How to protect and cure a child from parainfluenza?

What virus causes parainfluenza?

The development of parainfluenza is caused by RNA-containing viruses (paarmyxoviruses), classified as members of the Paramyxoviridae family.
In total, there are 5 forms of these infectious agents, among which the most dangerous are parainfluenza pathogens of the first 3 types. Viruses 4 and 5 serotypes are not dangerous for humans. A characteristic feature of Paramyxoviridae pathogens is instability to external factors. At 50° C, the virus loses its activity within half an hour. Temperature conditions from 30 degrees destroy pathogenic flora within 4 hours.

Parainfluenza tends to become active twice a year. The greatest outbreaks of morbidity are observed in autumn and spring. The main route of transmission of infection is airborne droplets.

The virus is transmitted from sick people to healthy people:

1. During the process of coughing and sneezing.
2. When kissing.
3. During close proximity, conversation.

Infection can occur if you touch objects that contain nasopharyngeal mucus from a sick person. The virus easily enters the body of patients who do not care enough about hand hygiene, or who completely neglect it.

To diagnose a patient, the doctor will need to carefully study the characteristics of the disease. The main signs confirming the presence of the virus will be a sharp deterioration in the patient’s well-being, inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the vocal cords, leading to the development of a hacking cough, and swelling in the upper respiratory tract. At the age of less than 3 years, parainfluenza is indicated by symptoms of croup.

To finally confirm the diagnosis, a laboratory study of the patient’s biomaterial is performed.

If parainfluenza causes complications, the basic diagnosis is supplemented by serological and enzyme-linked immunosorbent blood tests, immunofluorescence, and radiography of the sternum. A detailed examination helps differentiate the disease from similar pathologies (adenovirus). Characteristic features of the latter virus are the development of severe intoxication, conjunctivitis, swelling of the lymph nodes, digestive disorders, and puffiness of the face.

Folk remedies for parainfluenza will help support the body while fighting the virus and speed up recovery. The use of alternative medicine recipes should be considered as a supplement to the main course of medication.

Parainfluenza therapy is carried out using:

• raspberries;
• aloe with honey;
• sea ​​buckthorn;
• clover tinctures;
• linden color.

Recipe with raspberries

Dried berries are poured with boiling water and left for 15 minutes. The finished drink is taken before bed (adults - 1 glass, children - half as much).

Aloe honey

You need to combine crushed aloe leaf, ½ cup of liquid honey, 200 ml of non-hot boiled water. The finished mixture must be simmered over low heat for half an hour, and taken strained, 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.

Sea buckthorn drink for parainfluenza

Fresh sea buckthorn berries (1 kg) are crushed using a meat grinder or blender, and the juice is squeezed out. The product is drunk daily, in small portions. The course of therapy is until the condition improves.

Clover tincture against viruses

To prepare such a “medicine”, several flowers of the plant (at least 7 pieces) are poured with a glass of just boiled water and left for half an hour. After straining, a small amount of honey is added to the composition. The finished product is drunk twice within 24 hours, in the amount of 1 glass.

Lime blossom product

3 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials are poured with boiled water and placed in a water bath for 15 minutes. Next, the composition is kept for 1 hour, filtered, diluted with boiled water to obtain a volume of 250 ml. When affected by the parainfluenza virus, the decoction is consumed in the morning and evening, 1 glass each.

Causes of parainfluenza in children

Parainfluenza is an acute infectious disease caused by various serotypes of the parainfluenza virus, transmitted by airborne droplets, characterized by damage to the respiratory tract, mainly the larynx, manifested by moderate intoxication and catarrhal syndrome.

Historical data on parainfluenza

In 1954, R. Chanoch (USA) isolated the first strain of the virus pathogenic for humans from a child with acute stenosing laryngotracheitis. In 1959, at the suggestion of scientists K. Andrews, F. Bang, R. Chonoch and V. M. Zhdanov, this pathogen was called “parainfluenza.”

Pathogens are RNA viruses belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Paramyxovirus. Virions are polymorphic, often having a round shape with a diameter of 150-300 nm. The nucleotide is surrounded by a lipoprotein shell, which includes glycoprotein surface antigens - hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which are type-specific proteins. Currently, there are 5 known serological types of viruses (1-5), isolated only from humans. Unlike influenza viruses, they have not only hemagglutinating and neuraminidase, but also hemolytic activity.

Parainfluenza viruses are unstable in the external environment; at room temperature they die after 4 hours, are inactivated at +50 ° C for 30-60 minutes, and lose infectious activity under the influence of ether, chloroform, proteolytic enzymes, and ultraviolet rays. When frozen (at -60 to -70° C) they are stored for several months and even years. When multiplying in tissue culture, they cause a characteristic cytopathic effect - the fusion and formation of multinucleated cells (symplasts, syncytium) and the phenomenon of hemadsorption (the connection of red blood cells with the surface of virus-infected cells).

The source of infection is a sick person, especially with severe catarrhal syndrome. Isolation of the pathogen continues for 7-10 days, and with repeated infection it is reduced by 2-3 days. Virus carriers do not pose a great epidemic danger due to the absence of catarrhal symptoms.

Transmission mechanism: drip. The route of transmission is airborne.

Age structure: susceptibility is highest in children aged 1-5 years. Children under 4 months. They rarely get sick because they receive specific antibodies from their mother.

Seasonality and frequency of parainfluenza

The disease occurs year-round with an increase in the cold season. Parainfluenza is characterized by a certain periodicity, equal to 2 years for diseases caused by viruses of types 1 and 2, and 4 years for infections caused by type 3 viruses. Diseases are recorded in the form of sporadic cases or group outbreaks in children's groups. Outbreaks are characterized by a slow rise in incidence at the beginning, intensive growth in the future with the involvement of 70 to 100% of children in the epidemic process.

Parainfluenza and its causes

As already mentioned in the introductory part, the causative agent of the disease is paramyxovirus, an RNA virus; belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae. There are 4 serotypes, which are designated by the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4. In the 1st, two subtypes are distinguished: A and B. This is important, since each serotype has its own characteristics, which subsequently determine the course of the disease. Viruses are viable in the external environment (at a temperature of 4°C) for up to 5 days.

The cause of this disease for others is a sick person (who is also a reservoir of infection). The pathogen is released, on average, within a week. The first few days are considered especially dangerous for infection. The route of transmission of infection is airborne droplets.

The transmission mechanism is aerosol. People have a high natural susceptibility to the virus. Parainfluenza is not characterized by epidemic spread (the only exception is serotype 3, which can cause an epidemic outbreak).

The children's immune system and the parainfluenza virus interact very closely:

• During the first year of life, primary infection with serotype 3 occurs;
• at 2-6 years old - serotypes 1,2.

These age-related distinctive properties are determined by the immune system. The mother's antibodies to serotype 3 have a weak protective function, so the child may get sick, but the symptoms will be alleviated. And the low susceptibility of infants to serotypes 1.2 is due to the passive immunity that the child receives through breastfeeding, and maternal antibodies have high protective properties against these subtypes.

The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is the entry point for infection. The virus infects the epithelium and continues its development in it. The situation is such that the pathogen, after infection of the upper respiratory tract, quickly spreads to the lower respiratory tract. In young children, the laryngeal mucosa is especially susceptible to viruses, which sometimes leads to the development of false croup. Viral entry into the blood (viremia) is rare and is more typical for serotype 3.

In order to provide details of pathogenesis, it is necessary to know the structure and functions of the mucous membrane. The epithelium of the respiratory mucosa is ciliated; in some sections it is multi-rowed, in others it is double-rowed or single-rowed. Mucosal cells in a healthy body are renewed on average every 6 weeks. Ciliated cells have up to 200 cilia.

An important natural defense mechanism is the mucociliary system (MCS), which is the ciliary epithelium itself, the secretion layer and the mucus itself. The cilia move together in a coordinated manner; their task is to promote foreign particles. When the virus enters the mucous membrane, the effective protective role of the MCS is disrupted. The movement of cilia and the production of mucus are disrupted. Thus, the invading agents are not removed, but continue to spread further.

The development of an acute inflammatory process causes “sparseness” of the ciliary epithelium and dysfunction. Epithelial cells are destroyed. Within 24 hours after infection, massive necrosis of the bronchiole epithelium is detected. Viruses are released from dead cells and infect other healthy cells.

Lymphocytes migrate into tissues, causing peribronchial infiltration. Subsequently, swelling increases, the secretion becomes viscous, mucus accumulates in the bronchioles. All of the above processes lead to the fact that the alveoli collapse. The described mechanism of development of the inflammatory reaction can lead to the development of interstitial pneumonia.

Issues of pathological processes and periods of the disease were considered in some detail to understand the changes that occur that underlie the disease. In the next section you can find information about the clinical picture of parainfluenza in children to find out when you need to consult a doctor.

Influenza and parainfluenza in children occupy a significant place in the overall structure of acute infections affecting the respiratory tract. Thus, in approximately 30% of cases the causative factor is the parainfluenza virus, and in children under 3 years of age this pathogen is detected in more than half of the cases (up to 70%), especially during periods of seasonal outbreaks (autumn, spring).

Unlike influenza viruses, these microorganisms are not characterized by variability in their antigenic composition over time. Therefore, having been ill once, a child develops a more or less strong immunity that lasts for 3-4 years. Then repeated cases of the disease are possible due to a critical decrease in specific antibodies in the blood.

Parainfluenza viruses are characterized by certain features, knowing which it is possible to carry out effective disinfection measures. These viral particles:

• Unstable in the external environment
• At a temperature of 25-30° their viability does not exceed 4 hours
• At a temperature of 50° they die within half an hour, when boiling instantly
• Ultraviolet light (including sunlight) quickly inactivates them
• Freezing prolongs their life.

That is why outbreaks of parainfluenza occur in autumn and spring, when there is still little sunlight and the air is relatively cold.

The disease is transmitted from a person (regardless of the severity of his clinical manifestations). Transmission occurs through:

1. Through droplets of saliva when talking
2. When using shared utensils (it is recommended to have your own, and when using shared utensils, pour boiling water over it, which destroys the virus)
3. When kissing, etc.

When infected, viral particles enter the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, causing it to become inflamed. The greatest changes are observed in the epithelium of the pharynx, nose and larynx. The released toxic substances contribute to the development of intoxication syndrome, which is most clearly realized in young children. In addition, viruses reduce local immunity, which predisposes to the development of secondary pneumonia caused by bacteria.

Another pathogenic factor that is important for children with an allergic mood is the possibility of developing immunopathological reactions. They are caused by the formation of immune complexes that can settle on the walls of capillaries. Clinically, this can lead to glomerulonephritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune pathologies.

The causative agent of parainfluenza is an RNA-containing virus of the same name, belonging to the Paramyxovirus family. Its structure includes molecules of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, F-protein for the synthesis of new virions. One of the little-studied but proven properties of the virus is the induction of incomplete autophagy in the cells of the immune system, which enhances the extracellular production of parainfluenza virions.

The source of infection is a sick person, the route of transmission is predominantly airborne, less often household contact. Intrahospital outbreaks often occur in organized children's groups, as well as among military personnel. In the external environment, the pathogen is unstable, dies when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, normal doses of disinfectants, and is quickly inactivated by boiling.

Parainfluenza in children - symptoms and treatment

An acute infectious disease caused by various serotypes of the parainfluenza virus, transmitted by airborne droplets, characterized by damage to the respiratory tract (mainly the larynx), manifested by moderate intoxication, fever and catarrhal syndrome - this is parainfluenza (Paragrippus). From this article you will learn the main causes and symptoms of parainfluenza in children, how parainfluenza is treated in children and what preventive measures you can take to protect your child from the disease.

Symptoms of the disease in adults

The virus enters the human body, and incubation begins - the period of illness before the appearance of the first clinical symptoms. It usually lasts 5-7 days. With the help of antigens and pathogenicity factors, the virus attaches to the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs and then penetrates into deeper tissues.

The incubation period is replaced by a prodrome - the period when symptoms of catarrhal inflammation appear. The duration of the prodromal period is determined by the degree of immune protection of the human body: the weaker it is, the longer the prodrome.

Signs of the disease in adults are:

1. Fever more than 38⁰С,
2. Chills,
3. Body aches
4. Sore throat,
5. Nasal congestion,
6. Copious nasal discharge,
7. Weakness, lethargy and malaise,
8. Hyperemia of the pharynx,
9. Dry, rough, “barking” cough,
10. Sore throat
11. hoarseness of voice,
12. When a secondary infection occurs, the cough becomes wet.

Parainfluenza is much milder than influenza, intoxication is less pronounced, but recovery occurs later.

Persons with a history of chronic pathologies of the respiratory system are more susceptible to the spread of inflammation to the entire respiratory tract with the development of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Sometimes there are severe cases of the disease with intoxication, meningitis, impaired consciousness and general asthenia of the body.

Complications of parainfluenza in adults are secondary bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, and tonsillitis.

The incubation period is usually 2-5 days. The height of the disease is preceded by a prodromal period - malaise, weakness, fatigue, decreased performance, an increase in temperature of no more than 38 ° C. Then nasal congestion, runny nose with copious mucous discharge, sore throat, dryness and pain in the throat, rough cough, hoarseness appear. Fever reaches 39°C or higher. Hoarseness of voice occurs and progresses up to aphonia, painful sensations in the chest when coughing, slight enlargement, sensitivity of the submandibular, posterior cervical, and rarely axillary lymph nodes.

In the presence of chronic pulmonary pathology and a decrease in the immune reactivity of the body in adults, dangerous signs include increased fever, disturbances of consciousness, delirium, the appearance of copious sputum, and a feeling of lack of air. Prognostically unfavorable symptoms of parainfluenza infection in children are considered to be increasing anxiety, difficulty exhaling, excessive salivation, barking cough, noisy breathing, especially at rest. The appearance of these signs in combination with a forced sitting position with support on the hands, retraction of the supraclavicular fossa, intercostal spaces, bluish coloration of the extremities, tip of the nose, lips is a reason for an emergency visit to the doctor.

Having penetrated the human body, parainfluenza viruses undergo an incubation period lasting from 2 days to 1 week. In most patients, initial signs of pathology appear 3-4 days after infection.

The most pronounced signs of infection by the virus are characteristic of children. The main symptoms of parainfluenza take the form:

• increasing body t;
• sore throat;
• nausea;
• nasal congestion;
• nonproductive cough;
• the appearance of light nasal mucus (without purulent impurities);
• swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose and oropharynx;
• weakness, apathy;
• reluctance to eat.

In acute pathology, body temperature reaches 39-40 degrees. Discharge from the nasopharynx may be filled with patches of pus.

Young children with parainfluenza may be lethargic and moody. A common occurrence when infected with the virus is indigestion (mainly in the form of loose stools) and paleness of the skin.

Different forms of parainfluenza are due to the classification of the pathogen into serotypes 1,2,3,4. Due to its unique properties, each serotype determines the clinical picture and symptoms.

When infected with serotypes 1 and 2, the incubation period lasts 1-5 days (that is, the time of onset of the disease before the onset of manifestations), and when infected with viruses of serotype 3, it lasts up to 2 days.

Depending on the severity of the disease, the following forms are distinguished:

• light;
• moderate;
• heavy.

The onset of the disease is typical for ARVI: it begins to manifest itself with an increase in body temperature to febrile levels (39°C). This is typical specifically for children, since adults, as a rule, have a low-grade fever (up to 38°C). The average duration of fever is 3 days. However, it is possible longer (if the lower respiratory organs are involved).

In this case, the temperature can rise up to 7 days and be wavy. The following symptoms of intoxication are mild (headache, moodiness, lethargy). The leading complaints in children are caused by inflammation of the nasal mucosa, larynx, trachea:

• runny nose, possible severe nasal congestion;
• sore throat;
• dry cough (prolonged cough is sometimes confused with whooping cough);
• hoarseness (due to damage to the vocal cords);
• wheezing (stridor).

Bronchiolitis and pneumonia can develop in children infected with serotype 3 virus, especially in children in the first year of life, when a large amount of mucus is released and swelling occurs (complications including aseptic meningitis).

A dangerous manifestation of the disease is acute laryngotracheitis. It is dangerous due to a possible complication - false croup, typical for children aged from 6 months to 2-3 years (due to age-related structural characteristics). It is known that the cause of false croup is a virus of serotype 1, much less often - serotype 2.

Serotype 4 does not cause serious complications, occurs with minor complaints, and is the cause of a mild form of ARVI.

Symptoms

After 2-7 days of the incubation period, the child experiences the first symptoms of parainfluenza. The disease can progress gradually, or it can begin with an acute inflammatory process.

Main symptoms:

• The mucous membrane of the nasopharynx swells, snot separates, the child cannot breathe through the nose;
• The temperature rises to 37.5-39°C, the condition worsens;
• Pain and dizziness, sometimes nausea;
• The child is lethargic, sleepy, has no appetite, infants refuse to breastfeed;
• The voice becomes hoarse, the timbre changes, aphonia is possible;
• A dry cough appears, scratching the throat;
• The mucous membrane of the pharynx turns red, the tonsils enlarge;
• The cough becomes strong, barking, and croup develops.

A characteristic cough, as with laryngitis, is the main feature of parainfluenza.

Sometimes the disease acquires all the symptoms of laryngotracheitis. The virus affects the larynx, trachea, and vocal cords, which leads to reflex spasms - laryngeal stenosis. This occurs due to swelling and accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx area. A dry, barking cough bothers the child at night for several days at the beginning of the illness.

Such symptoms are typical for children under 3 years of age. In an older child, symptoms of croup are less pronounced.

Typical shape

The typical form of parainfluenza primarily affects the larynx. The disease begins with acute inflammation, symptoms of intoxication and catarrhal syndrome are observed. Temperature rises, appetite decreases, headache, nausea, vomiting.

Symptoms of intoxication last from 3 to 5 days. Catarrhal symptoms also appear from the first days of the illness. First there is snot, then the voice hoarses, a sore throat and cough appear. After a few days, the hoarseness goes away and the cough becomes moist.

After two weeks the child makes a full recovery.

Atypical shape

The atypical form of parainfluenza is typical for older children and adults. Most often this is a re-infection with the virus. Symptoms of the disease are erased, the temperature may not increase or be absent. Catarrhal symptoms are limited to scanty mucous discharge and a slight cough. There is also an atypical form that occurs without symptoms.

Severity

As for the severity of parainfluenza infection, natural factors can be traced here: the older the child is, the easier he tolerates the disease.

There are three degrees of severity:

• Mild - characterized by a gradual onset of the disease, normal or subfebrile temperature, absence or mild catarrhal symptoms. Mild rhinitis, sore throat, hoarse voice, short dry cough, quickly followed by sputum production, are possible.
• Moderate - occurs with an acute onset, signs of moderate intoxication, and fever. The child is lethargic, weakened, sleep and appetite are disturbed, headache, nausea, vomiting. , the child is tormented by a strong barking cough. In children under one year of age, the disease easily progresses to laryngotracheitis.
• Severe - a rare form of parainfluenza, characterized by severe intoxication, temperature up to 40 ° C, severe headaches,. The disease is complicated by meningeal or encephalic syndromes and respiratory toxicosis. Signs of laryngitis are clearly expressed, the lower respiratory tract is affected. Laryngeal stenosis, bronchitis, and pneumonia develop.

If the disease occurs in a mild or moderate form without complications, then after 7-10 days the child will fully recover. An increase in temperature is possible in the first three days of illness; it is easily reduced by antipyretics.

Pathogenesis

After entering the upper respiratory tract through the oropharynx and nasopharynx, the parainfluenza virus infects the mucociliary epithelium, concentrating on the apical surface of the cells. Due to the high rate of replication of the pathogen, partial fusion of epithelial cells (symplast) and hyperproduction of mucus occur. Local inflammatory reactions are controlled by immune cells, chemoattractants, and the amount of secretory immunoglobulin A synthesized, so the infection spreads beyond the respiratory epithelium of the upper respiratory tract only in weakened and immunocompromised individuals.

In case of parainfluenza, increased formation of interferon-1, 3, involvement of the pool of natural killer cells, interferon-induced T-cell alpha chemoattractant, and interferon-inducible gamma protein were detected. Excessive formation of mucopurulent exudate, accumulation of secretions in the lumen of the larynx, swelling, and reflex spasm lead to a narrowing of the lumen (false croup). The affinity of neuraminidase for nervous tissue causes a toxic effect; hemagglutinin causes damage to the vascular wall, although not as pronounced as with influenza.

The parainfluenza virus penetrates the human body, settles on the epithelium of the respiratory tract, multiplies in the cells of the mucous membrane of the nose, larynx, trachea and destroys them. Dystrophic and necrotic changes in the epithelium are accompanied by acute local inflammation and the development of corresponding clinical signs - hyperemia and swelling.

This leads to dysfunction of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, destruction of epithelial cells and penetration of viruses into the blood. Viremia is accompanied by the impact of microbes on blood vessels and nerves and the development of intoxication. The inflammatory process from the nasopharynx descends to the mucous membrane of the larynx and trachea, and in young children - to the bronchi and lungs.

After 7-10 days, antibodies begin to be produced in the blood and interferon is synthesized. These factors contribute to the release of the macroorganism from microbes and the onset of recovery.

Parainfluenza is characterized by the development of the main pathomorphological forms - catarrhal laryngitis, laryngotracheitis, laryngotracheobronchitis.

Inflammation of the respiratory system goes through the following stages of development:

• Swelling and congestion of the walls of the respiratory tract,
• Epithelial hyperplasia,
• Desquamation of ciliated epithelial cells and their accumulation in the lumen of the bronchi,
• Viral inclusions in desquamated cells,
• Poor circulation and dystrophy of internal organs,
• Hemodynamic disorder in the central nervous system.

Parainfluenza virus in a child

The parainfluenza virus is an acute respiratory viral infection. Parainfluenza in children is mild, inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and symptoms of general intoxication are observed. The disease is caused by a parainfluenza virus, which is very similar to regular flu, but is less variable and does not mutate, so children who have recovered from the disease develop a strong immunity to it.

Infected adults and children become carriers of the infection.

The virus spreads most actively on the last day of the incubation period and in the acute stage. Children become infected through airborne droplets and contact. Adult children easily tolerate the disease, but parainfluenza is very dangerous for children, as it can provoke laryngospasm.

Possible complications

Complications of parainfluenza most often develop against the background of a secondary infection entering the patient’s body. The negative consequences are largely determined by the type of virus.

The formation of complications leads to a pronounced deterioration in health, reappearance of fever, and worsening signs of intoxication.

The parainfluenza virus HPIV-3, which causes false croup in young children, is recognized as the most dangerous in terms of complications. This pathology is manifested by serious breathing problems, spasms and swelling of the pharynx.

False croup predominantly develops at night, causing the little patient to have bouts of painful coughing, increased heart rate, and bluishness of the skin in the nasolabial area of ​​the face.

The most serious complication of parainfluenza is false croup. Its occurrence is based on rapidly developing swelling of the mucous membrane, spasm of the laryngeal muscles, and the accumulation of a large amount of secretion in the lumen. It most often appears at night. Signs of a complication are as follows:

• "barking" cough;
• fright;
• agitation and anxiety;
• difficulty breathing;
• cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle;
• hoarseness of voice;
• tachycardia (fast heartbeat).

There are other possible complications: otitis media, eustacheitis, sinusitis.

Late seeking medical help, unfavorable premorbid background, and severe immune suppression lead to a number of complications and life-threatening conditions, especially in childhood. Possible complications from the nasopharynx (sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis), hearing organ (otitis media, eustachitis), lower respiratory tract (tracheobronchitis, parainfluenza-associated pneumonia).

Symptoms of parainfluenza in children

The incubation period for this infection lasts 2–7 days. The disease usually appears 6 to 7 days after infection. Its onset can be either gradual or acute. Almost obligatory first signs are swelling, hyperemia of the nasal mucosa, serous discharge and difficulty breathing through the nose. The cough is initially dry, scratching, and persistent, then becomes wet.

Unlike influenza, catarrhal symptoms with parainfluenza last longer - up to two weeks. These symptoms may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, sometimes up to 39 °C and above, and a deterioration in general condition. Symptoms of intoxication: headache, dizziness, short-term convulsions - can complement the picture of the disease, although they are less pronounced than with the flu.

Parainfluenza is characterized by the following symptoms: lethargy, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and children under 1 year of age, due to difficulty in nasal breathing, refuse to breastfeed. In most cases, parainfluenza infection in children is limited to these signs. But sometimes the cough intensifies and becomes rough and barking. The voice is initially hoarse, then its timbre changes, and sometimes a complete loss of voice develops (aphonia). All these are characteristic symptoms of laryngitis. The cause of croup is the development of spasm and swelling of the larynx, the accumulation of mucus and purulent discharge in it.

Symptom of parainfluenza - croup

Croup occurs unexpectedly, often at night while the child is sleeping, and sometimes against the background of a rough cough or hoarse voice. It usually appears in the first days of illness and lasts for several hours (up to several days). Noisy, difficult breathing, barking cough, hoarseness of voice, restlessness, retraction of the compliant areas of the chest - these are the main signs of croup. Such severe manifestations of acute laryngitis with parainfluenza are observed mainly in children under 3 years of age. In older children they are easier.

Symptom of parainfluenza - bronchitis

Bronchitis is characterized by the involvement of the bronchial mucosa in the inflammatory process and is a consequence of the spread of infection to the underlying parts of the respiratory tract. Bronchitis is accompanied by increased body temperature, severe cough, and deterioration of the condition.

How is parainfluenza treated?

If the patient is feeling well, parainfluenza therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis (at home). Severe conditions require hospitalization of the patient in the infectious diseases department.

Any type of medication can only be taken after a doctor’s prescription. Treatment of parainfluenza in adults involves the following:

1. Immunomodulators (Grippferon, Cycloferon, Nazoferon).
2. Antiviral agents (Kagocel, Amiksin, Remantadine).
3. Anti-inflammatory medications (Inspiron, Erespal).
4. Vasoconstrictor preparations containing essential oils or sea water (Pinosola, Aqua Marisa).

Treatment of parainfluenza in children is often based on the use of Arbidol in tablets, Lokferon (suppositories for rectal administration). To eliminate feverish conditions, younger patients are given Nurofen and Paracetamol. Adults can take Ibuprofen. In the case of the development of an unproductive type of cough, herbal remedies are used in the form of syrups, inhalations with mucolytics, and saline.

At any age, therapy for parainfluenza requires mandatory bed rest (in the first few days), a dietary diet that includes plant-based, fermented milk products, low-fat meat, high doses of vitamin C, and sufficient drinking regimen.

A patient with parainfluenza virus is a source of infection for others. To prevent infection of others, the patient needs to allocate his own room, organize frequent ventilation and wet cleaning (2 times a day) without aggressive detergents.

If, after 3 days, medications for parainfluenza show insufficient effectiveness, the patient still has a high body temperature and the main symptoms, the doctor may prescribe other, stronger medications against the virus.

Treatment

Drugs for parainfluenza that target the virus have not yet been created, so etiotropic treatment for this disease is usually not carried out. In case of severe disease, the following drugs with broad-spectrum antiviral activity can be used:

• Groprinosine (isoprinosine).
• Amiksina.
• Arbidola.
• Interferons.
• Amizona.

In addition, patients are necessarily prescribed medications to eliminate the symptoms of the disease:

If complications develop (the addition of bacterial flora), the doctor may prescribe to the patient.

As for the regimen, as with other acute respiratory viral infections, with parainfluenza, doctors recommend that you be sure to “sit out” at home during the first days of the illness. At this time, it is important to drink more fluids and maintain vocal rest, that is, talk less, so as not to strain the inflamed larynx and vocal cords.

Important:
if a child develops croup, it is imperative to call an ambulance, and until it arrives, alleviate the child’s condition yourself.
The baby should be picked up and reassured, since fear and excitement lead to additional spasm of the larynx. In addition, it is recommended to throw something warm over the child and open the window, or take him into the bathroom and turn on the water (it should be cool). You can also sit the patient near an ultrasonic humidifier, but you cannot do hot inhalations.

The infectious viral disease parainfluenza causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by fever and other symptoms of general intoxication. The disease most often affects preschool children, develops rapidly and can cause severe complications. When the first characteristic symptoms appear, you should seek medical help.

Diagnostic measures

Parainfluenza, in its essence, is one of the types of acute respiratory viral infections. The doctor can make a final diagnosis only after receiving the results of laboratory tests. If the tests are not confirmed, then it may be a bacterial infection.

The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the symptoms, clinical signs characteristic of parainfluenza, as well as the results of laboratory tests.

Serodiagnosis is the determination of antigen-antibody complexes in the patient's blood. To do this, a complement fixation reaction and a hemagglutination inhibition reaction are carried out in the laboratory.

A general blood test can show an inflammatory process in the body - increased ESR and leukocytosis with a shift to the left of the formula. This method is ineffective for diagnosing the disease.

An enzyme immunoassay is considered more sensitive, with the help of which the levels of immunoglobulins G and M can be determined in the blood, indicating the period of development of the disease (acute period or the end of the inflammatory process).

Immunofluorescence is considered a rapid diagnosis of the disease. Thanks to this technique, the antigen-antibody complex can be detected in the blood within five minutes.

But most often, pediatricians and therapists do not prescribe laboratory tests, and when making a diagnosis, they limit themselves to a visual examination. Additional studies are prescribed if complications occur or if rotavirus infection is suspected.

Clinical manifestations of parainfluenza

Symptoms of parainfluenza in children appear after the incubation period. The maximum duration for this infection is 1 week, but on average – 3-4 days. In many children, this disease occurs as a normal respiratory infection without any complications and lasts no more than 6 days. The main manifestations of parainfluenza are:

• Slight increase in body temperature
• General weakness
• Headache
• Serous secretions from the nasal cavity, sneezing (rhinitis)
• Pain when swallowing, sore throat (symptoms of pharyngitis)
• Loss of voice or hoarseness, the appearance of a rough and barking cough (symptoms of laryngitis).

The addition of tracheitis and laryngitis increases the duration of the disease to 3 weeks. In such patients, a cough and runny nose persist for a long time, which over time turns from serous to purulent due to the activation of the bacterial flora.

The parainfluenza virus in children can initiate the development of pneumonia. If its symptoms appear on the first or second day of the disease, then the cause is precisely viral particles. Later development of symptoms indicates the addition of bacterial pneumonia. This difference in timing helps to choose the most effective treatment depending on the possible pathogen.

Signs indicating inflammatory processes in the lung tissue and, accordingly, a serious condition of the child should be known to parents:

• Chest pain that occurs when inhaling
• Dyspnea
• Blueness of the tip of the nose, nasolabial triangle, fingers and toes
• Cough (from dry to wet after a few days)
• Increased body temperature (high values ​​are typical for viral pneumonia as opposed to bacterial pneumonia).

In young children (up to one year old), parainfluenza has some features:

1. Most often the disease is caused by a class 3 virus
2. Gradual onset of symptoms against a background of slightly elevated or even normal temperature
3. Children are lethargic and refuse to eat
4. Inability to breathe through the nose due to its swelling and large amounts of discharge
5. Laryngitis with stenosis is a casuistry, and does not occur at all before 4 months of age.

So, identifying symptoms and prescribing treatment is the doctor’s task. But for this, parents should not be late to visit him. Therefore, knowledge of the clinical signs of parainfluenza for moms and dads is mandatory.