Acute laryngitis of the baby

The acute laryngitis It is a frequent infection and, in the vast majority of cases, mild, which mainly affects the larynx (), trachea and lower airways (bronchi). It usually appears in babies and children under four years old, its incidence being more frequent in autumn and winter.

What is the cause?

It is caused by many different viruses, including those that cause the common cold and. It is transmitted through respiratory secretions, by coughing or sneezing. The disease begins two or three days after the moment of infection, which is usually laryngotracheitis. Exceptionally, it can be caused by causative bacteria, such as Haemophilus Influenzae, which can cause a very serious form of disease (epiglottitis). Thanks to the correct vaccination of children, it is a very rare and preventable condition.

What symptoms does it produce?

The most typical symptom is dry or spasmodic (parents recognize it immediately, since the child has a cough similar to a barking dog or the sound that a seal makes) and that generally worsens abruptly at night. It is often accompanied by a hoarse voice, a sore throat, and sometimes a high fever. May cause nausea and vomiting. It is very typical, too, for the child to make a rude noise, sometimes like a beep (stridor), every time he takes a breath (on every inspiration).

The worst phase of the illness lasts 2 or 3 days, although the cough, already softer and mucus, can last one or two more weeks. It is very likely that the child who suffers a first episode of laryngitis, will repeat it in a while.

Treatment

The episodes usually appear suddenly at night, so it is very effective, to stop coughing and stridor, to make the baby or child breathe fresh and humid air. A good solution is to put the baby out of the window very carefully and breathe cold air for 10-15 minutes (if it is summer, open the refrigerator and breathe the cold air). A humidifier or vaporizer should be placed in the room. Another possible solution is to turn on the hot water tap to concentrate the steam in the bathroom. The cool mist soothes a sore and sore throat. First of all, although it is difficult, you must remain calm… being nervous does not help the baby to be calm and can make shortness of breath worse.

If the hygiene measures described above do not improve, you should go to a pediatric care center. During the entire process it is highly recommended to drink plenty of fluids to soften the mucus secretions. If the fever is greater than 38-38.5ºC, paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used. antibiotics, being a disease caused by viruses, do not serve to cure this disease.

This is because it supervises the diagnosis and treatment and because, in some cases, the administration of a short-term anti-inflammatory treatment may be appropriate.

When to go to the emergency room?

• If the baby or child is drooling a lot or cannot swallow normally.
• If you have obvious shortness of breath: you open your mouth wide, you cannot stretch out and sit up to breathe, and you have “pull” (your ribs show when you breathe).
• If it has a bad color (very pale or purple).
• If you are very irritable.
• If you have a very high fever.

Baby encouragement

Affected children often lose their appetite, especially at first. That is why it is important to encourage the child to drink liquids: water, juice, milk, broth ... but without forcing.

Regarding the practice of exercise, it must be taken into account that physical activity worsens coughs and stridor. Although in general children decrease the level of activity by themselves, you should try to play quietly, at least for the first few days. Children can return to school or daycare as soon as the fever is gone and they are feeling better; persistent coughing is no reason to leave them at home.

• What it is: inflammation of the airways.
• Typical symptom: barking, dry or spasmodic cough.
• Treatment: plenty of fluids, expose the baby to fresh air for 10-15 minutes, and if there is a fever, give an analgesic.

Pediatric Specialist