment.

Pneumonia

This is an inflammatory process of the lung tissue. This disease is mainly caused by pneumococcal infection, but sometimes another pathogen can also be the cause. The disease is accompanied by high fever, chills, weakness. Often the patient experiences pain in the affected area when breathing. With auscultation, the doctor can listen to wheezing on the side of the lesion. Diagnosis is confirmed by x-ray. This disease requires hospitalization. Treatment is with antibiotic therapy.

Alveolitis

This is an inflammatory process of the terminal parts of the respiratory system - the alveoli. As a rule, alveolitis is not an independent disease, but a concomitant of another pathology. The reason for this may be:

Candidiasis.
Aspergillosis.
Legionellosis.
Cryptococcosis.
Q fever.

Symptoms of this disease are a characteristic cough, fever, severe cyanosis, general weakness. Fibrosis of the alveoli can become a complication.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics for respiratory disease are prescribed only in case of a bacterial infection. If the nature of the pathology is viral in nature, then antibiotic therapy is not applied.

Most often, for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system of an infectious nature, drugs of the penicillin series are used, such as medicines "Amoxicillin", "Ampicillin", "Amoxiclav", "Augmentin", etc.

If the selected drug does not give desired effect, the doctor prescribes another group of antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones. This group includes drugs "Moxifloxacin", "Levofloxacin". These medicines are successful in bacterial infections that are resistant to penicillins.

Antibiotics of the cephalosporin group are most commonly used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. For this, drugs such as Cefixime (its other name is Suprax) or Cefuroxime Axetil are used (analogs of this drug are the drugs Zinnat, Aksetin and Cefuroxime).

Antibiotics of the macrolide group are used to treat atypical pneumonia caused by chlamydia or mycoplasmas. These include the drug "Azithromycin" or its analogues - the medicines "Hemomycin" and "Sumamed".

Prevention

Prevention of respiratory diseases is reduced to the following:

Try not to be in places with a polluted atmosphere (near highways, hazardous industries, etc.).
Ventilate your home and workplace regularly.
In the cold season, with bursts of respiratory diseases, try not to be in crowded places.
Good results are given by hardening procedures and systematic physical exercise, morning or evening jogging.
If you feel the first signs of malaise, you should not wait for everything to go away on its own, you need to seek medical help.

By following these simple rules prevention of diseases of the respiratory system, you can maintain your health even during seasonal outbreaks of respiratory diseases.

People get sick, of course, not only in winter, but it is with the advent of cold weather that you increasingly hear the hoarse: “I caught a cold ...” But it’s not always just a cold. The most common human diseases are hidden under the mysterious abbreviation SARS, which means "acute respiratory viral infection", or even more simply - an infection of the respiratory tract caused by viruses. There are a great many of these viruses, and the most serious of them is the influenza virus. But there are others, just as famous - parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, etc., and each of them has several varieties, so there is always something new for a person. All these viruses have in common that they are highly contagious, airborne, cause similar symptoms (runny nose, cough, fever, etc.) and are not treated with antibiotics.

Such different viruses...

Any respiratory virus affects, as a rule, not all the respiratory tract, but some specific area. For example, rhinovirus more often "chooses" the nasal mucosa, parainfluenza - the larynx and trachea, influenza - the trachea and bronchi, etc. Depending on which part of the respiratory tract the virus caused the most severe inflammatory process, the doctor makes a diagnosis. Rhinitis is a lesion of the nasal mucosa, pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, and laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. When the virus infects the trachea, tracheitis occurs, and if the bronchi are affected, bronchitis occurs.

Methods of prevention and principles of treatment of SARS

Methods of prevention and principles of treatment of SARS do not depend on how exactly a particular virus is called. Therefore, doctors do not fool their patients and rarely call diseases by their exact names, for example, adenovirus infection, or parainfluenza, but they simply say - "SARS". The only exception is influenza.

A cold has nothing to do with SARS. At healthy person in the nose, pharynx and bronchi there is a sufficient number of microbes that, under certain conditions, can cause all the same pharyngitis and bronchitis. And these diseases contribute to hypothermia, excessive exercise stress, drafts, cold water etc. In a word, everything that comes to us along with blizzards and frosts.

Another medical word that everyone is “on hearing” is ARI, which stands for “acute respiratory disease". Typically, such a diagnosis is used when the cause of cough, runny nose and fever is not entirely clear. This term combines colds, SARS, and exacerbations chronic infections nasopharynx.

But no matter how beautiful words are called all these "snotty" sores, the methods of their treatment are similar. The most important thing is to help your body find the strength to cope with viruses. What means will help us in this struggle?

Anti-cold therapeutic arsenal

Doctors do not recommend antibiotics for the treatment of SARS - they do not act on viruses. As a rule, symptomatic treatment is prescribed, aimed at reducing and removing all possible manifestations of the disease.

If the main trouble is a runny nose and nasal congestion, it is recommended to use vasoconstrictor nasal drops . They are used for 3-4 days, no more, then they either take a break or change so that there is no drug dependence.

With hoarseness of the throat, various sprays, lozenges, caramels and lozenges . If there moist cough, must be accepted expectorants : chest fees, acetylcysteine (ACC), ambroxol, bromhexine, etc. For dry cough are prescribed drugs that depress the excitability of the cough center .

An increase in body temperature during a cold is an important protective mechanism, so you should not immediately “knock down” the temperature. Antipyretic drugs should be taken only when the fever is poorly tolerated by the patient and causes concern..

The most popular means paracetamol, metamizole sodium (analgin) and acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin) - have antipyretic and analgesic effect. These drugs are used in combination with other substances in drugs such as coldrex, teraflu, fervex, etc. However, it should be borne in mind that acetylsalicylic acid and drugs containing it can irritate the stomach, so they are not recommended for children under 16 years of age and people who having stomach problems.

Another antipyretic - ibuprofen- has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be used when high temperature and headache are joined by inflammatory phenomena. This substance is included in complex drug Antigrippin-ANVI and other medicines.

Another area of treatment is drugs with pronounced antiviral action : arbidol, tilorone (amiksin, lavomax), cytovir-3, kagocel, etc. They contribute to the production of interferon in the body, which increases immunity and resistance to viral infections. Nasal drops with sodium deoxyribonucleate (derinat, deoxynate) also have similar properties. They have an immunostimulating effect at the cellular level, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

If the disease gives complications, the doctor may prescribe other medicines, including antibiotics .

In general cases, the presence of an inflammatory process in the respiratory tract is accompanied by such signs:

elevated temperature;
headache;
sleep problems;
aches in the joints;
aching in the muscles as after hard work;
lack of appetite;
nausea and often vomiting.

Depending on the site of the primary localization of the infection, other specific signs are also found.

In particular, if we are talking about such a problem as rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose), then the patient at the first stage:

abundant snot appears;
he sneezes all the time;
as edema develops, breathing becomes difficult.

Pharyngitis is an acute disease of the throat. A clear sign of the disease are:

difficulty swallowing;
resi;
lump feeling;
itching in the palate.

Laryngitis is an inflammation that affects the larynx. Its consequences are:

dry irritating cough;
hoarseness;
plaque on the tongue.

Tonsillitis is a process that specifically affects the tonsils. The latter noticeably increase in size, which makes it difficult to swallow normally. Mucous membranes in this area turn red and inflamed. She is also a pathology that affects the upper respiratory tract - tracheitis. This ailment has a very characteristic symptom - a dry, agonizing cough that sometimes does not go away for a month.

It is also worth mentioning the adenovirus infection. It also mainly affects the respiratory tract and gradually leads to the development of:

pharyngitis;
tonsillitis.

Moreover, the digestive system and organs of vision often suffer from it.

Treatment with drugs

To combat pathologies of the type in question, the doctor usually prescribes a set of tools that allow you to quickly improve the patient's condition.

For a local effect on the foci of inflammation, it is advisable to use such fairly effective medicines:

Thymol;
Chlorhexidine;
Furacilin;
Hexetidine.

In the presence of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed (tablets or sprays):

Polymyxin;
Framycetin;
Fusafungin.

To reduce the severity of sore throat, the following anesthetics are allowed:

Tetracaine;
Lidocaine.

Perfectly softens discomfort preparations containing menthol and eucalyptus oil.

To fight viruses appoint:

Lysozyme;
Interferon.

Useful for strengthening immunity and tonic vitamin complexes. For young children, herbal preparations should be used, as well as those that contain bee products.

Of the modern medicines, it is worth highlighting the antibiotic Bioparox. This remedy is produced in the form of an aerosol and is used for inhalation. Due to the fact that the drug comes directly to the focus of inflammation, even very acute ailments are treated quickly. The medicine is shown in situations if it is detected:

laryngitis;
tracheobronchitis;
pharyngitis;
rhinosinusitis.

Often the causative agent is some kind of fungal infection. Hexetidine will help here. This tool is supplied to pharmacies in the form of:

spray;
rinse solution.

ethnoscience

If we are talking about rhinitis, then freshly squeezed beetroot juice will help. It must be instilled directly into the nose every 4 hours.

Warm boiled potatoes can also reduce the severity of symptoms. To do this, put his slices:

on the forehead;
to the nostrils.

Inhalation is a fairly simple, but extremely effective procedure. Here you will need:

half a liter of hot water;
2 tablespoons of baking soda;
eucalyptus oil no more than 10 drops.

It is recommended to breathe healing steam before going to bed. Knowledgeable people are also advised to eat crushed lemon mixed with a few tablespoons of natural honey at night. In one sitting, you must immediately consume the whole fruit along with the peel.

Rinsing with a decoction based on the following medicinal herbs, taken in equal parts, also helps:

chamomile;
Linden;
eucalyptus leaves;
mint.

Sore throats eliminate egg yolks. 2 pieces are ground with sugar to a thick white foam and slowly eaten.

A decoction of dill seed is taken after meals, two tablespoons. Prepare it like this:

a glass of hot water is placed in a water bath;
fall asleep dried raw materials;
heat for 5 minutes without bringing to a boil;
last up to half an hour.