home Adviсe Symptoms and treatment of ARVI in children of different ages. prevention, advice from doctors. ARVI in children: symptoms and treatment, features, tips, prevention, complications

Symptoms and treatment of ARVI in children of different ages. prevention, advice from doctors. ARVI in children: symptoms and treatment, features, tips, prevention, complications

When asked if he has ever had ARVI, each of us will answer in the affirmative. Indeed, acute respiratory viral infections are the most common infectious diseases. But when an infant suffers from this disease, his parents are especially worried and worried.

The fact that these diseases, recorded during periods free from massive outbreaks of influenza, are caused by different viruses was proven back in 1987. Despite the variety of pathogens, acute respiratory viral infection, in general, always proceeds approximately the same. Some of its first symptoms are fever, runny nose, and cough. Various pathogens seem to have distributed among themselves the (respiratory) tract of a person, choosing a “favorite” place for themselves: rhinoviruses infect the nose; parainfluenza viruses - larynx; andenoviruses - pharynx; conjunctivitis - lymphoid tissue; respiratory syncytial virus - lower respiratory tract. The “attachment” of viruses to certain parts of the respiratory tract determines differences in the course of the disease. It is important to consider that ARVI occurs not only in the form of acute forms, but also hidden.

Manifestations of diseases

All ARVIs are characterized by so-called symptoms of intoxication:

temperature rise,
restlessness, tearfulness, refusal to eat,
in children of the first year of life, bowel disorders may occur (more often - diarrhea),
cough, runny nose.

Since, as already noted, different pathogens affect the respiratory system at different levels, the listed symptoms are sometimes accompanied by lesions of the mucous membranes of other organs, such as the eyes.

So, adenovirus infection is characterized by:

damage to the mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx, bronchi, which is manifested by a runny nose and cough;
enlarged lymph nodes, spleen;
development of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes), keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva), manifested by redness of the eyes and lacrimation;
Sometimes a quickly disappearing small rash is observed.

With parainfluenza, a pronounced picture of laryngitis is observed (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, manifested by a dry cough from the first hours of the disease). In infants under 1 year of age, parainfluenza may be complicated by croup. Croup is a condition in which inflammatory swelling of the larynx occurs, in particular of the part of the larynx that is located under vocal cords. This manifestation of inflammation of the larynx in children is due to the fact that they have a lot of loose fiber in this area, as well as the fact that the lumen of their larynx is relatively small. This condition often occurs at night and is manifested by a barking cough, difficulty breathing, turning into suffocation with blue lips, and is accompanied by anxiety. Croup requires emergency medical attention.

Actions of parents in the event of false croup

Call an ambulance.
Take the child in your arms and calm him down.
Bring your child into the bathroom where the hot water is on.
Do steam inhalation, better alkaline solution(soda solution or mineral water).
Give it to the child alkaline drink- warm mineral water without gas or solution baking soda(1/3 teaspoon per 1 glass of water).

Respiratory syncytial infection affects the respiratory system and often contributes to the development of bronchitis and pneumonia. Most often it affects children under 1 year of age. In children younger age within 2-7 days, along with symptoms of intoxication, the following signs appear:

within a few hours the child’s skin becomes bluish;
For children older than 2 months, shortness of breath with prolonged wheezing exhalation is typical - the so-called asthmatic syndrome.

Coronavirus the infection is characterized by damage to the respiratory tract, less often the gastrointestinal tract, which is manifested by symptoms of acute gastroenteritis (abdominal pain, diarrhea).

Rhinovirus infection- upper respiratory tract disease, striking cavity nose and nasal pharynx. Her main and persistent symptom- runny nose, at first watery, later mucous and mucopurulent. It lasts up to 14 days. The temperature is usually normal, but may rise slightly during the first two days.

The acute respiratory viral infection itself is unpleasant, but not terrible. For children in the first year of life, its complications pose a great danger:

febrile convulsions that occur at high temperatures;
croup, pneumonia, bronchitis, development of chronic diseases;
When the inflammatory process spreads in the ear cavity and paranasal sinuses, otitis media and sinusitis occur.

Diagnosis of diseases

Special diagnostic methods are usually not used to determine the type of virus. General blood and urine tests are used to determine the severity of the disease.

If your baby has a slight fever or a slight runny nose, then you shouldn’t think that it’s just a cold and that everything will go away soon. After all, with incorrect and untimely treatment, the disease can become more complicated. Therefore, the child should definitely be shown to a doctor, who will carefully examine him, paying attention to signs not noticed by the parents (skin color, participation of auxiliary muscles in breathing, etc.). The doctor will listen to the lungs with a phonendoscope and determine whether inflammatory process in the bronchi and lungs.

Treatment of colds and ARVI

If an infant's temperature rises above 38 degrees, then it must be lowered. It is best to use antipyretic drugs for this purpose (preferably rectal suppositories, for example Efferalgan, Paracetamol), the active ingredient of which is paracetamol.

The temperature in the room should not exceed 20-22°C;.

The child should not be wrapped up, as this increases the temperature.

If you have followed all the doctor’s instructions, and the temperature does not decrease, then you need to call the doctor again.

To eliminate the symptoms of intoxication, it is necessary to give the baby a sufficient amount of water. In cases of diarrhea and vomiting, salts are lost along with water; To replenish fluids and salts, special solutions should be used (Regidron, Citroglucosolan). For nasal congestion and runny nose, vasoconstrictor drops are used. They are instilled before feeding, since if nasal breathing is impaired, the child will not be able to suck. Vasoconstrictor drugs (Tizin, Nazivin) also help in the prevention of otitis, but they should not be abused, since long-term use of these drops leads to atrophy of the nasal mucosa, which reduces its protective properties.

In order to increase immunity, the doctor may prescribe drugs that increase the body’s defenses Viferon, Grippferon, Aflubin, etc.

Children over 6 months are also given cough syrups (Bronchikul, Dr. Theiss, Dr. MOM). These agents help thin the sputum (mucolytics). Keep in mind that the pharmacy may offer you, along with the above drugs, cough suppressants (since the pharmacist does not know about the characteristics of your baby’s disease), which in no case should be combined with mucolytics, since this can lead to stagnation of mucus, which in turn can cause progression of the disease.

So do not self-medicate and remember that only a doctor can decide whether to prescribe certain medications to your child.

Valentina Im
Pediatrician, Clinic of Children's Diseases named after. M.A.Sechenova

Happy, healthy child- the dream of most parents. The presence of various bacteria and viruses in the surrounding world that the baby encounters becomes the cause of diseases. What does a common diagnosis of ARVI in children mean? Doctors refer to bronchitis, influenza, and many other diseases with a mysterious abbreviation. ARVI is a large group of diseases with a viral etymology, affecting the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes. What is the difference between acute respiratory infections and respiratory infections caused by viruses?

Causes of acute respiratory viral infection in children

Diagnosis of “acute respiratory diseases” – common name a lot of diseases in children that cause damage to the respiratory tract. The causative agents are bacteria or viruses. ARVI is a separate subgroup of acute respiratory infections, the impetus for the development of which is viral infections. The formation of a child’s immunity begins from infancy: if a baby under one year of age has virtually no contact with a “hostile” environment, then one-year-old and older children begin to actively explore the world.

Expanding the usual boundaries of communication brings not only new knowledge, but also becomes the cause of acute respiratory diseases. What viral infections in children do doctors classify as ARVI:

Flu. Easily mutating and causing pandemics/epidemics, this virus is represented by three types: A ( greatest danger represent atypical ones: “pork”, “chicken”), B and C.
Parainfluenza. This type of ARVI affects the throat and trachea in most children; in infants it can cause an attack of laryngeal stenosis.
Rhinoviruses. Inflammation of the nasal passages, mucus discharge, and reddened eyes are symptoms of ARVI, better known as “snot.”
Adenoviruses. They have a long incubation period, an erased form of the course, periodically manifesting itself in a “triple bouquet”: inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx and peephole (conjunctivitis).
Enteroviruses (“intestinal” flu). The general deterioration of health, as with any type of acute respiratory viral infection, is accompanied by severe diarrhea and dehydration.
RS (respiratory syncytial) infection. The target of these viruses is the lower respiratory tract - bronchi, lungs. This group of acute respiratory viral infections is characterized by: dry, hysterical cough in children, rapid breathing, shortness of breath.

Infection with an infectious disease occurs through the transmission of viruses from a sick individual, who releases tiny particles of sputum or mucus from the nose into the air, to a healthy person. Weakened immunity leads to infection and development of ARVI in children. When trying to reduce risks, do not forget that a sick person remains contagious for up to 10 days from the moment the infection appears.

Possible reasons ARVI in many children are:

Decreased immunity:
- lack of vitamins;
- stressful situations;
- frequent colds.
Visiting kindergartens, clubs, schools.
Presence of chronic/autoimmune diseases.
Hypothermia.
Insufficient hardening of the body.

The first signs and symptoms of the disease

ARVI is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms depending on the type of virus. The seasonality of diseases plays an important role: influenza, rhinoviruses, catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract are constant companions of the autumn-winter period, enteroviral forms are characteristic of spring and summer, while adenoviral infection is a year-round problem. Common signs the presence of ARVI in most children are:

runny nose;
cough;
redness of the eyes;
sore throat;
tracheal irritation.

Only a person can determine the type of viral infection and prescribe the correct treatment pediatrician. However, it would be useful for mothers of children to know the characteristics of ARVI symptoms:

With the flu, the general symptoms of intoxication in children come to the fore: lethargy, weakness, muscle pain, “twisting” of the legs and arms. The main indicator is the rapid rise in temperature to critical levels and the difficulty of “churning it down.”
The intestinal form of ARVI is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. The temperature rises to high levels, but is easily reduced by antipyretic drugs.
The clinical picture of adenoviral infection is characterized by the duration of catarrhal manifestations, a slight increase in temperature, and a general deterioration of immunity.
Other forms of ARVI proceed according to a general “pattern”: the appearance of a runny nose, sore throat, cough (dry or wet). The temperature may rise to 38 - 38.5C.

Diagnostic methods

The pediatrician will be helped to make the correct diagnosis by determining the viral nature of the disease in children:

Examination of the child. Includes:
- collecting information about the appearance of ARVI symptoms;
- visual examination of the throat;
- listening to the respiratory tract;
- temperature measurement.
Collection and analysis of results laboratory research:
- mucosal smear (PCR);
- determination of the serological reaction of the virus (RSR);
- an express method for detecting the virus based on a smear of the epithelium of the nasal passages.
X-ray (fluorography) for suspected pneumonia.

Treatment of ARVI in children

The reaction to the penetration of foreign bodies into the body during ARVI is an increase in temperature. Many mothers are afraid of the rising thermometer, trying to reduce their readings. This leads to a protracted recovery: at a temperature of 38 and above, the children’s body begins to actively produce antibodies to the virus. The error in the treatment of ARVI largely lies in the “amateur action” of parents, the low qualifications of the pediatrician, when antibiotics are prescribed for the common cold, viral tracheitis and other infections.

Symptomatic treatment

You should begin treatment for ARVI after a mandatory consultation with your local pediatrician. While waiting for the doctor's visit, create optimal conditions for a quick recovery: bed rest, proper nutrition– diet and drinking plenty of fluids, clean, ventilated nursery room. What medications will help neutralize the symptoms of ARVI in children:

Antipyretic drugs: “Panadol”, “Paracetamol” in the form of syrups (1 scoop for children under 3 years old), tablets. Daily dosage for children – 60 mg per kg of weight, single dose – 15 mg/kg.
Solutions for rinsing the nasal passages: "Saline", "Aquamaris". The “homemade” version of saline solution will be no less effective. You can achieve the required concentration by dissolving a teaspoon of sea/table salt in a glass of boiled water.
Vasoconstrictor drops: “Snoop”, “Nazivin” help restore nasal breathing, drying out the mucous membrane. For small children with ARVI, “Protargol” with silver proteinate or “Complex drops”, produced in pharmacies upon parents’ orders, are perfect. The duration of use for ARVI should not exceed 3-5 days.
Cough medications. Easy, moist cough indicates damage to ARVI of the upper respiratory tract. Mucolytic drugs: “Cough tablets”, “Mukaltin” should be taken in a dosage of 1 tablet half an hour before meals 4 times a day.
Anti-inflammatory drugs."Ibuprofen", "Nise", "Nurofen" are different complex action: reduce rheumatic syndrome, reduce temperature, remove inflammation and swelling. Dosage depends on age and weight. Maximum permissible norm nimesulide – 5 mg, ibufen – 20 mg per 1 kg of weight.

Complex drugs. Comprehensive products help eliminate unpleasant symptoms ARVI, maintain performance, but often contain phenylephrine, a substance that increases arterial pressure, which gives a feeling of vigor, but can cause side effects from of cardio-vascular system. Therefore, in some cases, it is better to choose a drug without components of this kind, for example, AntiGrippin from NaturProduct, which helps relieve the unpleasant symptoms of ARVI without causing an increase in blood pressure.

There are contraindications. It is necessary to consult a specialist.

Etiotropic therapy

The viral etymology of the disease in children suggests the use of medicines, the action of which is aimed at strengthening the body’s antiviral defense, as well as fighting bacteria if a bacterial infection is associated with ARVI:

Antiviral drugs: At the first symptoms of influenza and ARVI, you need to start antiviral therapy. For example, the innovative antiviral drug Ingavirin, which has a unique mechanism of action, wide range antiviral activity and convenient method of administration (1 capsule per day for 5-7 days). Taking the drug (preferably in the first two days of illness) can alleviate unpleasant symptoms and reduce the viral load on the body. In addition, Ingavirin helps reduce intoxication and reduces the risk of complications. The drug is available in two dosages: Ingavirin 60 mg - for the treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI in children from 7 to 17 years old and Ingavirin 90 mg for adults.
Antibiotics."Biseptol", "Amoxiclav", "Clarithromycin" are effective in the presence of a bacterial infection accompanied by a cough; “Ampicillin”, “Flemoxin Solutab” cope well with sore throats, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The dosage is selected by the doctor individually for the child in accordance with the instructions.
Stabilizing agents. The action of the drugs “Fenistil” and “Loratidine” is aimed at reducing the manifestation of the allergic effect in children with ARVI. Dosage for children under one year old – 10 drops up to 3 times a day, up to 3 years – 15 drops, older – 20 drops.

Folk remedies

Time-tested recipes will help ease your baby’s condition during a viral infection. traditional healers:

Vitamin teas. Herbal collection, prepared from equal parts of chamomile, lemongrass, linden, will cope perfectly with intoxication of the body in children with ARVI. Dosage – half a glass of decoction every 1.5-2 hours.
Lemon-honey infusion. A slice of lemon, a teaspoon of honey and a tiny piece of ginger, poured boiled water, will increase the child’s immune strength.
Cabbage leaf. Spread a thin layer of honey on the sick baby, warmed to the body temperature, and apply it to the chest overnight, wrapping it with a towel. A wet, easily expectorated cough, improved well-being, normalized breathing are the results of the procedure.

Possible complications after ARVI in a child

Antibiotic therapy for viral infections, intensive treatment with antipyretic drugs, as well as its absence, sometimes become causes of complications in children. What are possible consequences ARVI:

Respiratory tract infections complicated by bacterial lesions of their lower part: pneumonia, bronchitis, purulent tonsillitis in children.
Laryngitis and tracheitis are dangerous for newborns and children under one year old. The small lumen of the baby's larynx closes when there is stenosis, causing breathing problems. In such cases, the child should undergo treatment in a pediatric hospital.
Chronic rhinitis, otitis, proliferation of adenoid tissue in children are the consequences of the adenoviral form of ARVI.
Taking medications in excessive dosages, lack of proper treatment, and a child suffering from acute respiratory viral infections “on his feet” often become the causes of secondary infections, causing kidney, liver, nervous system, Gastrointestinal tract.

Prevention of influenza and other respiratory viral infections

Preventive measures aimed at:

Strengthening the body's immune defense. Taking vitamin and mineral complexes for children before the autumn season of colds and viruses will stimulate the creation of a reliable “barrier” to infections.
SARS warning. Cold and hot shower, walking barefoot, regular ventilation, exercise and physical exercise will help strengthen the child’s defense mechanisms at home.
Developing immunity to certain strains of influenza. Vaccinations given in early autumn promote the production of antibodies to a specific type of virus.
During ARVI epidemics, mothers with children should avoid crowded gatherings of people. For preschool children and schoolchildren, it is advisable to limit attendance at entertainment centers, shops, and clubs.

Video: how and with what to treat a child with ARVI - Dr. Komarovsky

Folk wisdom that colds can be cured in a week with the help of tablets, and by providing proper care, drinking and diet - in 7 days, this is not far from the truth. In children, most acute respiratory viral infections occur in the classical form: snot, cough and fever accompany up to 90% of viral infections. Why you shouldn’t force-feed a child if they are sick, and how to help your baby’s body cope with a cold faster, you will learn by watching the video below.

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in children occur in approximately 75% of all childhood diseases. Upper respiratory tract infections (acute respiratory infection (ARI), acute respiratory diseases (ARI), ARVI) - a group of acute infectious and inflammatory diseases upper sections respiratory tract of various localization, etiology and symptoms.

ARVI is the most common infection on the globe. It is impossible to fully take into account the true incidence. Almost every person experiences ARVI several times (from 4-8 to 15 times or more) a year, mainly in the form of mild and subclinical forms. ARVI is especially common in young children. Children in the first months of life rarely get sick because they are in relative isolation and many of them retain passive immunity received from the mother transplacentally in the form of IgG for 6-10 months. However, children in the first months of life can also suffer from ARVI, especially if they are in close contact with sick people. The reasons for this may be unstressed transplacental immunity or its complete absence, prematurity, primary forms of immunodeficiency, etc.

One of the most common diagnoses that a pediatrician gives to a child is ARVI, that is, an acute respiratory viral infection. The thing is that it is viral infections that the child’s body is most susceptible to, and the reason for this is the child’s low immune system.

Viral infections are accompanied by quite vivid symptoms, which is why parents often panic, worrying about their own child. To avoid panic and act correctly, you need to understand what a viral infection is, how and why it appears, what symptoms to look out for and how to deal with the disease.

What is a viral infection

Only the human immune system resists viral infection. Children have weaker immunity; many strains of viruses do not have antibodies at all, which is why children get sick much more often.

We see the same thing when a child goes to kindergarten. Finding yourself in a new environment where there is a large number of children (who are often sick), the child’s body is attacked by various viruses and often gets sick. In the future, having suffered several diseases, the immune system becomes stronger, the body produces antibodies, and the child gets sick much less often.

To some extent, viral infections are more dangerous than bacterial ones. This is explained by the fact that bacteria are positioned primarily in one place, while viruses quickly spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, which makes it more difficult to fight them.

What are viral infections?

Symptomatic manifestations of viral infections differ for each child. It depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the state of the immune system, etc. However, what is even more important is the fact that there are several types of viruses. It is important to distinguish them, since the clinical picture and treatment methods in each individual case are somewhat different. Let's look at the most common types of viral infections:

adenovirus– anthroponotic viral infection, for which characteristic feature is damage to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract; but the infection can also affect the mucous membranes of the eyes, intestines and lymphoid tissues; this type of viral infection is known to be moderately severe; transmitted as by airborne droplets, and contact (through the patient’s personal belongings);
rhinovirus– another type of acute respiratory viral infection, in which the parts of the nose and pharynx are primarily affected; the disease progresses in mild form, general infectious symptoms with constant low-grade fever are noted; as in the previous case, the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets or household contact;
parainfluenza– the causative agent is the so-called RNA virus, which dies extremely quickly in the environment, but quickly adapts and spreads in the human body; parainfluenza is transmitted by airborne droplets through direct contact with a carrier, primarily affecting the epithelium of the respiratory tract; with parainfluenza, the temperature may constantly rise to normal, while other symptoms make themselves felt acutely; the disease is difficult for children to tolerate, sometimes with complications;
rotavirus– we are talking about acute; infection occurs mainly through household contact, less often by airborne droplets; this type viruses can be considered atypical, since among the usual ARVI symptoms there is only an increase in body temperature, all other manifestations are associated with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes of infection

As mentioned earlier, viral infection is freely transmitted by airborne droplets. That is, to get sick, all you need is a slightly weakened immune system and the presence of an infected person nearby (coughing, sneezing).

From this we conclude that the main causes of infection are a weak immune system. However, there are a number of predisposing factors, in the presence of which the virus is much more likely to manifest itself and lead to the development of the disease:

hypothermia of the body caused by weather conditions, drafts, wet feet, etc.;
periods of adaptation, climatic and geographical: in most cases we are talking about the change of seasons (autumn-winter or winter-spring), but when the climate changes, due to moving long distances, immunity can also fail;
deficiency of vitamins in the body, including seasonal vitamin deficiencies;
staying in a group, for example, a kindergarten or school; the larger the crowd of people, the higher the concentration of viruses and bacteria, and it is not even necessary that there is a sick person nearby; some children can be carriers of the virus;
in children with weakened bodies, a predisposing factor is reduced physical activity or even physical inactivity;
unfavorable environmental conditions (polluted, dusty, smoky air, prolonged stay in an unventilated room, presence of allergens, etc.).

In fact, there are many such factors; everything that can at least slightly reduce the body’s defenses plays a decisive role.

The clinical picture of a viral infection in children can differ significantly and this depends not only on the type of virus. The individual characteristics of the body play no less a role and attention should be paid not to one symptom, but to their totality.

To do this, let’s look at the most common symptoms of viral infections in children:

In most cases, the first symptom, which often goes unnoticed, is general malaise. The child may be more capricious than usual, feel lethargic, play less, be drowsy, and have a loss of appetite.
The second most common clinical sign is temperature. With viral infections, it is observed in 90% of cases; it can rapidly reach 39°C or remain low-grade (not high, but difficult to control) throughout the entire illness. Moreover, sometimes the temperature precedes other symptoms by several days, which causes the greatest concern for parents, because there are no other signs of the disease.
Runny nose - appears with each type of viral infection, with the exception of rotavirus. Damage to the mucous membranes of the nose is expressed in copious mucus secretion, swelling, which prevents normal breathing. This one is especially strong clinical sign affects the child’s sleep, since at night, due to the horizontal position of the body, congestion intensifies.
Discomfort in the throat - in the early stages remains unattended, especially in children under 3 years of age, who find it difficult to describe their sensations. Initially, the symptom manifests itself as dry throat, itching, tingling, and soreness. Then the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, the throat becomes red, moderate or sharp pain, worse when swallowing.
Cough - appears simultaneously with discomfort in the throat or as the previous symptom progresses. In most cases, the cough is initially dry, barking, and paroxysmal. Later, with appropriate treatment, it becomes wet with sputum discharge.
Enlarged lymph nodes, mainly submandibular and cervical. This is felt when palpating the corresponding areas; sometimes palpation can be painful.
Viral infections are also accompanied by intoxication, which is especially pronounced against the background high temperature. In addition to the weakness described earlier, there are body aches (joints, muscles), headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting and bouts of diarrhea.

The general clinical picture described above is observed in children in more than 90% of cases, but there are possible exceptions.

In addition, if we talk about rotavirus, which affects the gastrointestinal tract, the main symptoms boil down to digestive upset. Children suffer from flatulence, colic and abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These symptoms may be accompanied by a fever.

It is extremely important to be able to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one, because in each of these cases not only the treatment methods differ, but also the need for prompt action.

As shown medical practice There is no specific cure for viral diseases. The task of the doctor and parents in case of a viral infection in a child is to help the body cope with the disease, create favorable conditions and stimulate immune system. That is, with viruses, prompt action is not so important.

If we talk about bacterial infections, there is a remedy against them - antibiotics. Moreover, in cases of diseases of bacterial etiology, you have to act faster and, in more cases, seek professional help.

So, the differences between viral and bacterial infections:

Pay attention to the color of the baby's skin; if it is pinkish, we can talk about a virus, but if it is pale, we are talking about a bacterial infection.
The color of nasal discharge - in viral diseases, the snot is transparent; in bacterial diseases, it takes on a yellowish or greenish color.
With a viral infection, the temperature, if there was one, decreases after 2-3 days; with a bacterial infection, everything is different.
Take a closer look at the throat. Diseases of a bacterial nature are often accompanied by the appearance of whitish or yellowish spots in the throat; with ARVI, the throat is simply red.

Otherwise, to accurately determine the etiology of the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment, you should consult a doctor. This rule The younger the child, the more important it is to comply.

Viral infection in children - treatment

First of all, it is necessary to understand that in order to treat viral infections, it is necessary to create a favorable environment in which it will be easier for the child’s body to fight the pathological process.

To do this, first of all, it is necessary to ensure normalization water balance. The child needs to be given water regularly. For infants we are talking about mother's milk and distilled water. Older children also need water, but compotes and warm, weak tea with lemon are also suitable.

If a child refuses to eat, there is no need to force him, but he should not be allowed to go hungry either. Let him eat what he wants and as much as he wants, the load on digestion will increase the load on the body as a whole.

We will consider the remaining treatment rules in more detail.

How to reduce fever during a viral infection

The first advice of every experienced specialist would be not to lower the temperature to approximately 38.5-38.7°C. The fact is that viruses adapt to the human body and survive in our cells when normal temperature body (36.5-37.2°C). As soon as the temperature exceeds these values, the viability of most viruses decreases sharply. That is, the higher the body temperature, the faster the body will cope with the disease, and antipyretics (up to a certain time) prevent natural process recovery.

How to deal with fever:

give the child something to drink;
provide cool air in the room, ventilate the room;
the child should not be wrapped up, clothes should not be too warm, the blanket should be of moderate thickness;
It is worth bringing down the temperature with medications only if it continues to rise after the thermometer marks above 38.5 ° C; It’s worth starting with paracetamol-based drugs (“Panadol”), if they don’t help, we resort to ibuprofen-containing drugs (“Nurofen”);
if the temperature continues to rise despite taking medications, call an ambulance.

Other treatments for viral infection

Remember that each drug must be prescribed by a doctor after examining the child and making a diagnosis.

In most cases, treatment will be as follows:

antiviral drugs - prescribed as an adjuvant for severe disease;
to reduce the inflammatory process, discomfort and pain, special lozenges, sprays and rinses are used;
To relieve swelling in the nose and eliminate a runny nose, nasal sprays and drops with a vasoconstrictor effect are needed;
To relieve cough syndrome, antitussive syrups are prescribed;
in order to increase sputum discharge during wet cough, mucolytic agents are required;
Antihistamines will help eliminate allergic reactions and reduce swelling in the throat and nose.

It is very important to understand that each drug is prescribed by a doctor, because the age of the child plays a huge role. The pediatrician also determines the dosage and period of use of medications.

Prevention of viral infections

Of course, it is better to prevent any disease than to treat it, especially when it comes to children. To prevent viral diseases, you should follow the following advice from pediatricians:

active lifestyle - the child should be outside every day, even in winter it is worth going out for at least 20-30 minutes;
air and cleanliness in the room - the child’s room must be ventilated daily, and wet cleaning must also be carried out regularly;
follow the rules of hygiene - it is important to take a bath or shower every day, wash your hands before eating;
regarding infants - wear diapers less often and wash the baby more often;
proper nutrition - make sure your child gets everything essential vitamins, try to cook healthy food, less fried, smoked, salty, sour and sweet;
daily routine - at night the child should sleep at least 8 hours; children under 5 years old are also advised to rest briefly during the day;
vitamins - it is always important to maintain immunity, so if in the summer children should receive vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables, in the winter they can take special children's vitamin complexes;
during periods of exacerbations, children are recommended to brew a weak rosehip decoction to strengthen the body’s immune forces; every day drinking 100 milliliters of decoction (course preventive treatment is 7 days), you may not encounter ARVI at all.

Doctor general practice D. Tyutyunnik

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in children occur in approximately 75% of all childhood diseases. Upper respiratory tract infections (acute respiratory infection (ARI), acute respiratory diseases (ARI), ARVI) are a group of acute infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract of various localization, etiology and symptoms.

ARVI is the most common infection on the globe. It is impossible to fully take into account the true incidence. Almost every person experiences ARVI several times (from 4-8 to 15 times or more) a year, mainly in the form of mild and subclinical forms. ARVI is especially common in young children. Children in the first months of life rarely get sick because they are in relative isolation and many of them retain passive immunity received from the mother transplacentally in the form of IgG for 6-10 months. However, children in the first months of life can also suffer from ARVI, especially if they are in close contact with sick people. The reasons for this may be weak transplacental immunity or its complete absence, prematurity, primary forms of immunodeficiency, etc.

ICD-10 code J00-J06 Acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract

Epidemiology of ARVI

According to statistics, a child can get sick from 1 to 8 times a year. This is due to the fact that the immunity developed in a child’s body against one virus is powerless against another infection. And there are hundreds of viruses that cause ARVI. These are influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, enteroviruses and other microorganisms. And since parents often have to deal with ARVI, they should know as much as possible about this disease, the mechanisms of its development and methods of combating viral infection in childhood.

The highest incidence occurs in children from 2 to 5 years of age, which is usually associated with their visits to child care institutions and a significant increase in the number of contacts. A child attending kindergarten may get ARVI up to 10-15 times during the 1st year, 5-7 times in the 2nd year, and 3-5 times a year in subsequent years. The decrease in incidence is explained by the acquisition specific immunity as a result of acute respiratory viral infections.

Such a high incidence of ARVI in childhood makes this problem one of the most pressing in pediatrics. Repeated diseases significantly influence the development of the child. They lead to a weakening of the body’s defenses, contribute to the formation of chronic foci of infection, cause allergization, and interfere with preventive vaccinations, aggravate the premorbid background 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 of the nasopharynx and many other diseases.

Causes of ARVI in children

Factors contributing to the development of ARVI follow the child everywhere. These reasons include:

hypothermia, drafts, wet shoes;
communication with other children with ARVI;
sudden changes in weather, off-season (autumn-winter, winter-spring);
decrease in the body's defenses;
hypovitaminosis, anemia, weakened body;
decreased physical activity of the child, physical inactivity;
improper hardening of the body.

All these are factors that weaken the body and contribute to the unhindered spread of the virus.

The reasons for frequent ARVI in children are the high sensitivity of the child’s body at any age, including a newborn baby. A child’s frequent acute respiratory viral infections begin from the moment he enters the nursery, kindergarten or school. Diseases can be repeated in succession. This happens because immune defense after a viral infection is developed from one type of virus. The penetration of a new virus into the body provokes a new disease, even if a short amount of time has passed since the previous one.

How long does ARVI last in a child?

How long can a baby be contagious and how long does ARVI last in a child?

As a rule, the more time has passed since the onset of the first symptoms, the less likely that the child is contagious. The period of time when a sick person is able to infect others usually begins from the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease or simultaneously with them. In some cases, the baby may still look “healthy” outwardly, but the disease process may already have begun. This depends on many factors, including the strength of the child’s immunity.

The initial moment of the incubation period (when the virus has already penetrated the child’s body, but the disease has not yet manifested itself “in all its glory”) is considered to be the moment of communication with an already infectious patient. Such a moment could be contact with a sick child in kindergarten, or an accidentally caught “sneeze” on a trolleybus. The final stage of the incubation period ends with the appearance of the first signs of the disease (when complaints appear).

Laboratory tests can already indicate the presence of the virus in the body during the incubation period.

The incubation period of ARVI in children can last from several hours to 2 weeks. This applies to pathogens such as rhinovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza, parapertussis, adenovirus, reovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

The period during which a child is contagious can begin 1-2 days before the first signs of the disease appear.

How long does ARVI last in a child? If you count from the moment the first symptoms appear, the period of illness can last up to 10 days (on average a week). Moreover, depending on the type of virus, the child may continue to remain infectious for another 3 weeks after recovery (disappearance of symptoms).

Symptoms of ARVI in children

Whatever type of virus is caused by ARVI, the classic form of the disease presents some common symptoms:

“general infectious” syndrome (the child is shivering, there may be pain in the muscles, in the head, there is weakness, the temperature rises, the submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged);
damage to the respiratory system (nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough or with sputum production);
damage to the mucous membranes (soreness and redness in the eye area, lacrimation, conjunctivitis).

The first signs of ARVI in a child are often characterized by a sudden onset with a clearly defined “general infectious” syndrome. With parainfluenza or adenovirus, the first signs are damage to the respiratory system (throat, nasopharynx), as well as redness and itching of the conjunctiva of the eye.

Of course, it would be easier for both parents and doctors if the course of ARVI in children was always classic. However, the child's body is very complex system, and its response to the penetration of a particular virus cannot be predicted one hundred percent. Each organism is individual, so the course of ARVI can be subtle, asymptomatic, atypical, or even extremely severe.

Since parents are unlikely to be able to guess and predict the course of the disease, it is necessary to know about conditions in which you will have to consult a doctor in the most urgent manner.

Symptoms of ARVI in children that require urgent medical attention:

Temperature readings have exceeded 38°C and have little or no response to antipyretic medications.
The child's consciousness is impaired, he is confused, indifferent, and may faint.
The child complains of a severe headache, as well as the inability to turn his neck or bend forward.
Spider veins and rashes appear on the skin.
Chest pain appears, the child begins to choke, it is difficult for him to breathe.
Multi-colored sputum appears (green, brown or pink).
Swelling appears on the body.
Convulsions appear.

You should not self-medicate, especially when it comes to your child. Also pay attention to the baby’s other organs and systems so as not to miss the onset of inflammation.

Temperature during ARVI in children

Children are quite sensitive to increases in body temperature: excessively high temperatures contribute to the appearance of seizures in a child. Because of this, the temperature should not be allowed to rise above 38-38.5°C.

There is no need to bring the temperature down to 38°C, since there is no need to interfere with the body doing its job - fighting the penetration of the virus. This may cause complications. What to do:

do not panic;
Monitor the child’s condition - usually after 3-4 days the temperature should stabilize.

Prolonged acute respiratory viral infection in a child with a persistent temperature may indicate the addition of a bacterial infection. It also happens that the temperature readings dropped after a viral infection, the baby seemed to be on the mend, but after a few days he became worse again and developed a fever. In such a situation, you should not hesitate to call a doctor.

In the classic course of ARVI, the temperature can last no more than 2-3 days, maximum five days. During this time, the body must overcome the virus by developing its own antibodies to it. Important: you should not deliberately lower the temperature to normal; you can only lower it so that the body continues to fight the infection.

Cough due to ARVI in children

Cough due to ARVI in children - quite common symptom. It is usually present against a background of fever, runny nose and other signs of illness. With the onset of the disease, a dry cough (without sputum production) is observed. Doctors call this cough unproductive: it is difficult for the child to tolerate, can disturb the peace of his sleep, and negatively affect his appetite.

In the classic course of ARVI, after 3-4 days the cough enters the productive stage - sputum appears. But it should be borne in mind that not all children know how to cough it up. For this reason, the child needs help: regular chest massage, light exercises, and in case of a coughing attack, the baby should be placed in an upright position.

As a rule, cough during viral infections lasts up to 15-20 days, but if its duration exceeds three weeks, then one can suspect chronic cough. In such cases, competent consultation with a pediatric pulmonologist and allergist, as well as the prescription of complex therapy, is simply necessary.

Vomiting in a child with ARVI

Vomiting in a child with ARVI can occur simultaneously with the appearance of high fever and cough. Sputum that is difficult to clear, dense and viscous, irritates the respiratory system and provokes bouts of painful coughing in the child. The gag reflex is triggered as a result of the transition of the excitatory signal from the cough centers to the vomiting centers. In some cases, vomiting may occur due to the accumulation of a large amount of mucous secretions in the nasopharynx, but in this case, vomiting occurs without coughing. Most often, vomiting due to coughing is not profuse and does not bring visible relief to the baby.

It is important to distinguish when vomiting is associated with the simultaneous excitation of the cough and gag reflex, and when vomiting may be a sign of poisoning or a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is imperative to show the child to the doctor, otherwise this may provoke the appearance of unwanted and sometimes serious complications.

Rash due to ARVI in a child

If a rash appears due to ARVI in a child, this is a direct reason to consult a doctor. There are several possible reasons for the appearance of rashes during illness:

intolerance to any of the medications taken by the baby;
allergic reaction for food products that parents usually give to a sick child (raspberries, oranges, lemons, garlic, ginger, etc.);
high temperature, which increases vascular permeability - in such cases, the rash resembles hemorrhages of various sizes on the skin.

There are also more serious causes of the rash. For example, this join meningococcal infection: This rash is usually accompanied by pyrexia and vomiting. In any of the options, if a rash is detected on the child’s body, all measures should be taken to deliver the baby to the infectious diseases department as soon as possible. You can simply call " ambulance"and describe the symptoms of the disease. In this case, you cannot hesitate.

Stomach pain due to ARVI in a child

Quite often, parents are faced with a situation where their child has a stomach ache due to ARVI. The pain is most often colicky and localized in the projection area of the large intestine. Doctors can explain this symptom as a combined reaction lymphatic system intestines and appendix. For the same reason, ARVI can be complicated by an attack acute appendicitis. In such a situation, the most competent action of parents may be to call a doctor at home, and if the pain in the tummy area increases, then they will have to call the emergency room.

A large number of acute respiratory viral infections along with abdominal pain can also be accompanied by diarrhea. Diarrhea during ARVI in a child is caused by cramping spasms in the intestines - the child’s body’s reaction to the disease. However, most often diarrhea and abdominal pain are provoked by medications that the child is forced to take. For example, if a baby is prescribed antibiotics or antiviral drugs, this can gradually lead to disruption of the intestinal microflora, or may manifest itself as a hypersensitivity reaction of the digestive system to certain types medicines. In one case or another, consultation with a doctor is mandatory.

Conjunctivitis due to ARVI in a child

Unfortunately, conjunctivitis during ARVI in a child occurs in almost all cases of the disease, especially when attacked by an adenoviral infection. Signs of conjunctivitis become noticeable immediately. Initially, the viral infection that provokes ARVI affects one eye, but after 1-2 days the other eye is also affected. Both eyes of the child become red, itchy, and there is a feeling of “sand” in the eyes. The baby squints, rubs his eyelids, and cries constantly. The eyes may become crusty, and light discharge may collect in the corners.

This conjunctivitis gradually goes away on its own as the child recovers from ARVI. However, special children's medicines - antiviral - can help alleviate the baby's condition and eliminate itching and discharge from the eyes faster. eye ointment or drops, which can be easily purchased at pharmacies.

True, in some cases, conjunctivitis can be the result of an allergic reaction in a child. In this condition, the baby not only develops watery eyes and redness of the eyes, but also the lower eyelids become swollen. It is typical that allergies affect both eyes at the same time. If this happens, urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary, identification and elimination of contact with a potential allergen, and prescription of antihistamines. eye drops and drugs.

Features of the course of ARVI in children

Children at different ages may react differently to the appearance of signs of ARVI.

If you notice any uncharacteristic or suspicious symptoms in your child, be sure to call an ambulance. Don’t be afraid to bother the doctor again: the main thing is your baby’s health.

Repeated ARVI in a child

Repeated ARVI in a child is not uncommon, since children are usually very susceptible to viral infection. Babies are prone to contracting the virus from the first weeks of life, but in the first three months they do not get sick as often as at an older age. The tendency to the disease is especially evident at the age of six months to 3 years, then the susceptibility decreases somewhat, although this may depend on the individual immunity of the body.

Why do repeated acute respiratory viral infections occur? The fact is that immunity has specificity in relation to certain species and even types of viral infection. Such immunity is not stable or durable. And in combination with a large number of varieties of the virus, it creates a high percentage of the likelihood of recurrent diseases.

ARVI in a child can occur as a single case, or as a result of a mass epidemic, which often happens in children's team. That is why the child’s morbidity rate increases, as a rule, with the start of attending kindergarten or other preschool or school institutions.

Where does it hurt?

Chest pain

What's troubling?

Cough Shortness of breath

Complications of ARVI in children

According to statistics, at least 15% of all ARVI diseases in childhood leave behind complications for other organs and systems of the body. For this reason, we should not forget that in children, ARVI can occur with an elevated temperature for no more than five days. A longer increase in temperature above 38°C may indicate the appearance of complications or the addition of another disease. Sometimes the temperature seems to drop, but after 1-3 days it rises again: symptoms of intoxication appear, such as tearfulness, pallor, lethargy, and increased sweating. The child refuses to eat and drink and becomes indifferent to what is happening. What can be the complications of ARVI in children?

A cough after an acute respiratory viral infection in a child in some cases can mean the disease progresses to bronchitis or even pneumonia - the viral infection gradually moves down the respiratory tract. Initially, a clinical picture of laryngitis may be present (dry cough, hoarse voice), then tracheitis ( painful cough, voice functions are restored), and subsequently - bronchitis. The main sign of bronchitis is a cough. At first it is dry and rough, and gradually phlegm begins to form and cough up. Difficulty in breathing occurs, the temperature rises again, increased sweating, and fatigue. If a child has frequent and heavy breathing (sometimes the baby seems to “groan”), then bronchiolitis or pneumonia can be suspected. Consultation with a doctor is required.
A rash in a child after an acute respiratory viral infection can be due to several reasons. For example, this may be the addition of diseases such as rubella, measles, herpes (infantile roseola), enterovirus infection, scarlet fever, etc. Or there may be an allergic reaction to drugs, for example, antibiotics. The exact cause of the rash must be determined by a doctor.
Arthritis after ARVI in children may appear after a protracted illness. This type of arthritis is called “reactive” arthritis. Symptoms of reactive arthritis may appear several days or even weeks after recovery. Usually pain occurs in the joint (usually in the morning). It could be hip joint, knee, ankle, etc. The child has difficulty getting out of bed, limps when walking, complains of severe pain. A pediatric rheumatologist can diagnose the disease and begin treatment based on an examination and the results of some tests.

Also, complications of ARVI can be sinusitis (inflammatory process in the paranasal sinuses) or otitis media. Such diseases can be suspected by constant nasal congestion accompanied by a headache, or by shooting pain in the ear along with decreased hearing and a feeling of stuffiness.

Diagnosis of ARVI in children

The main task of tests performed to diagnose ARVI in children is to determine the type of pathogen. Depending on this, a further treatment regimen will be prescribed.

The most common tests for ARVI in children are a general blood test, a general urinalysis, and immunological studies to detect antibodies to a viral infection.

What indicators usually indicate ARVI?

General blood analysis:

red blood cells - normal or increased due to a lack of fluid in the body;
hematocrit – normal or increased (with fever);
leukocytes – the lower limit of normal or decreased, which indicates a viral etiology of the disease;
leukocyte formula - predominance of lymphocytes, slight increase monocytes;
eosinophils – decrease in number or complete disappearance;
neutrophils – decreased number;
ESR increases during ARVI in children, but this indicator is nonspecific for a viral infection.

General urine analysis:

the changes are not specific, sometimes there is a small amount of protein in the urine, which disappears after recovery;
possible, but not at all necessary - slight microhematuria.

In rare cases, ketone bodies - acetone and acetoacetic acid - chemical complexes that form in the liver when digesting food received in the liver can be found in the blood or urine. digestive tract food. Acetone during ARVI in children can appear in different concentrations, and since this substance is initially toxic, its presence in large quantities can cause signs of poisoning in a child (in particular, vomiting, as well as the smell of acetone from the mouth or from urinary secretions). The determination and treatment of acetone in the blood or urine should be carried out exclusively by a medical specialist.

Immunology is an analysis for immunoglobulins M (released already at the initial stages of the disease). This test is taken twice – at the first symptoms of ARVI and a week later. Such a study allows you to accurately determine the pathogen. However, the immunological method is not always used, but only in severe and protracted cases of the disease.

What needs to be examined?

Bronchi Trachea Larynx

How to examine?

X-ray of the lungs Examination of the respiratory organs (lungs) Bronchoscopy

What tests are needed?

Sputum analysis

Who to contact?

Infectious Diseases Pediatrician

Treatment of ARVI in children

Children with mild to moderate forms of ARVI can be treated at home. Hospitalization is required only in the following cases:

in severe forms of the disease, or in the presence of complications (pneumonia, croup, etc.);
for a child under 1 year old, or from 1 to 3 years old;
under unsatisfactory epidemiological and material conditions.

The standard treatment for ARVI in children provides, first of all, for the removal of intoxication from the body. This involves drinking large amounts of warm drinks, complex multivitamins, and in more severe cases, intravenous administration of glucose and blood substitutes. At high temperatures, antipyretic drugs in the form of tablets or rectal suppositories, and in severe cases - in the form of intramuscular injections.

During the period of fever, the child is prescribed bed rest. In the absence of complications, antibiotics and sulfa drugs are not usually used, but in some cases they are still prescribed to small children, since it is very difficult to recognize a complication in an infant.

The protocol for the treatment of ARVI in children with complications includes the prescription of bronchodilators (for pneumonia or bronchitis). Antibiotics are used with caution, taking into account the child's allergic inclination. For laryngeal stenosis use sedatives, antispasmodics, in severe cases an injection of hydrocortisone is administered.

Modern treatment of ARVI in children involves the prescription of drugs aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of the disease. What drugs are these:

antitussives in the form of syrups, chewable or regular tablets;
warming creams or balms based on natural ingredients that are rubbed into the skin of the chest;
other warming procedures (mustard plasters or compresses) as indicated;
vitamin preparations to strengthen immune forces.

We will talk more about drugs for ARVI below.

Drugs for the treatment of ARVI in children

All antivirus products are divided into 4 categories:

homeopathic antiviral remedies;
purely antiviral medications;
interferons and interferon stimulators;
immune stimulating agents.

Let's look at all these categories separately.

As is known, antibiotics are not prescribed for ARVI in children with the classic course of the disease, since they have nothing to do with a viral infection. Antibiotic therapy is used only in case of complications or when they are suspected: ampicillin derivatives are most often prescribed.

Nutrition for ARVI in children

Nutrition for ARVI in children is approximately the same as for a common cold. The main condition is that the baby should be offered food only if he has an appetite. There is no need to force feed your child.

You should also not give your child unhealthy foods: chips, soda. Plenty of warm drinks and easily digestible food are recommended, rich in vitamins, for example, vegetables, fruits, berry purees and jellies.

Young children are advised to offer sugar-free apple compote and dried fruit decoctions. If you are not allergic to berries, you can prepare fruit drinks or berry jelly, or simply give warm mineral water without gas.

Apricots, cherry plums, and pears can be used as a drink for children aged 3-4 years to prepare compotes (if there are no allergies). You can offer a weak one green tea– it contains antioxidants that help remove toxins from the body.

It is advisable to avoid decoctions and infusions of strawberries and currants - such berries are more allergenic. Replace them with bananas, grapes or kiwi.

The diet for ARVI in children should contain easily digestible and healthy foods:

It is advisable to puree and chop products for cooking; food should be light and soft;
during illness, try to avoid store-bought baby food; it is better to prepare it yourself from fresh products porridge, puree, pureed soups;
during the recovery stage, it is important to enrich the diet with proteins, so use white meat, minced meat or boiled egg whites as food additives;
children from 3-4 years old can be offered low-fat fish such as pike perch, cod, etc.;
Don’t forget about fermented milk products - they will maintain the balance of microflora in the intestines. Fresh kefir, natural yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, acidophilic mixture. You can add a spoonful of honey to such products (if you are not allergic);
As your child recovers, return to a normal diet, but do it gradually so as not to burden the body.

Be wise when choosing food for a child with ARVI: food should be nutritious, fortified, varied, but overeating and eating harmful foods should not be allowed.

More information about treatment

Antibiotics for ARVI How to treat? Ibunorm baby Paxeladin

Prevention of ARVI in children

Prevention of ARVI in children is aimed mainly at increasing resistance and strengthening the immunity of the child’s body. What measures are preventative:

hardening (playing in the fresh air, taking air baths, cool showers, walking on the grass without shoes, resting at night in a cool room, swimming in pools and open reservoirs);
stabilization digestive processes(eating vegetables and fruits, following a diet and drinking regime, supporting intestinal microflora);
regulation of stool, normalization of nutrition;
security good sleep(rest not on a full stomach, ventilated air in the room, enough sleep).

Preventive measures should be carried out systematically, not forcing the child, but explaining to him the need for a particular procedure to maintain health.

If necessary and the immune system is in poor condition, sometimes it is necessary to resort to the use of drugs that stimulate immune defense.

Drugs for the prevention of ARVI in children

The special multivitamin complex Vetoron has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. It is prescribed orally from 5 years of age, 3-4 drops, and from 7 years of age - 5-7 drops per day, or in capsules from 6 years of age from 5 to 80 mg once a day.

It is recommended to take ascorbic acid, retinol and B vitamins in a dose according to age. The best proportion of the above vitamins is presented in the preparations “Undevit”, “Complevit”, “Hexavit”. Dragees are taken 2 to 3 times a day for a month. In the autumn-winter period, it is useful to give your child rosehip syrup in the amount of 1 tsp. per day.

Recently, adaptogen drugs have become very popular, which stimulate the body to resist infection. We bring to your attention the dosage regimens for the most popular drugs in this category:

Immunal - oral administration from 1 to 3 years - 5-10 drops, from 7 years - 10-15 drops. three times a day;
Dr. Theiss drops - 10-20 drops orally from one year of age. three times a day;
Hexal drops - 6 drops orally from the age of 12 twice a day;
Aralia tincture - from 1 to 2 drops per year of life, once a day half an hour before meals, for 14-20 days.

As an emergency preventive measures you can take medications based on medicinal plants (chamomile, sage, calendula, colanchoe, garlic or onion), or local immunocorrective agents (Immudon, IRS-19).

ARVI in children is prone to relapses, so it is necessary to find your own recipe for prevention, which will allow you to forget about the disease for many years.

Every parent, at least once in their life, has encountered the symptoms of ARVI in a child; children in the first 3 years of life and children 7-10 years old are most often affected.

ARVI in children is an acute respiratory viral infection that unites a large group of viral infectious diseases caused by DNA - and RNA - containing viruses. Unlike influenza, these microorganisms are not as highly contagious, do not cause epidemics, and are more easily tolerated by patients.

Causes and pathogenesis of the disease

ARVI in children is caused by influenza A, B and C viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, reoviruses and other microorganisms. The source of infection is a sick person or a bacteria carrier; when talking, coughing, sneezing, viruses enter the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract healthy person and are embedded in it.

The further development of the disease, how severe it will be and how many days it will last, depends on the state of the infected person’s immunity, the general resistance of the body and how many infectious agents enter the body.

Viruses die quite easily and quickly in the external environment, so infection occurs through close contact with a virus carrier or through the use of common household items (dishes, towels, personal hygiene items).

ARVI and influenza are characterized by seasonality of the disease - most cases of the disease in children and adults occur in the spring - autumn period and in the cold season, when the human body is weakened and cannot fight infections.

In children, viral infections occur at almost any age, but up to 6 months, infants retain temporary immunity received from the mother and therefore children of this age rarely get ARVI. The cause of ARVI and influenza in children under one year of age is most often caused by older children and adults, who “bring” viruses and infect infants.

The peak incidence of various colds occurs at the age of 3-4 years, when most children begin to attend various child care institutions. Overcrowding, children's lack of understanding of basic hygiene (sneezing with open mouth, using someone else’s dishes and personal hygiene items, not knowing how to thoroughly wash your hands before eating, after walking and going to the toilet), the child’s not fully developed immunity, all this causes a large number of diseases in preschool children.

Symptoms of viral infections in children

ARVI in children begins with an increase in body temperature, general malaise, loss of appetite, then other signs of a viral infection appear: nasal congestion and copious mucous discharge, pain and sore throat, cough, rapid breathing. Depending on the type of pathogen, the symptoms of the disease may vary slightly.

1. Flu - high body temperature - up to 39-40 degrees, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, nasal congestion and sore throat are all symptoms of influenza and parainfluenza. The disease can last from 4-5 to 10-14 days, and how long the acute period of the disease lasts largely depends on how quickly and timely treatment is started. The body temperature during influenza lasts for several days, reaches high numbers and can cause confusion, delirium and convulsions, especially in young children.

Unlike other acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and parainfluenza can lead to the development of serious complications from internal organs Therefore, the child must be under the supervision of a doctor and receive appropriate treatment. Parainfluenza causes severe swelling mucous membrane of the larynx and nasal passages, which can provoke the development false croup(attacks of suffocation) in a child of the first years of life.

2. Rheo and rhinovirus infections occur with a slight increase in body temperature, cough and nasal congestion, the main symptoms of infection are copious serous discharge from the nose, the patient cannot breathe normally, his nose “runs”, the mucous membranes of the eyes turn red, and Your throat may hurt and you may have a cough. Usually the child’s general condition does not suffer too much and the symptoms of the disease disappear quickly.

4. Adenovirus infection– here, in addition to all the above symptoms of ARVI, conjunctivitis and elevated body temperature are added, which stays at low-grade levels for quite a long time. Adenoviruses have a tropism for lymphatic tissue and often cause enlarged lymph nodes, spleen or lymphadenitis in children. The condition of the lymphatic system will determine how long the disease itself will last and whether it will cause complications.

5. MS is an infection - respiratory syncytial virus affects the bronchial mucosa and provokes the development of bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial asthma in children. The main symptoms of this infection are dry painful cough, which appears immediately after infection and develops quickly, as well as other signs - shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fever and sore throat.

Principles of treatment of ARVI

Treatment of ARVI in children is usually carried out at home; it is necessary to treat a child in a hospital if complications develop, a severe form of the disease, children with concomitant diseases or infants under 1 year of age with moderate to severe forms.

Even if the child has already had similar signs of infection many times, it is necessary to call a doctor and carry out treatment under his supervision, since only experienced specialist will be able to accurately assess the patient’s condition and timely see the risk of developing various complications.

About 200 different viruses can cause ARVI in children, and many of them mutate every year, so specific means for treatment, as well as prevention of diseases, have not yet been developed. It is proposed to treat a child with ARVI symptomatic means and antiviral drugs. The most reliable way to avoid frequent acute respiratory viral infections in childhood and quickly recover from any infection is to prevent viral infections: hardening, vitamin therapy, walks in the fresh air and physical activity.

To cure your child faster, you need to follow the following rules:

1. Observe bed rest until the body temperature drops to normal, and then, for several more days, protect the child from any stress so as not to provoke the development of complications, since the patient’s body is greatly weakened.

2. The diet of a sick child should be light and nutritious - more vegetables, fruits, dairy products. It is imperative to observe the drinking regime - a child should drink at least 1.5 - 3 liters of liquid per day, depending on age. If the baby is on breastfeeding, it is necessary to monitor his condition - dry lips, hot dry skin, rapid breathing - all these are signs of dehydration, when they appear, you need to start feeding the child with warm boiled water at the rate of approximately 10 ml per kg of weight, every 2-3 hours. For children over a year old You can offer juices, compotes, fruit drinks, tea with honey and raspberries or still mineral alkaline water.

3. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 g, the child is given an antipyretic - Panadol, children's paracetamol, ibuprofen and others similar drugs, children under one year old can be given a rectal suppository with an antipyretic agent.

4. If you have a sore throat, you should immediately start gargling. antiseptic solutions. The more often the patient gargles, the more effectively all microorganisms and their metabolic products are washed out of the oropharynx. It is optimal to gargle every 2-4 hours with soda-salt solutions, decoctions of chamomile, sage, ready-made pharmaceutical solutions or solutions of furatsilin, iodine, hydrogen peroxide.

5. If the cough persists for several days, it is advisable to start taking expectorants and sputum thinners - bromhexine, licorice root syrup, Mucaltin, ambro and others.

6. From the first days of a viral infection, you need to start taking antiviral drugs - interferon, anaferon, viferon. For children under one year of age, these drugs are prescribed in the form of suppositories.

7. If the symptoms of the disease do not go away within a few days and the body temperature remains high, this may indicate a bacterial infection and the need to start treatment with antibiotics, which can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Prevention of ARVI

Specific prevention of ARVI in children has not yet been developed, and in order to avoid infection and quickly get rid of the clinical manifestations of the infection, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene, avoid crowds of people, hypothermia and increase the body's defenses. The best prevention any infections in children is good immunity, and for this it is necessary to harden the child, monitor his health and proper nutrition.

Treatment of acute respiratory diseases in children

It is difficult to imagine a child who has never had a cold or viral infection, and with the arrival of cold weather, the risk of acute respiratory infections in children increases several times. The cause of the disease can be hypothermia, a viral or bacterial infection, decreased immunity and thousands of other reasons.

Even newborn children suffer from acute respiratory diseases, so everyone should know how to treat and be able to provide assistance to a patient with a cold and acute respiratory viral infection. Indeed, in most cases with acute respiratory infections, the patient only needs symptomatic treatment And good care to quickly get back on your feet. Particularly important proper care and timely treatment of children under 1 year of age with acute respiratory infections, since at this age the disease develops very quickly and treatment should be started immediately, without waiting for the doctor to arrive.

Symptoms of acute respiratory infections in a child under one year old can be very different from the usual clinical picture illness, the baby becomes lethargic, irritable, capricious, often cries, refuses to eat, always asks to be held and does not want to play. Then symptoms appear respiratory infection– nasal congestion and discharge, watery eyes, cough and fever. It is advisable to begin treatment of acute respiratory infections as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections in children under 1 year of age

Treat colds in children under 1 year of age it is most difficult. Parents panic, don’t know how to calm their baby down, don’t understand what’s happening to him or how to help him. ARI of mild to moderate severity is treated symptomatically - it is important to closely monitor the child’s condition and consult a doctor if there are any signs of deterioration.

Treatment of acute respiratory infections in older children

Treatment of acute respiratory infections in children over one year of age is based on the same principles:

Bed rest,
Drink plenty of warm drinks.
Taking antipyretics at a body temperature of 38.5 degrees,
Rinse and inhalation for coughs,
For severe coughs, children can be given licorice syrup, bromhexine, ambroxol or ambrobene,
And as vasoconstrictors for a runny nose, Dlynos, Nazivin, Galazolin and others are recommended,
Also, for a severe cough and sore throat, compresses with honey, warming ointments or mustard plasters are recommended.

Despite the apparent harmlessness and frivolity of this disease, the child must be shown to a pediatrician, and not treated independently, only qualified specialist will be able to assess the patient’s condition and distinguish a banal acute respiratory infection from a severe infectious or viral disease masking the symptoms of a common cold.