home Folk remedies Acute upper respiratory tract infection. Upper respiratory tract diseases in children

Acute upper respiratory tract infection. Upper respiratory tract diseases in children

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

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

Depending on the location of the primary localization of the infection, other specific signs.

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

profuse snot appears;
he sneezes all the time;
As swelling develops, breathing becomes difficult.

Pharyngitis is acute illness throat. A clear sign ailments are:

difficulty swallowing;
pain;
feeling of a lump;
itching in the palate.

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

dry irritating cough;
hoarseness;
coating on the tongue.

Tonsillitis is a process that specifically affects the tonsils. The latter noticeably increase in size, which interferes with normal swallowing. The mucous membranes in this area become red and inflamed. It is also a pathology that affects the upper respiratory tract - tracheitis. This disease has a very characteristic feature– a dry, painful cough that sometimes does not go away for a month.

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

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

pharyngitis;
tonsillitis.

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

Treatment with drugs

To combat pathologies of this type, the doctor usually prescribes a set of drugs that can quickly improve the patient’s condition.

For local effects on foci of inflammation, it is advisable to use the following fairly effective medications:

Thymol;
Chlorhexidine;
Furacilin;
Hexetidine.

If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics (tablets or sprays) are prescribed:

Polymyxin;
Framycetin;
Fusafungin.

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

Tetracaine;
Lidocaine.

Excellent softening discomfort preparations containing menthol and eucalyptus oil.

To combat viruses the following is prescribed:

Lysozyme;
Interferon.

General strengthening vitamin complexes are also useful for strengthening the immune system. For young children, plant-based preparations should be used, as well as those containing bee products.

From modern medicines It is worth highlighting the antibiotic Bioparox. This product is produced in aerosol form and is used for inhalation. Due to the fact that the drug goes directly to the source of inflammation, even very acute ailments are treated quickly. The medicine is indicated in situations where:

laryngitis;
tracheobronchitis;
pharyngitis;
rhinosinusitis.

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

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, its slices are placed:

on the forehead;
to the nostrils.

Inhalation is quite simple, but extremely effective 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 recommended to eat crushed lemon mixed with a few tablespoons at night natural honey. In one sitting, you need to consume the whole fruit, including the peel, at once.

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

chamomile;
Linden;
eucalyptus leaves;
mint.

A collection of 6 tablespoons is poured into boiling water and kept in a thermos for an hour. It is recommended to use the drug at least 5 times a day. Propolis tincture relieves inflammation well. To do this, take 10 grams of the product and add it 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 warm water.

Egg yolks relieve sore throats. 2 pieces are ground with sugar to a thick white foam and eaten slowly.

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;
pour dried raw materials;
heat for 5 minutes, without bringing to a boil;
stand for up to half an hour.

- these are ailments, usually referred to by the people as “a sore throat” and “a runny nose.” However, in reality everything is not so simple, because these are a number of different diseases with symptoms that are similar at first glance, but they are completely different in terms of their course and approaches to their treatment.

Types and symptoms of upper respiratory tract diseases

TO inflammatory diseases upper respiratory include: sore throat, rhinitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, adenoiditis And tonsillitis.

These diseases are among the most common, periodically affecting every fourth inhabitant of our planet. They are diagnosed all year round, but in Russia their peak falls in mid-September, mid-April. During this period, they are usually associated with acute respiratory viral infections. Let's look at each disease in more detail.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity. Appears in two forms: acute And chronic form.

The cause of acute rhinitis is a harmful effect on the nasal mucosa of infections of a bacterial or viral nature. This form of rhinitis is often faithful companion many infectious diseases akin to influenza, gonorrhea, diphtheria, scarlet fever, etc. With its development, swelling of the tissues of the nasal cavity is observed (in this case, the swelling area spreads in both halves of the nose). In most cases, acute rhinitis occurs in three stages. At the first stage, lasting from 1–2 hours to 1–2 days, the patient experiences severe itching and dryness in the nasal cavity, accompanied by frequent sneezing. All this is additionally accompanied by headache, general malaise, deterioration of sense of smell, increased body temperature, and watery eyes. The second stage will mark its arrival by the appearance (usually in large quantities) clear nasal discharge, difficulty breathing and nasal sound when speaking. Well, during the third stage, the previously transparent and liquid nasal discharge becomes purulent-mucous, after which it gradually disappears. Breathing also gradually becomes easier.

Sinusitis. This disease consists of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and in most cases is also a complication of related diseases infectious nature. For example, these could be: scarlet fever, same acute rhinitis , flu, measles, etc. Like the previous disease, sinusitis has two forms: acute And chronic. The acute form, in turn, is divided into catarrhal And purulent sinusitis, and chronic – on purulent, edematous polyposis And mixed sinusitis.

If we talk about the symptoms of acute and chronic forms of sinusitis, which appear during periods of exacerbation, they are almost identical. To the most typical symptoms may include increased body temperature, malaise, frequent headaches, copious mucous discharge from the nose, nasal congestion (most often only on one side). One, several or all paranasal sinuses undergo inflammation and produce other associated diseases. If only some of the paranasal sinuses become inflamed, then there is ethmoiditis, aerosinusitis, sphenoiditis, sinusitis or frontal sinusitis. If inflammatory processes affect all the nasal sinuses (on one or both sides), then this disease is called pansinusitis.

Adenoids. This is an increase in the size of the nasopharyngeal tonsil, which occurs due to hyperplasia of its tissue. Let us recall that the nasopharyngeal tonsil is a formation located in the vault of the nasopharynx and is part of the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring. As a rule, children aged 3 to 10 years are susceptible to adenoiditis, and it is a consequence of infectious diseases such as scarlet fever, flu, measles etc.

One of the first symptoms of adenoiditis is difficulty breathing and copious mucous discharge from the nasal cavity. In turn, difficulty breathing causes poor sleep, fatigue, hearing loss, lethargy and memory problems, decreased performance at school, nasal speech and systematic headaches.

If the disease is critically advanced, the patient’s nasolabial folds may smooth out, provoking the appearance of the so-called “adenoid” facial expression. In addition, laryngospasms form, twitching of the facial muscles begins to appear, and in especially advanced cases, deformation occurs chest and the front part of the skull. All this occurs against a background of constant coughing and shortness of breath, and sometimes anemia develops.

Chronic tonsillitis. The disease occurs as a result of inflammation of the palatine tonsils, which flows into chronic form. Chronic tonsillitis It most often occurs in children, and it practically does not threaten people of retirement age.

Pathogens chronic tonsillitis – bacterial and fungal infections, which affect the palatine tonsils, the harmful activity of which is aggravated by adverse effects environment(air pollution, cold), gross violation diet, as well as other independent diseases (caries, purulent sinusitis, adenoiditis or hypertrophic rhinitis). Continuous contact pathogenic microflora with palatine tonsils, aggravated by general weakness of the body, often becomes the cause of chronic tonsillitis. If it develops, some noticeable changes occur in the palatine tonsils: keratinization of the epithelium begins, the formation of dense plugs in the lacunae, proliferation of connective tissues, softening of lymphoid tissue, impaired lymphatic drainage from the tonsils, inflammation of regional lymph nodes. In addition, there is a violation of the receptor functions of the tonsils. Chronic tonsillitis divided into two forms: compensated And decompensated.

Sore throat (scientific name: acute tonsillitis) . It is an acute inflammation, in most cases affecting the palatine tonsils, as well as the lingual and pharyngeal tonsil, larynx or lateral ridges. This is a “traditional” childhood disease, but adults under the age of 35–40 are also affected by it. The main causative agents of sore throat include microorganisms such as fungi of the genus Candida, staphylococci, streptococci, and so on.

Factors contributing to the development of angina are hypothermia and overheating, mechanical damage to the tonsils, a decrease in the body's defenses, smoke and dust in the environment, etc. There are two main routes of infection with this disease: exogenous (most often) and endogenous. Infection through the exogenous route is carried out by airborne droplets, as well as through alimentary routes; as for endogenous infection, it occurs as a result of the presence of one or another source of inflammation in the oral cavity or nasopharynx (diseases of the teeth and gums, chronic tonsillitis, etc.).

There are four types of sore throat:catarrhal, follicular, phlegmous And lacunar.

Symptoms catarrhal sore throat, manifested on the first day of the disease, are dry mouth and sore throat, accompanied by pain when swallowing. After this, the patient experiences an increase in temperature and worsening general well-being, weakness and headaches occur. An initial examination of the pharynx reveals a slight swelling of the palatine tonsils (with changes posterior pharynx and soft palate are not observed). In addition to the described symptoms, patients with catarrhal tonsillitis experience an increase in lymph nodes and a slight change in blood composition.

As for follicular And lacunar forms of sore throat, then their manifestation occurs more acutely. The first symptoms include chills, a sharp increase in temperature, sweating, headache, general weakness, loss of appetite, aching joints, an increase in the size of the lymph nodes and the appearance of pain in them. In addition, severe swelling of the palatine tonsils is also observed. In the case of the follicular form, festering follicles are clearly visible through the mucous membrane of the tonsils.

In case of lacunar tonsillitis, yellowish-colored tissue forms at the mouths of the lacunae. white coating, eventually completely covering the tonsils. It should be noted that in pure form Any of these forms of sore throat is extremely rare; in the vast majority of cases, they occur “as a couple.”

It is highly advisable, if possible, for those suffering from a sore throat of any form to be protected from any contact with other people (in particular, children), since this disease is acutely infectious.

Lech tion In most cases, tonsillitis is treated at home. For this purpose, antibiotic drugs, local antimicrobial agents, antipyretic and tonic drugs are used.

Pharyngitis. This disease is an inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the surface of the pharynx. There are two forms of this disease:spicy And chronic pharyngitis.

Acute form can be found both as an independent disease and as one of the concomitant phenomena of ARVI. TO unfavorable factors, provoking the occurrence acute pharyngitis , may include: eating food and drinks that are too cold or too hot, inhaling cold or excessively polluted air.

Basic symptoms acute pharyngitis the following: pain when swallowing, dryness in the throat and mouth. In most cases, there is no general deterioration in health, as well as an increase in body temperature. During pharyngoscopy, inflammation of the posterior wall of the pharynx and palate can be detected. In its symptoms, acute pharyngitis is somewhat similar to catarrhal sore throat(however, in the latter case, the inflammation extends only to the palatine tonsils).

Treatment acute pharyngitis carried out by gargling with warm herbal decoctions and alkaline solutions having an anti-inflammatory effect.

As for chronic pharyngitis , then it is often a consequence of ignoring the treatment of acute pharyngitis. This unpleasant transformation is largely facilitated by smoking, alcohol abuse, sinusitis, rhinitis, diseases digestive tract. TO general symptoms chronic pharyngitis common to all patients are dryness and painful sensations in the throat, feeling of a lump in the throat.

Laryngitis. A disease consisting of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the surface of the larynx. There are two forms of this disease:spicy And chronic laryngitis.

To the causes acute laryngitis in most cases, it can be attributed to excessive voice strain, severe hypothermia of the respiratory tract and certain independent diseases (whooping cough, flu, measles, etc.).

In case of illness acute laryngitis inflammation is observed both of the entire mucous surface of the larynx and of its individual sections. In areas affected by inflammation, the mucous membrane swells and becomes bright red. In some cases, the inflammatory process can spread to the tracheal mucosa, causing the development of another disease - laryngotracheitis.

Ltreatment of upper respiratory tract diseases

elimination or maximum possible reduction in the size of edema of the mucous membrane, as well as restoration of airway patency, for this purpose use vasoconstrictors or decongestants;
usage antimicrobials local action (ointments, sprays, etc.); Such treatments are most effective on early stages illness; at later stages they supplement and intensify (and sometimes replace) antibiotic therapy;
destruction of pathogenic bacterial microflora;
elimination of accumulation of mucous masses in the upper respiratory tract: resort to the help of mucolytics containing carbocysteine or acetylcysteine, or drugs plant origin.

It is also important to remember that fundamentally traditional treatment inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract lie antibacterial drugs, most often taken orally.

Preferanskaya Nina Germanovna
Art. Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, MMA named after. THEM. Sechenova, Ph.D.

The duration of treatment is halved when starting treatment in the first 2 hours after the appearance of the first clinical signs of an acute inflammatory process, while starting treatment only a day after the first symptoms of the disease increases both the duration of treatment and the number of drugs used. Local medicines show a faster initial effect than systemic drugs. The use of these drugs allows you to start early treatment, they also affect the prodramatic period of the disease and have a preventive effect on patients. Recently, the effectiveness of these drugs has significantly increased, their spectrum of activity has expanded, their selective tropism and bioavailability have improved, while maintaining their high safety.

Drugs with mucolytic and expectorant effects

Herbal medicines containing active substances from thermopsis, marshmallow, licorice, creeping thyme (thyme), fennel, anise oil etc. Currently, combination preparations of plant origin are especially popular. Widely used preparations: containing thyme - bronchicum(elixir, syrup, lozenges), Tussamag(syrup and drops), stoptussin syrup, bronchipret; containing licorice, syrups - Dr. MOM, links; containing guaifenesin ( Ascoril, Coldrex-Broncho). Pertussin, has expectorant and cough softening properties: enhances bronchial secretion and accelerates the evacuation of sputum. Contains liquid thyme extract or liquid thyme extract 12 parts and potassium bromide 1 part. Prospan, Gedelix, Tonsilgon, contain extract from ivy leaves. Pharmacies offer lozenges with sage, lozenges with sage and vitamin C. Fervex cough medicine containing ambroxol. Tussamag balm against colds, contains oil pine buds and eucalyptus. Has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. Apply to rub into the skin of the chest and back 2-3 times a day.

Erespal is available in the form of film-coated tablets containing 80 mg of fenspiride hydrochloride and syrup - 2 mg of fenspiride hydrochloride per 1 ml. The drug contains licorice root extract. Erespal counteracts bronchoconstriction and has an anti-inflammatory effect in the respiratory tract, involving various mechanisms involved, and has a papaverine-like antispasmodic effect. Reduces swelling of the mucous membrane, improves sputum discharge and reduces sputum hypersecretion. For children, the drug is prescribed in the form of syrup at the rate of 4 mg/kg body weight per day, i.e. children weighing up to 10 kg - 2-4 teaspoons of syrup (10-20 ml) per day, over 10 kg - 2-4 tablespoons of syrup (30-60 ml) per day.

These drugs are used for productive cough, for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as for complications (tracheitis, bronchitis) and chronic obstructive respiratory diseases.

Drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects
Falimint, Toff plus, Agisept, Fervex, Dr. Theiss with echinacea extract and etc.

Coldrex LariPlus, combination drug prolonged action. Chlorpheniramine has an antiallergic effect, eliminates lacrimation, itching in the eyes and nose. Paracetamol has an antipyretic and analgesic effect: it reduces the pain syndrome observed during colds - sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, and reduces high fever. Phenylephrine has a vasoconstrictor effect - reduces swelling and hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and paranasal sinuses. Drugs similar in composition and pharmacological action Coldrex, Coldrex Hotrem, Coldex Teva.

Rinza contains 4 active ingredients: paracetamol + chlorpheniramine + caffeine + mesaton. Has a wide range of action. It is used for colds of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by fever, headache, and runny nose.

Preparations with antibacterial and antimicrobial effects

Bioparox, Ingalipt, Grammidin, Hexaral, Stopangin and etc.

Among the antibacterial drugs, one should highlight Locabiotal (Bioparox) in the form of an aerosol, a combination drug Polydex, prescribed to children from 2.5 years of age.

Gramicidin S(grammidin) is a polypeptide antibiotic that increases the permeability of the microbial cell membrane and disrupts its stability, which leads to the death of microbes. Salivation and cleansing of the oropharynx from microorganisms and inflammatory exudate increases. Allergic reactions are possible when taking the drug; before use, it is necessary to test for sensitivity.

Inhalipt aerosol for local application, containing soluble sulfonamides - streptocide and norsulfazole, which have an antimicrobial effect on gram “+” and gram “--” bacteria. Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil, thymol have a softening and anti-inflammatory effect.

To prevent influenza and viral rhinitis, oxolinic ointment is used. 0.25% ointment is used to lubricate the nasal mucosa in the morning and evening during an influenza epidemic and upon contact with patients; the duration of use is determined individually (up to 25 days).

Faringosept contains 10 mg of ambazone monohydrate in 1 tablet, applied perlintually (sucking). The tablet dissolves slowly in the mouth. The optimal therapeutic concentration in saliva is achieved by taking 3-5 tablets per day for 3-4 days. Adults: 3-5 tablets per day for 3-4 days. Children 3-7 years old: daily 1 tablet 3 times a day. Used to treat diseases of the ENT organs. It has a bacteriostatic effect on streptococci and pneumococci, has antimicrobial activity without affecting E. coli.

Antiseptic drugs

Hexoral, Yox, Lizobakt, Strepsils, Sebidin, Neo-angin N, Grammidin with antiseptic, Antisept-angin, Astrasept, Fervex for sore throat, etc.

Septolete, lozenges for complete resorption, containing benzalkonium chloride, which has a wide spectrum of action. Effective primarily against gram-positive bacteria. It also has a powerful fungicidal effect on Candida albicans and some lipophilic viruses, pathogenic microorganisms that cause infections of the mouth and pharynx. Benzalkonium chloride contains the drug Tantum Verde.

Laripront for the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat and larynx. The drug contains two active ingredients: lysozyme hydrochloride and dequalinium chloride. Thanks to lysozyme, a natural protective factor of the mucous membrane, the drug has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effect. Dequalinium is a local antiseptic, increases the sensitivity of infectious agents to lysozyme and promotes the penetration of the latter into tissues. Prescribe 1 tablet for adults, 1/2 tablet for children every 2 hours after meals, keep the tablets in the mouth until completely absorbed. Use until signs of the disease disappear. For the purpose of prevention, the dose of the drug is reduced to half or up to 1, twice a day.

Original classic version Strepsils(Strepsils), containing amylmetacresol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol and anise and peppermint oils, is available in lozenges. Has an antiseptic effect. Strepsils with honey and lemon soothes throat irritation. They produce Strepsils with vitamin C and Strepsils without sugar with lemon and herbs. When using a combination of menthol and eucalyptus, it softens sore throat and nasal congestion is reduced.

Drugs with local anesthetic action

Strepsils plus, is a combination drug containing the anesthetic lidocaine for quick relief pain and two antiseptic components wide range actions to treat infection. Lozenges provide a long-lasting local anesthetic effect - up to 2 hours, effectively relieve pain, while simultaneously suppressing the activity of pathogens of respiratory diseases.

Lozenges Drill, indicated for use in adults and children over 12 years of age, contains in one lozenge as an anesthetic substance that soothes pain, tetracaine hydrochloride 200 mcg and an anesthetic to suppress infection - chlorhexidine bigluconate 3 mg.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Faringomed used as a symptomatic remedy for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis). The drug reduces the severity of disorders such as sore throat, swelling of the mucous membranes, itching and soreness in the nose; makes it easier nasal breathing. Take one caramel - keep it in your mouth until completely dissolved. Children under 5 years of age should take the drug no more than four times a day, others - no more than six. In case of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis or pharyngitis, not accompanied by high fever and acute pain in the throat, 2 doses of the drug per day are enough - one caramel in the morning and evening for 7-10 days.

Sea buckthorn, Dr. Theiss lozenges, have general strengthening properties. Contains calcium and magnesium for normalization energy metabolism, the process of enzyme formation in the body. Blackcurrant, Dr. Theiss lozenges, have a beneficial effect on throat irritation, and supplement the daily requirement of vitamin C. Contains natural blackcurrant extract. Phytopastils with Dr. Theiss's honey, have a beneficial effect on coughs, throat irritation, hoarseness, and colds in the upper respiratory tract. Refreshes the oral cavity.

Strepfen- a drug for sore throat containing the anti-inflammatory drug flurbiprofen 0.75 mg in lozenges. Reduces inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, eliminates pain. Duration of effect is 3 hours.

Having a mixed, combined effect

Faringosept, Carmolis, Solutan, Faringopils, Ledinets Carmolis, Foringolid, Travesil and etc.

The complex bronchosecretolytic drug Bronchosan contains essential oils, which have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, and anise and fennel oil enhance the expectorant effect of bromhexine, increasing the activity of the ciliated epithelium and the evacuation function of the respiratory tract.

Anti-angina, has bactericidal, antifungal, local anesthetic and general strengthening effect, due to its active components: chlorhexidine is an antiseptic from the group of bis-biguanides that have a bactericidal effect against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, corynebacteria, influenza bacillus, Klebsiella). Chlorhexidine also suppresses certain groups of viruses. Tetracaine is an effective local anesthetic that quickly relieves or reduces pain. Ascorbic acid plays an important role in regulating redox processes, carbohydrate metabolism, blood clotting, tissue regeneration, participates in the synthesis of corticosteroids, collagen, and normalizes capillary permeability. It is a natural antioxidant and increases the body's resistance to infections.

The arsenal of drugs used for topical use in diseases of the upper respiratory tract is quite diverse and the sooner the patient starts using them, the faster he can cope with the infection without possible subsequent complications.

In the human body one of the most important functions performed by the respiratory system. In addition to filling all tissues with oxygen, it is involved in voice formation, humidification of inhaled air, thermoregulation, hormone synthesis and protection from environmental factors. The respiratory organs most often suffer from various diseases. Almost every person at least once a year experiences ARVI or influenza, and sometimes more serious pathologies, including bronchitis, sinusitis, and sore throat. Each disease has its own symptoms and treatment principles.

List of respiratory diseases

The most common pathologies of the respiratory system are common colds. This is how acute respiratory viral infections are called in everyday language. If diseases of the upper respiratory tract are not treated and are carried “on your feet,” then viruses and bacteria can penetrate the nose and throat. As a result of damage to the palatine tonsils, a sore throat, catarrhal (superficial) or lacunar, develops. When bacteria penetrate the larynx, bronchi and trachea, a person can get a whole “bouquet” of diseases from bronchitis and tracheitis to many others.

If they are not treated, the bacteria will continue to move downwards, causing damage lung tissue. This leads to the development of pneumonia. A large percentage of the incidence of respiratory system diseases occurs in the spring and autumn. Children are especially often affected, although adults are also at risk. In general, there are the following diseases of the human respiratory system:

sinusitis and its varieties in the form of sinusitis, ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis;
tuberculosis;
tracheitis;
bronchitis;
pneumonia;
rhinitis;
pharyngitis;
tonsillitis;
atopic asthma;
bronchiectasis;
laryngitis.

Causes of diseases

A characteristic feature of fungal infections is a white coating on the oral mucosa. Monoinfections are more often diagnosed, i.e. a disease caused by one type of pathogen. If the disease is provoked by several pathogenic microorganisms, then it is called a mixed infection. They can be infected by airborne droplets or contact. In addition to specific causes of disease respiratory organs, there are risk factors for their development:

external allergens in the form of dust, house mites, animal hair, plant pollen, polluted air;
professional factors, for example, working in conditions of heavy dust, with electric welding;
taking certain medications;
active or passive smoking;
alcohol abuse;
household pollution of residential premises;
unsuitable climatic conditions;
foci of chronic infections in the body;
influence of genes.

Main symptoms of respiratory diseases

The clinical picture of respiratory diseases depends on the location of the source of inflammation. Depending on whether the upper or lower respiratory tract is affected, a person will experience different symptoms. Diseases of the respiratory system can be suspected based on two characteristic signs:

Dyspnea. It can be subjective (occurs during attacks of neuroses), objective (causes a change in breathing rhythm), mixed (combines the symptoms of the previous two types). The latter is characteristic of pulmonary embolism. In case of diseases of the larynx or trachea, inspiratory shortness of breath with difficulty inhaling is noted, and in case of pulmonary edema - suffocation.
Cough. The second characteristic sign of respiratory tract diseases. Cough is a reflex reaction to mucus in the trachea, bronchi and larynx. It may also be caused by a foreign body in the respiratory system. With laryngitis and pleurisy, the cough is dry, with tuberculosis, oncology, pneumonia - wet, with acute respiratory infections and flu - periodic, with inflammation in the bronchi or larynx - constant.

Bronchitis

The difference between this disease of the respiratory tract is the involvement in the inflammatory process of the bronchi, the entire thickness of their wall or only the mucous membrane. The acute form of bronchitis is associated with damage to the body by bacteria, the chronic form is associated with environmental degradation, allergies, and smoking. Under the influence of these factors, the mucous epithelium of the bronchi is damaged, which disrupts the process of their cleansing. This leads to accumulation of phlegm, bronchospasm and bronchitis, which is indicated by the following symptoms:

chest cough(dry at first, and after 2-3 days - wet with copious discharge sputum);
increase in temperature (indicates the addition of a bacterial infection);
shortness of breath (with obstructive bronchitis);
weakness;
wheezing when breathing;
night sweats;
nasal congestion.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs, or pneumonia, is pathological process in lung tissue with predominant damage to the alveoli. The disease can be caused by staphylococcal and viral infections. Doctors mainly diagnose mycoplasma and pneumococcus lesions. Pneumonia is diagnosed especially often in children in the first year of life - 15-20 cases per 1000 people. In adults, this figure is 10-13 per 1000. Regardless of age, the following symptoms indicate pneumonia:

Signs of general intoxication. These include elevated temperature (37.5-39.5 degrees), headache, lethargy, anxiety, decreased interest in the environment, night sweats, and sleep disturbances.
Pulmonary manifestations. Pneumonia first causes a dry cough, which after 3-4 days becomes wet and causes copious discharge of purulent sputum, often rust-colored. Additionally, the patient experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, cyanosis, and rapid breathing.

Sinusitis

This is one of the types of sinusitis - inflammation in the paranasal sinuses (sinuses). A characteristic sign of the disease is difficulty in nasal breathing. With sinusitis, the maxillary paranasal sinuses are affected. Due to the fact that they cease to be ventilated and cleaned, problems with nasal breathing and a number of other symptoms develop:

mucopurulent discharge from the nasal passages;
intense headaches in the bridge of the nose and at the wings of the nose, which intensify when bending forward;
feeling of fullness in the area between the eyebrows;
fever, chills;
swelling of the cheek and eyelid on the side of the affected sinus;
tearfulness;
photosensitivity;
sneezing.

Tuberculosis

This chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. They most often affect the respiratory organs, but can cause pathologies of joints and bones, eyes, genitourinary system, peripheral lymph nodes. Tuberculosis is different chronic course, therefore it begins gradually and is often asymptomatic. As the pathology progresses, a person begins to worry about tachycardia, sweating, hyperthermia, general weakness, decreased performance, weight loss and loss of appetite.

The patient's facial features become sharper, and a painful blush appears on the cheeks. The temperature remains low-grade long time. With massive lung damage, fever develops. Other characteristic signs of tuberculosis:

swollen lymph nodes;
cough with blood and sputum (lasts more than 3 weeks);
wheezing in the lungs;
difficulty breathing;
chest pain;
shortness of breath on exertion.

Tracheitis

This disease affects the lower respiratory tract as it causes inflammation of the tracheal mucosa. This organ connects the larynx and bronchi. Tracheitis often develops against the background of laryngitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. Often it is associated with a common cold. The following signs indicate an inflammatory process in the trachea:

cough - first dry, then wet with sputum;
pain behind the sternum and in the interscapular region;
temperature rise to 38 degrees;
hoarse voice;
enlarged cervical lymph nodes;
weakness, drowsiness, increased fatigue;
nasal congestion;
a sore throat;
sneezing.

Rhinitis

The common name for this disease is runny nose. It is rather not an independent pathology, but a symptom of other pathologies of the respiratory tract. The cause of rhinitis can be a viral or bacterial infection or allergy. In general, this disease is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Features of this pathological process:

dryness and itching in the nasal cavity;
general malaise;
constant sneezing;
disturbances of smell;
low-grade fever;
liquid transparent discharge from the nose, which then become mucopurulent;
lacrimation.

Atopic asthma

People who are genetically prone to atopy (a chronic skin disease associated with allergies) may develop allergic damage to the respiratory tract - atopic bronchial asthma. A clear sign of this pathology is paroxysmal suffocation. Against this background, other symptoms are noted:

dry cough with scanty viscous sputum;
nasal congestion and itching, sneezing, runny nasal discharge, sore throat, which precede an attack of shortness of breath and suffocation;
feeling of tightness in the chest;
breathing with whistling and wheezing;
chest pain.

Bronchiectasis

This type diseases of the respiratory organs are an irreversible expansion of a separate section of the bronchi. The reason is damage to the bronchial wall, which disrupts its structure and function. Bronchiectasis is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. The disease often accompanies other infectious pathologies: tuberculosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis. Symptoms of bronchiectasis are as follows:

persistent cough;
hemoptysis;
coughing up to 240 ml per day of green and yellow, and sometimes bloody sputum;
wheezing during inhalation and exhalation;
frequent bronchial infections;
recurrent pneumonia;
bad smell from mouth;
dyspnea;
heart failure - in severe cases.

Laryngitis

This is an upper respiratory tract infection in which the mucous membranes of the larynx and vocal cords become inflamed. Laryngitis mainly manifests itself against the background of colds. A striking sign of this pathology is a change in the timbre of the voice up to its complete loss. This deviation is due to the fact that vocal cords swell and lose their ability to create sound. Another characteristic sign of laryngitis is a “barking” dry cough.

A person feels the presence of a foreign body in the throat, burning, itching and pain when swallowing. Against the background of these symptoms, other signs appear:

Diagnostics

To correctly make a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes several mandatory laboratory and instrumental studies. During initial examination the specialist performs procedures from the list:

Palpation. Helps assess the degree voice tremors– vibrations when a person pronounces the letter “R”. With pleurisy it is weakened, and with pneumonia it is stronger. Additionally, the doctor assesses the degree of chest asymmetry during breathing.
Auscultation. This is an auscultation of the lungs that provides an assessment of breathing. The procedure allows you to listen to wheezing, the nature of which the doctor may suspect certain diseases respiratory organs.
Percussion. This procedure consists of tapping individual areas of the chest and analyzing sound phenomena. This helps to identify a decrease in the amount of air in the lungs, which is characteristic of pulmonary edema and fibrosis, and its absence is characteristic of an abscess. The air content increases with emphysema.

The most informative method diagnostics that detects chronic respiratory diseases is x-ray. To clarify the localization of the inflammatory process, a photograph of the lungs is taken in several projections. In addition to radiography, the following research methods are used:

Bronchoscopy. This procedure involves examining the mucous membrane of the bronchi and trachea using a bronchoscope, which is inserted through the oral cavity. Additionally, during such a study, they can be removed from the respiratory tract. foreign bodies, pus and thick mucus, small tumors and take material for a biopsy.
Thoracoscopy. This procedure involves endoscopic examination pleural cavity through a thoracoscope. To do this, a puncture is made in the chest wall. Through such a study, a specialist can assess the condition of tissues and detect pathological changes.
Spirography. This is a procedure for measuring lung volume and studying the intensity of pulmonary ventilation.
Microscopic examination sputum. The nature of the mucus depends on the type of respiratory disease. With edema, sputum is colorless, foamy, serous in nature, with chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis - viscous, greenish, mucopurulent, with a lung abscess - semi-liquid, purulent, green in color.

Treatment

Regardless of the type of respiratory tract disease, treatment is carried out in 3 directions: etiotropic (elimination of the cause of the pathology), symptomatic (alleviation of the patient’s condition), supportive (restoration of respiratory functions). Since the causative agent of such ailments is often bacteria, antibacterial drugs become the basis of therapy. When the disease is viral in nature, it is used antiviral drugs, for fungal infections - antimycotic. In addition to taking medications, the following are prescribed:

In the first couple of days, especially if you feel unwell and have a high temperature, the patient should remain in bed. The patient should limit walking and physical exercise, drink more warm water. Against this background, the main treatment of the disease is carried out. Treatment regimens various pathologies:

Name of the disease	Main directions of treatment	Drugs used
	symptomatic treatment expectorants; vibration chest massage; to give up smoking.	antibacterial (Sumamed, Zinnat); expectorants (Ambroxol, Acetylcysteine); for inhalations (Lazolvan, Berodual; bronchodilators (Salbutamol, Bromide).	steam inhalations over decoctions of coltsfoot, linden and raspberry; inhalation over hot water with propolis.
Pneumonia	taking bronchodilators; taking antibiotics or antivirals; undergoing a course of physiotherapy; diet; drinking plenty of fluids.	antibiotics (Ceftriaxone, Sumamed); antipyretics (Paracetamol, Ibuklin); sputum thinners (Ambrohexal, ACC, Lazolvan); bronchodilators (Salbutamol); antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec).	Drinking warm drinks in the form of fruit drinks from cranberries, gooseberries, currants, vitamin teas. Additionally, you should eat more honey, rose hips, garlic and onions.
Sinusitis	elimination of infection; normalization of nasal breathing; cleansing the nasal mucosa from pus.	antibiotics (Ampiox, Augmentin, Pancef, Suprax); drops that make breathing easier (Vibrocil, Nazivin); painkillers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin); homeopathic (Gamorin, Cinnabsin); mucolytic (Mucodin, Fluimucil); antiviral (Arbidol, Oscilococcinum).	Rinse the nose 3-4 times a day disinfectant solutions(Furacilin, Miramistin) or saline solution.
Tuberculosis	bed rest; rejection of bad habits; taking anti-tuberculosis drugs; resection of part of the lung in case of failure of conservative treatment.	antituberculosis (isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol); antibacterial (Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin); immunomodulators (Timalin, Levamisole); antihypoxants (Riboxin); hepatoprotectors (Phosphogliv, Essentiale).	magnetic therapy; laser therapy; ultraphonophoresis; radio wave therapy; electrophoresis.
	elimination of the causative agent of the disease; stimulation of the immune response; relieving the patient's condition; diet excluding cold, sour and spicy foods.	antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Flemoxin Solutab, Cefixime); expectorants (Chlorophyllipt, marshmallow infusion, Thermopsis); antitussives (Codeine, Libexin); antiviral (Rimantadine); antipyretics (Paracetamol); antiseptic lozenges (Strepsils).	Warming drink: fruit drinks, teas. Thermal inhalations with herbal decoctions, for example, sage. The procedure needs to be carried out 3-4 times a day. It is allowed to do inhalations using a nebulizer using Lazolvan. Additionally, it is worth rinsing with a solution of sea salt.
Atopic asthma	eliminating contact with the allergen; frequent wet cleaning; compliance hypoallergenic diet; taking anti-inflammatory and antihistamine drugs.	Anti-inflammatory (Cromolyn sodium); bronchodilators (Salbutamol, Atrovent, Berodual); expectorants (ACC, Ambrobene); inhaled corticosteroids (Budesonide, Beclomethasone, Flucatisone).	plasmapheresis; hemosorption; acupuncture.
Bronchiectasis	cleansing the bronchi from mucus; improvement of respiratory function; elimination of acute inflammation; destruction of pathogenic microbes.	antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin); anti-inflammatory (Aspirin, Paracetamol); mucolytics (Bromhexine, Ambroxol); adrenomimetics (Salbutamol, Fenoterol).	Inhalation over decoctions of ginseng, eucalyptus, eleutherococcus or echinacea.
Laryngitis	limiting conversations (you need to speak more quietly and less); maintaining indoor air moist and cool; regularly ventilate the living space; do not stay in places with a polluted atmosphere; to harden; systematically engage in sports; stop smoking; spend more time outdoors. Video

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) occupy one of the first places among all human infectious diseases. These are the most common diseases on the globe. Every year, tens of millions of people suffer from acute respiratory viral infections.

Acute respiratory viral infections are a large group of diseases, usually occurring in an acute form, caused by viruses and transmitted by airborne droplets. The pathogen exists in two forms: virion - extracellular form and virus - intracellular form. Almost every person suffers from acute respiratory viral infections several times a year, especially children. Children from birth to six months of life get sick less often, since they have little contact with the outside world and have passive immunity received from the mother transplacentally. It should be remembered that innate immunity may be weak or completely absent, which means the child may get sick. The highest incidence occurs in children in the second half of the year and the first three years of life, which is associated with their attendance at kindergartens and, consequently, an increase in the number of contacts. All respiratory diseases have common clinical manifestations: fever, the presence of intoxication symptoms of varying severity and symptoms of respiratory tract damage, the clinical manifestations of which depend on the location of the inflammatory process.

Acute respiratory viral infections must be differentiated from acute respiratory diseases (ARI), since the causative agents of the latter can be not only viruses, but also bacteria.

Consequently, it is not antiviral, but antibacterial treatment that is etiotropic.

Most common reasons the occurrence of acute respiratory viral infections are: influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial, adenoviral, coronavirus and rhinovirus infections. The etiological structure of acute respiratory viral infections is dominated by influenza viruses, parainfluenza and adenoviral infections.

As mentioned above, all these diseases are characterized by damage to the respiratory tract with different localization process. Thus, with influenza, the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract is affected, with parainfluenza - mainly the mucous membrane of the larynx (for serotypes 1 and 2) and the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract (for serotype 3). For adenovirus infection Characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, mostly the pharynx, as well as the mucous membrane of the eyes and gastrointestinal tract. With respiratory syncytial infection, the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract is involved in the pathological process; with coronavirus infection, the pathogen affects the upper respiratory tract, and in children younger age- bronchi, lungs, and with rhinovirus infection, damage to the nasal mucosa is typical. Diseases caused by respiratory viruses are classified into a large number of syndromes: colds, pharyngitis, croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), tracheitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The identification of these groups of diseases is advisable from both epidemiological and clinical points of view. However, most respiratory viruses can cause not one, but several clinical syndromes, and very often one patient may simultaneously experience signs of several of them.

Almost all acute respiratory viral diseases are anthroponotic diseases, with the exception of coronavirus and adenovirus infections, which can also affect animals. The main source is a sick person, less often a convalescent (recovering person). With adenoviral and respiratory syncytial infections, the source of the disease can be a virus carrier (there are no clinical manifestations of the disease, diagnosis can only be made using specific laboratory research methods (virological and serological methods). The aerogenic mechanism of infection is characteristic, airborne transmission of infection, but with adenoviral infections, sometimes a fecal-oral mechanism of infection is observed. Quite often, adults are the source of infection for children, especially those who suffer the disease “on their feet.” Moreover, adults often regard their condition as “ slight cold" Almost all so-called colds are viral in nature, and such patients pose a great danger to children, especially young children.

A child of any age can get sick with acute respiratory viral infections, but each disease has its own age-specific characteristics. So, for example, in children preschool age parainfluenza is more common than acute respiratory diseases of other etiologies. It should be noted that parainfluenza affects children in the first months of life and even newborns, while the transplacental transfer of IgG antibodies ensures a relatively low susceptibility to influenza in children under six months of age. Children aged six months to five years are most susceptible to adenovirus infection. A significant part of newborns and children in the first six months of life have natural (passive) immunity. Respiratory syncytial infection affects mainly young children and even newborns. With rhinovirus and coronavirus infections, susceptibility is observed equally in all age groups, but children of preschool age are more often affected.

With all acute respiratory diseases there is an incubation (latent) period, but with varying durations: with influenza it is the shortest (from several hours to 2-3 days) and the longest with adenovirus infection (from 5-8 to 13 days). For other infections, this period averages 2-6 days (parainfluenza - 3-4 days, respiratory syncytial infection 3-6 days, rhinovirus infection 2-3 days, coronavirus infection 2-3 days).

For all these diseases clinical picture characterized by the appearance of intoxication syndrome and catarrhal syndrome of varying severity. Intoxication is most intense with influenza and least of all with rhinovirus infection, in which general state the patient practically does not suffer. Despite its name - “acute respiratory viral infections” - acute onset characteristic only of influenza, adenoviral infection and can occur with parainfluenza. For other diseases, a gradual onset is more typical. Hyperthermia (increased body temperature) is also not always observed. Thus, with influenza, already on the first day the temperature becomes febrile, and in some cases even hectic (38-40 ° C); with adenoviral infection and respiratory syncytial infection, the temperature can rise to 38-39°C, but by the 2-4th day of the disease. In some cases, fever can be two-wave (occurs with adenoviral infection and less often with influenza). In the typical course of other acute respiratory diseases, body temperature is usually normal or subfebrile (if there are no complications).

Each acute respiratory viral infection is characterized by the presence of catarrhal syndrome in varying degrees of severity. This syndrome manifested by redness, hyperemia, swelling of the nasal mucosa, the back wall of the pharynx, soft palate, tonsils, as well as fine granularity of the posterior wall of the pharynx due to the enlargement of the follicles. Typical damage is cardiovascular (tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, a systolic murmur is heard at the apex of the heart), respiratory (the presence of hard breathing and wheezing on auscultation of the lungs, in some cases the appearance of signs respiratory failure) systems. Less commonly, the digestive (intestinal dysfunction, abdominal pain, liver enlargement), as well as the central nervous (in the form of seizures, meningeal symptoms, encephalitis) systems are involved in the pathological process. In the development of acute respiratory viral infections, an important role belongs to mixed pathology (mixed pathology), caused by complex viral-bacterial associations (interactions) with the development secondary processes: catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia. Essentially, they enhance the pathological effect of each other and often cause a severe course of the disease and even its death. Immunity after acute respiratory viral infections is usually short-lived and type-specific.

All acute respiratory viral infections are characterized by great difficulty in diagnosis. The clinical forms of diseases caused by these viruses rarely have sufficiently specific signs on the basis of which an etiological diagnosis can be established only based on clinical data, although taking into account epidemiological conditions it is possible to high probability suggest which particular group of viruses caused the disease. To make a final diagnosis, only clinical manifestations and taking into account epidemiological conditions are not enough. It is necessary to use specific research methods. These include methods early diagnosis- examination of smears from the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and nose using fluorescent antibodies or using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify viral antigens. Serological methods are used: the complement fixation test (FFR), the hemagglutination inhibition test (HIT) and the neutralization test (RN), which are retrospective, since in order to make a diagnosis, it is necessary to identify antibodies to the influenza virus in paired sera taken in the first days of the disease, and then after 5-7 days.
An increase in antibody titer of four times or more is diagnostic.

They also use virological methods. Influenza viruses can be cultured (grown) in chicken embryos and mammalian cell cultures.

Also, all these diseases have similar aspects of treatment and prevention.

The principles of treating a patient with acute respiratory viral infection can be formulated in the following basic principles.

1. A sick child should be on bed rest, especially during periods of fever, isolated as much as possible. It is recommended to drink plenty of warm tea, cranberry or lingonberry juice, and alkaline mineral waters.

2. Etiotropic therapy. Treatment aimed at suppressing reproduction and eliminating the effects of toxins and other factors of pathogen aggression ( antiviral drugs, immunoglobulins).

3. Pathogenetic therapy (treatment aimed at maintaining normal function the most important life support systems for a child). Prescribe interferon (leukocyte human), influenzaferon, glucocorticosteroid drugs, detoxification ( oral rehydration or infusion therapy), desensitizing agents, protease inhibitors, vasoactive drugs and other drugs.

4. Symptomatic therapy: this includes antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen), mucolytics (acetylcysteine), expectorants (lazolvan, ambrohexal, bromhexine), vasoconstrictors (nazivin, naphthyzin) and other drugs.

5. Local therapy - medicinal inhalations, gargling with antiseptic solutions.

Children with severe and complicated forms of the disease are subject to mandatory hospitalization. Frequent acute respiratory diseases lead to a weakening of the child’s body’s defenses, contribute to the formation of chronic foci of infection, cause allergization of the body and delay the physical and psychomotor development of children. In many cases, frequent acute respiratory viral infections are pathogenetically associated with asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pyelonephritis, polyarthritis, chronic diseases nasopharynx and many other diseases.

Prevention consists of early detection and isolation of patients; increasing the body's nonspecific resistance (physical education and sports, hardening the body, rational nutrition, prescribing vitamins according to indications). During outbreaks of acute respiratory viral infections, visits to clinics, events, and sick relatives should be limited. Persons who have had contact with patients are prescribed antiviral drugs (for example, oxolinic ointment). The room where the patient is located must be regularly ventilated and wet cleaned with a 0.5% chloramine solution. Current and final disinfection is carried out in the outbreak, in particular, boiling of dishes, linen, towels, and handkerchiefs of patients. Live or killed vaccines are used (for influenza).

The prognosis is favorable, but deaths are possible in severe and complicated cases of the disease, especially with influenza.