Upper respiratory tract diseases. How and with what to treat inflammation of the upper respiratory tract

According to medical statistics, respiratory diseases are leaders in the frequency of diagnosis among the population of our country. In most cases, respiratory tract disease is associated with unfavorable climatic conditions, violation of labor and life safety rules, and changes in the environmental situation. Approximately half of the clinical cases are diseases of the upper respiratory tract caused by infectious factors. Among them, tuberculosis stands out as socially dangerous phenomenon. It is also worth noting autoimmune (atopic) diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, the most famous of which is bronchial asthma. The allergic etiology of this disease makes it necessary to refuse the use of antibiotics and other drugs. If the diseases of the upper respiratory tract are of an allergic nature, it is possible to treat them using unconventional methods. You can read about traditional methods of therapy in this material.

Chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract

Bronchial asthma is an allergic chronic disease of the respiratory tract, characterized by repeated attacks of suffocation due to spasm of the bronchi or swelling of their mucous membrane (“asthma” translated from Greek means “suffocation”, “heavy breathing”).

The basis of bronchial asthma is increased sensitivity the body, and especially the tissues of the bronchi, to various, usually harmless, substances - allergens. Attacks of this chronic disease of the upper respiratory tract can occur without exposure to an allergen - due to weather changes, cooling, and negative emotions.

Treatment of this upper respiratory tract disease is based on the principles of general desensitization of the body.

Bronchitis as an acute disease of the respiratory system

Bronchitis- a disease of the lower respiratory tract, characterized by inflammation of the bronchi with predominant defeat their mucous membrane. Bronchitis as a disease of the respiratory system is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions. It often occurs with simultaneous damage to the upper respiratory tract.

Most frequent symptoms bronchitis - general weakness, chills, increased body temperature and mainly cough.

This acute illness respiratory system occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection (influenza, measles, whooping cough, etc.), exposure to toxic substances, due to smoking, etc. Of great importance in the occurrence of bronchitis and its relapses are the condition of the body as a whole, its resistance, which changes under the influence of previous diseases, unfavorable working and living conditions, hypothermia, bad habits(alcohol, etc.), etc.

There are acute and chronic form bronchitis.

In the prevention of bronchitis, thorough and timely treatment of the runny nose, tonsillitis and other types of focal infections is of paramount importance. important role is given to hardening the body. For treatment, it is most often necessary to use anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antitussive drugs. At acute bronchitis necessary bed rest, enhanced nutrition, rich in proteins and vitamin C, drink plenty of warm fluids.

Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract

Tracheitis - inflammatory disease respiratory tract with predominant damage to the tracheal mucosa. Often combined with inflammation of the bronchi. The inflammatory reaction is accompanied by swelling of the tracheal mucosa with increased secretion of a viscous mucous, purulent secretion. The main symptom is a cough that gets worse in the morning.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by various bacteria. This disease of the respiratory tract is accompanied by the development inflammatory process in lung tissue with predominant damage to the respiratory parts of the lungs (alveoli). Often the inflammatory process extends to vascular system lungs.

Pneumonia can be an independent disease or develop as a complication of other diseases (cardiovascular), operations, or injuries.

Predisposing factors for pneumonia are hypothermia (especially in conditions of high humidity), high gas pollution, physical and mental fatigue, past illnesses lungs, malnutrition, smoking.

Pneumonia usually begins with feverish chills and sharp increase temperature up to 39-40°C, chest pain, aggravated by coughing and deep breathing. The cough is dry on the first day, then viscous, difficult-to-clear sputum appears, sometimes containing streaks of blood. The patient experiences weakness, sweating (especially at night), and shortness of breath.

According to the course, acute and chronic pneumonia are distinguished.

A cough usually occurs from irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract during an inflammatory process. This is one of the main signs of respiratory disease. Sometimes there may be stimulation of the cough center in the brain without irritation of the respiratory tract. This is the so-called nervous cough with fear, embarrassment, etc.

There are dry and wet coughs.

The following plants are used as expectorants for bronchitis and pneumonia: common juniper, hairy sedge, sweet clover, meadow clover, tricolor violet, angelica officinalis, wild rosemary, common heather, coltsfoot, common thyme, peppermint (externally) , large plantain, elecampane. Scots pine (inhalation), sundew, and soporific poppy relieve cough.

Tuberculosis as a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (tuberculosis, consumption) is an infectious chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract with the formation of specific changes, often in the form of small tubercles, mainly in the lungs and lymph nodes, and with a tendency to recur.

The disease occurs as a result of the tuberculosis bacillus entering the body. The main source of the spread of tuberculosis is a sick person with an open form of tuberculosis. Transmission of infection is by airborne droplets.

The development of the disease is facilitated by: weakening of the body due to a lack of complete animal proteins and vitamins (vitamin C) in food; unfavorable working conditions and occupational hazards; some diseases ( diabetes, chronic bronchitis, alcoholism, etc.); age-related characteristics of the body (children and elderly people are more susceptible to the disease).

Patients are characterized by a tendency to colds, runny nose, and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases with folk remedies

Treatment of respiratory tract diseases must be comprehensive and include all possible methods and techniques aimed at restoring the patient’s health. Treatment of the respiratory tract with folk remedies currently has scientific basis. The effectiveness of treating the upper respiratory tract with folk remedies has been confirmed by pharmacological and clinical trials.

Folk remedies for the treatment of lungs and bronchi

Inhalation with propolis tincture.

For bronchial asthma, to treat the lungs with folk remedies, inhalations of 10-15% alcohol tincture of propolis are done.

Tincture of wormwood.

  1. 20 g of wormwood are poured into 0.5 liters of vodka and left for at least 24 hours in a cool, dark place. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals and before bed as an expectorant and antitussive for pneumonia.
  2. Infuse the flowering tops of wormwood with 70% alcohol (1:10) for 2 weeks. dark place, filter and take 20-40 drops 3 times a day before meals, washed down with juice or jelly, for pulmonary tuberculosis. Depending on the condition, the dose of a folk remedy for treating lungs can be increased to 1 teaspoon.

Tincture of femoral saxifrage roots.

40 g of plant roots are infused in 100 ml of 70% alcohol or vodka for 8 days in a dark cabinet, filtered and squeezed.

Take this folk remedy for the treatment of lungs and bronchi, 30 drops 4-5 times a day with 1 tablespoon of water. This ancient folk remedy is used for bronchial asthma.

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with folk remedies

To treat lung diseases with folk remedies, infusions from various medicinal fees herbs The following are recipes that are used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with folk remedies and give pronounced positive dynamics.

Sloe root tincture.

The sloe root is crushed and placed in a half-liter bottle, which is filled to the top with vodka and capped. Leave in a warm place for as long as possible.

Take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day before meals until you feel better in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Honey tincture of thuja cones.

4 glasses of honey and 2 liters of vodka are poured into a three-liter jar, the remaining space is filled with finely crushed thuja cones collected at the end of summer. Ready mixture Place in a warm place for a week, remembering to shake the contents of the jar every day.

Accept medicinal tincture 3 times a day, 1 tablespoon for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The course of treatment is designed for 1 month, then a 10-day break is taken, after which the course is repeated if necessary.

Treatment of pneumonia in adults with folk remedies

To treat pneumonia with folk remedies, natural antibiotics are used. The greatest effect in the treatment of pneumonia with folk remedies in adults is provided by beekeeping products and tinctures with them.

Honey tincture with aloe juice.

Mix aloe juice and honey (1 glass each), add 250 ml of medical alcohol and leave for 5 days in a dark place.

Take orally for pneumonia, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals, until complete recovery occurs.

Tincture of fresh birch buds.

Fresh birch buds, which have sprouted leaves, fill a bottle, fill it to the top with vodka and leave for 7-10 days. Take 5-7 drops diluted with water 3 times a day for pneumonia.

Treatment of lung diseases with folk remedies at home

To treat lungs with folk remedies at home, it is important to first undergo an examination by a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. Then you can successfully choose a recipe for treating lung diseases with folk remedies from the methods presented here.

Sweet tincture of pine nuts.

A glass of chopped pine nuts is mixed with a glass of sugar and poured in 0.5 liters of vodka. Infuse for 14 days in a dark place, shaking daily. Take 1 teaspoon orally for bronchitis 3 times a day until complete recovery occurs.

Carrot seed tincture.

1 tablespoon of carrot seeds is poured into a glass bottle, filled with vodka and infused for a week in a warm place. The finished tincture is filtered and taken orally for bronchitis, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day in between meals until complete recovery occurs.

The tincture is not washed down with anything and is not eaten!

Walnut shell tincture.

The shells of 14 nuts crushed with a hammer are poured into 0.5 liters of vodka and infused for a week in a warm and dark place. The finished tincture is filtered and stored in the refrigerator. Take 1 tablespoon orally in the morning on an empty stomach until the tincture runs out, for bronchitis, ovarian cysts, salt deposits, goiter.

Tincture of lilac flowers

A liter jar is filled to the top with lilac flowers, poured with vodka and infused for 10 days. Take orally at night, pouring 10 ml of tincture into a glass of strongly brewed tea. Drink in small sips to treat bronchitis.

Vitamin tincture with honey and aloe.

Mix equal volumes of red beet juice, black radish, onions, lemon, cranberry, aloe, as well as honey, granulated sugar and 96% alcohol. Mix everything thoroughly and store it in the refrigerator. Take 2 tablespoons 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals for bronchial asthma until you feel better.

Aloe juice is active against various groups microbes: staphylococcus, streptococcus, intestinal, diphtheria and typhoid bacilli.

To obtain aloe juice, plants that are at least two years old are used. Cut off large lower and middle leaves, wash them boiled water, then cut into small pieces and squeeze out the juice through 2 layers of gauze (you can pass it through a meat grinder or squeeze it out using a juicer).

The so-called biostimulated juice is especially valued (the method was proposed by Academician V.P. Filatov). To obtain it, washed aloe leaves are placed on a plate, covered with paper and placed in the refrigerator for 12-15 days. In such unfavorable conditions for the plant, when all life processes begin to fade away, the formation of special substances called biogenic stimulants occurs in the aloe cells; they stimulate the dying activity of cells. At the end of the above period, the leaves are removed from the refrigerator, the blackened parts are removed and the juice is squeezed out.

Treatment of pulmonary fibrosis with folk remedies

Folk remedies are used to treat pulmonary fibrosis vitamin mixtures, medicinal herbs, massage, breathing exercises and tinctures.

Vitamin mixture with horseradish root tincture

Horseradish root (100 g) is washed well with a brush (without peeling), finely chopped and poured with 150 ml of vodka. Leave for 24 hours.

1 kg of carrots and 2-3 lemons are ground in a meat grinder and mixed with 1 kg of honey.

The tincture of horseradish roots is filtered and mixed with the honey mixture. Place the container with the resulting mixture in a place protected from light and leave for 3 weeks. Take 1 tablespoon for pulmonary fibrosis 3 times a day until recovery. This mixture can also be used for preventive purposes.

Propolis tincture

20 g of crushed propolis is poured into a bottle (or other glass container with a lid) with 80 ml of ethyl alcohol and infused, shaking occasionally, for 7-10 days, then filtered and after settling, the liquid phase of the infusion is taken orally, 20 drops with milk or water per day. 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day for 2 months in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Warming compresses

  1. Mix 1 part 40% vodka and 2 parts water. The resulting solution is heated to body temperature, a gauze cloth is soaked in it and, straightened, it is placed on the cervical area. Wax paper is placed on top, then cotton wool (in a thick layer), strengthened with a bandage or tied with a piece of cloth (can be a scarf) and left for 5-6 hours. At the very beginning of pulmonary fibrosis, this procedure is repeated in the morning and evening. When acute period will pass, make a compress only in the evening and leave it overnight.
  2. Mix flour 1 tablespoon at a time, mustard powder, honey, vodka, aloe juice, interior fat (can be replaced with unrefined sunflower oil) and heated in a water bath. Gauze soaked in the resulting mixture is placed on the patient’s back. Place another layer of gauze on top, then plastic wrap, and a warm woolen scarf on top. It is advisable to fix the compress and leave it overnight. For treatment, as a rule, 2 procedures are sufficient.
  3. 2 parts honey, 1 part aloe juice and 3 parts vodka are heated to 40°C, mixed well and used as a compress on top part breast with pulmonary fibrosis.

Both upper and lower are diagnosed in every fourth inhabitant of the planet. Such diseases include sore throat, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis. Most often, diseases begin to develop in the autumn-winter period, since it is then that influenza or acute respiratory viral infections become widespread. According to statistics, every adult gets sick three times a year, diseases in children are diagnosed up to ten times a year.

Description of the human respiratory system

The respiratory system is a set of organs connected to each other and ensuring the supply of oxygen, the removal of carbon dioxide and the process of gas exchange in the blood. This system consists of the upper and lower respiratory tract and lungs.

The respiratory system performs the following functions:

  • participates in thermoregulation of the body;
  • provides the ability to reproduce speech and distinguish smells;
  • participates in metabolic processes;
  • humidifies the air inhaled by a person;
  • provides additional protection of the body from environmental influences.

When you inhale air, it first enters the nose, where it is cleaned with the help of villi and warmed thanks to the mesh. blood vessels. After this, the air enters the pharyngeal plane, which has several sections, then through the pharynx it passes into the lower respiratory tract.

Today, airway inflammation appears a common occurrence. One of the very first and fairly common signs of pathology is a cough and runny nose. Diseases affecting the respiratory tract include tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, rhinitis and laryngitis, tracheitis and acute respiratory infections.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract occurs for several reasons:

  • Viruses: influenza, rotavirus, adenovirus, measles and others - when they enter the body, they cause an inflammatory reaction.
  • Bacteria: pneumococci, staphylococci, mycoplasmas, mycobacteria and others also provoke the development of the inflammatory process.
  • Fungi: candida, actinomycelium and others - cause local inflammation.

Many of the above microorganisms are transmitted from one person to another. Some viruses and fungi can for a long time live in the human body, but manifest themselves only when immunity decreases. Infection can occur through household or airborne routes. Transmission of infection can occur through conversation with an infected person. In this case, the first barrier for pathogenic microorganisms becomes the respiratory tract, as a result of which an inflammatory process develops in them.

Inflammation of the respiratory tract can occur in a person of any age, gender and nationality. They do not play a role in this social status, and material condition.

Risk group

The risk group includes:

Symptoms and signs of the disease

Symptoms of inflammation of the respiratory tract are similar to each other when various diseases, they differ only in localization pain syndrome and discomfort. The location of the inflammatory process can be identified by the symptoms of the pathology, but only an experienced doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and identify the pathogen after a comprehensive examination.

All diseases have incubation period lasting from two to ten days, it all depends on the causative agent of the disease. For example, with the flu, signs of pathology appear quickly; a person’s body temperature rises strongly, which does not subside for about three days. When parainfluenza enters the body, the patient develops laryngitis. Adenovirus infection occurs in the form of tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Rhinitis and sinusitis

Rhinitis (runny nose) is inflammation of the mucous epithelium of the nose. A person develops a runny nose, which comes out profusely when pathogenic microorganisms multiply. As the infection spreads rapidly, both sinuses are affected. In some cases, inflammation of the respiratory tract, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in this article, leads to the development not of a runny nose, but of nasal congestion. Sometimes the discharged exudate is presented in the form of green pus or clear liquid.

Inflammation of the sinuses, accompanied by difficulty breathing and severe congestion, is called sinusitis. In this case, swelling of the nasal sinuses leads to the development of headaches, impaired vision and smell. Pain in the bridge of the nose indicates an advanced inflammatory process; pus may begin to drain from the nose. All this is accompanied by an increase in temperature, fever and malaise.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. In this case, the person exhibits following signs diseases:

  • pain during swallowing;
  • increase in body temperature;
  • edema palatine tonsils;
  • the appearance of plaque on the tonsils;
  • muscle weakness.

Tonsillitis develops as a result of a virus or pathogenic bacteria entering the body. In some cases, pus may appear in the form of yellow deposits on the mucous epithelium of the throat. If the pathology is caused by fungi, then the plaque will have White color and cheesy consistency.

Pharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis

In this case, inflammation of the respiratory tract is manifested by soreness and dry cough, periodic difficulty breathing. Body temperature is increased inconsistently. Pharyngitis usually develops as a complication of influenza or ARVI.

Laryngitis, or inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords, is also a complication of influenza, whooping cough or measles. In this case, a person develops hoarseness and cough, swelling of the larynx and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, the disease can cause muscle spasms.

Tracheitis is inflammation of the trachea, which is accompanied by a prolonged dry cough.

Bronchitis and pneumonia

Moving lower, pathogenic microorganisms cause inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. A person develops bronchitis. The disease is caused by a dry cough or sputum discharge. The person experiences signs of intoxication and malaise. If left untreated, the infection spreads to the lungs, causing pneumonia. In this case, the patient complains of a sharp increase in body temperature, intoxication, chills, and cough. If the disease is not caused by an infection, but by other reasons, symptoms may not appear, the person will only feel the signs of a cold.

In severe cases, the pathology leads to a disorder of consciousness, the development of seizures and even fatal outcome. It is very important to promptly prevent the development of severe complications. In this case, it is recommended to pay attention to nonspecific manifestations of cough; you cannot treat it yourself.

Diagnostic measures

Antibiotics are usually prescribed for inflammation of the respiratory tract. But before this, the doctor must make an accurate diagnosis in order to choose the most suitable drug. Diagnosis begins with collecting anamnesis, examination and questioning of the patient. Next are appointed lab tests. It is important in this case to distinguish between viral and bacterial diseases of the respiratory tract.

Laboratory research methods include:

  • A blood and urine test, which will make it possible to determine the nature of the disease.
  • Examination of mucus from the nose and throat to determine the causative agent of the infection, as well as to select the drug to which it is sensitive.
  • Bacteriological culture of throat mucus for the causative agent of diphtheria.
  • PCR and ELISA for suspected specific infections.

TO instrumental methods diagnostics include:

  • Laryngoscopy to determine the nature of the inflammatory process.
  • Bronchoscopy.
  • X-ray of the lungs to determine the extent of inflammation.

Based on the results of a comprehensive examination, a final diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Disease therapy

Four types of therapy are used in medicine:

  1. Etiotropic treatment aimed at stopping the reproduction of the infectious agent and its spread throughout the body. If the pathology is caused by viruses, the doctor prescribes antiviral drugs, for example "Kagocel" or "Arbidol". Antibiotics are prescribed for inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, as well as the upper, when the disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria. The choice of remedy in this case depends on the localization of the pathological process, the age of the patient and the severity of the disease. For example, for angina, macrolides are often prescribed.
  2. Pathogenetic therapy is aimed at stopping the inflammatory process, as well as shortening the recovery period. In this case, treatment of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, as well as the lower, is carried out using immunomodulators, anti-inflammatory combined agents, NSAIDs.
  3. Symptomatic treatment, the purpose of which is to alleviate the patient’s condition and improve his quality of life. The doctor prescribes nasal drops to relieve congestion, throat sprays, expectorants and antitussives. These medications must be taken together with antibiotics for inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
  4. Inhalation treatment allows you to quickly get rid of cough and inflammatory processes. Steam inhalations and nebulizers are used for this.

As you can see, the treatment of respiratory tract inflammation must be comprehensive. In the absence of therapy, it is possible to develop serious complications which sometimes cause fatal outcome.

Forecast

If you contact a medical facility in a timely manner, the prognosis is usually favorable, provided that all the doctor’s prescriptions and recommendations are followed. Often diseases provoke the development of serious negative consequences. Illnesses such as influenza, sore throat and pneumonia can cause complications that are difficult to treat.

Prevention

Preventive measures include primarily vaccination for certain infections. In the autumn-winter period it is recommended to use special drugs. You can also use means traditional medicine, which help increase the body's defenses. In this case, you can include onions and garlic, honey, and linden decoction in your diet. People who are at risk need to avoid disease-provoking factors. Hypothermia must not be allowed. It is recommended to be away from bad habits.

For inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, doctors recommend:

  • Avoid cough drops as they will not help cure a sore throat.
  • In addition to gargling, you also need to take medications that should be prescribed by a doctor. In some cases, rinsing with soda solution is contraindicated, as this only aggravates the course of the disease.
  • Vasoconstrictor drops You can use it for no more than five days, otherwise drug addiction occurs.

Throat infection in children is a very dangerous condition, which can be complicated by laryngotracheitis and tracheal spasm. It is necessary to carry out timely diagnosis and treatment. On this page you can see what a throat infection looks like in children in the photo, illustrating the manifestation of external symptoms, such as hyperemia of the pharynx, rashes, swelling, etc. Acute infection upper respiratory tract in children can be caused by a viral or bacterial pathogenic microflora; depending on the type of pathogen, etiotropic treatment is prescribed.

Acute respiratory diseases are the most statistically common pathology in childhood. Pathogens of acute infectious diseases the upper respiratory tract most often are viruses (up to 95%). Any respiratory virus selectively affects a specific part of the respiratory tract, and not all respiratory tracts.

Among children attending nurseries preschool institutions, as well as in hospital infections, a significant proportion are mixed viral-bacterial infections.

An increase in the severity of the disease and its complications, as a rule, indicate the addition or activation of a bacterial infection, since there is a violation barrier function respiratory tract and decreased resistance.

At the same time, bacterial lesions of the upper respiratory tract can be primary. Thus, in more than 15% of cases, they are caused by isolated exposure to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus; acute purulent otitis media and sinusitis are often caused by pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and pyogenic streptococcus.

The role of atypical infections in the occurrence of respiratory tract diseases is growing. Thus, 35% of children and adolescents are carriers of mycoplasma, which can lead to recurrent diseases of the nose, paranasal sinuses and larynx.

Possible fungal infections pharyngeal ring when the fungus candida albicans is certain conditions acquires pronounced pathogenic (disease-causing) properties.

Viral infection of the throat and upper respiratory tract in children (symptoms)

Acute respiratory viral infections of the upper respiratory tract in a child are a large group of viral infections that account for up to 90% of all cases of infectious diseases. In childhood, each child experiences up to 8 acute respiratory viral infections per year. Everyone gets sick with them - some more often, some less often. They get sick more often in winter, since viruses are more active during this period, and less often in summer.

Cause of viral throat infection in children - large group respiratory viruses(more than 200 viruses), they were first discovered in 1892 by the Russian scientist D.I. Ivanovsky. If we compare the size of bacteria - the causative agents of a large number of infectious diseases - with viruses, then one bacterium (streptococcus) contains 1750 particles of the influenza virus. The first symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection in children appear after 2-3 days or after the prodromal period.

Any cell in the body performs a number of functions unique to it. When infected with a virus, a number of problems arise. Thus, when the mucous membrane of the bronchi is damaged, a cough, wheezing in the lungs, and rapid breathing appear.

Respiratory viruses have several dozen types and subtypes. At the same time, immunity, i.e. immunity of the body after an illness develops only to one strictly defined type or subtype of the virus. Therefore, a person has a real opportunity to get ARVI very often.

The spread of respiratory diseases contributes to airborne transmission of infection. From the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs of the disease, very little time passes - from several hours to four days.

The source of infection can be a sick child or adult who, while talking, coughing, sneezing, excretes a large number of viral particles. However, in the external environment, viruses die quite quickly. A sick person is most contagious in the first 3 to 8 days of illness (with adenovirus infection- up to 25 days).

In most cases, it is not possible to determine the specific pathogen, and this is not necessary, since the disease is treated the same for any etiology. Based only on the clinical picture, the doctor can assume the presence of a specific infection in several cases: influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial infections, which are most common in childhood.

Different forms have their own clinical symptoms viral throat infection in children, but they have a lot in common:

  • catarrhal symptoms(runny nose, cough, redness in the throat, hoarseness, suffocation);
  • symptoms of intoxication ( elevated temperature, malaise, headache, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness, sweating, unstable mood).

The specific symptoms of ARVI will depend on which part of the respiratory tract the virus caused the most severe inflammatory process: rhinitis - damage to the nasal mucosa, pharyngitis - damage to the pharynx, nasopharyngitis - damage to the nose and pharynx at the same time, laryngitis - larynx, tracheitis - trachea, bronchitis - bronchi, bronchiolitis - damage to the most small bronchi- bronchioles

However, the severity of intoxication and the depth of damage to the respiratory tract in different respiratory infections are different.

. Scientists identify three main types of influenza virus - A, B and C. The most fundamental differences are in the ability to change. Thus, the influenza C virus is practically stable. And, having been ill once, a person acquires immunity for almost his entire life. This makes it clear that the extremely rare incidence of influenza C among adults is the lot of children.

Influenza B virus changes moderately, and if influenza C affects only children, then influenza B affects mainly children.

Influenza A- the most insidious, it is he who, constantly changing, causes epidemics.

A distinctive feature of influenza is the acute, sudden onset of the disease with severe symptoms of intoxication: high fever, headache, sometimes vomiting, aches throughout the body, redness of the face. Catarrhal symptoms of influenza appear later. The most common symptoms of tracheitis are a dry, painful cough and runny nose.

The symptoms of influenza are mostly similar to the symptoms of other acute respiratory viral infections. However, the tendency of the virus to predominantly affect the mucous membranes of the trachea and bronchi leads to a more severe course of the disease with influenza than with other acute respiratory viral infections.

Parainfluenza. With parainfluenza (as opposed to influenza), catarrhal symptoms appear from the first hours of illness in the form of a runny nose, a rough “barking” cough, and hoarseness, especially noticeable when a child is crying. Choking may develop - false croup. Symptoms of intoxication with parainfluenza are mild, the temperature does not rise above 37.5 °C.

With adenoviral infection, from the very first days of the disease there is a profuse mucous or mucopurulent runny nose, moist cough, as well as conjunctivitis, acute tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Submandibular and cervical areas increase in size The lymph nodes. Manifestations of intoxication, minor at the beginning of the disease, gradually increase with the development of the disease. The disease is characterized by a long (up to 20-30 days), often wave-like course, when after the disappearance of the main symptoms they reappear after 2-5 days.

Respiratory syncytial viruses mainly affect the lower parts of the respiratory tract - the bronchi and smallest bronchioles. The child develops a strong wet cough, expiratory shortness of breath and signs of respiratory failure, i.e. obstructive syndrome develops.

Bacterial and viral-bacterial throat infection in children and its symptoms

Bacterial throat infections in children are rare when they develop on their own. primary form. As a rule, it is a complication of an improperly treated viral form of the disease. Important to remember: any respiratory viral infection significantly weakens the child’s body’s defenses. This contributes to the addition of a bacterial infection (staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, etc.) and the development of complications, often purulent in nature. Develops virally bacterial infection in children, which is why acute respiratory viral infections in children of early and preschool age are often accompanied by pneumonia (pneumonia), inflammation of the middle ear (otitis), inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis or sinusitis). In addition, under the influence of respiratory infections, dormant chronic foci of infection in the child’s body are revived. Chronic tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, etc. Viral-bacterial infection in a child in early
age can cause delays in physical and mental development.

How does the human body react to the penetration of the virus? Of course, he begins to fight the “invader” first by means of nonspecific immunity - phagocytosis, lysozyme, interferon, complement system, etc., and then by the production of specific antibodies.

Once a virus enters a cell, it actively multiplies and quickly leads to the death and destruction of the cell it has captured. From the disintegrated cell, viruses enter the blood, and there antiviral antibodies are already waiting for them. Consequently, ARVI will last exactly as long as the body needs to synthesize antibodies. The time frame for antibody production is short and lasts 5-10 days. Antibodies neutralize the virus, and the disease ends.

ARVI is a contagious disease. However, as a rule, if a child feels unwell, has a runny nose, a cough, or an increase in body temperature, the mother will not say that her baby has ARVI, she will say unequivocally and with conviction that he has a cold. pay attention to characteristic symptoms viral and bacterial infections in children, as a rule, they are more severe and have a long-term clinical manifestation.

The word “cold” has several meanings - the cooling to which the body has been subjected, and the illness caused by such cooling (colloquial).

Consequently, a cold most often has nothing to do with ARVI. On the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx, and bronchi there are a large number of microbes (not viruses, but bacteria), which, when the body's resistance decreases, cause diseases. Hypothermia can contribute to a decrease in a child’s defenses, increased sweating, barefoot, overweight physical exercise, drafts, cold water. When we talk about ARVI, it means getting infected from an already sick person.

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

List of respiratory diseases

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

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

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

Causes of diseases

  • pneumococci;
  • mycoplasma;
  • chlamydia;
  • hemophilus influenzae;
  • legionella;
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
  • respiratory viral infections;
  • influenza viruses type A, B;
  • parainfluenza viruses;
  • adenoviruses;
  • streptococci;
  • staphylococci.

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

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

Main symptoms of respiratory diseases

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

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

Bronchitis

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

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

Pneumonia

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

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

Sinusitis

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

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

Tuberculosis

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

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

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

Tracheitis

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

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

Rhinitis

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

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

Atopic asthma

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

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

Bronchiectasis

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

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

Laryngitis

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

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

  • redness of the throat;
  • hoarseness;
  • increased body temperature;
  • chills;
  • hoarseness of voice;
  • headache;
  • difficulty breathing.

Diagnostics

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

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

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

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

Treatment

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

  • chest massage in the absence of fever;
  • physiotherapy;
  • inhalation;
  • breathing exercises;
  • reflexology;
  • diet.

In the first couple of days, especially if you feel unwell and high temperature, the patient must remain in bed. The patient needs to limit walks and physical activity, drink more warm water. Against this background, the main treatment of the disease is carried out. Treatment regimens for various pathologies:

Name of the disease

Main directions of treatment

Drugs used

  • antibacterial (Sumamed, Zinnat);
  • expectorants (Ambroxol, Acetylcysteine);
  • for inhalations (Lazolvan, Berodual;
  • bronchodilators (Salbutamol, Bromide).
  • steam inhalations over decoctions of coltsfoot, linden and raspberry;
  • inhalation over hot water with propolis.

Pneumonia

  • taking bronchodilators;
  • taking antibiotics or antivirals;
  • undergoing a course of physiotherapy;
  • diet;
  • drinking plenty of fluids.
  • antibiotics (Ceftriaxone, Sumamed);
  • antipyretics (Paracetamol, Ibuklin);
  • sputum thinners (Ambrohexal, ACC, Lazolvan);
  • bronchodilators (Salbutamol);
  • antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec).

Drinking warm drinks in the form of fruit drinks from cranberries, gooseberries, currants, vitamin teas. Additionally, you should eat more honey, rose hips, garlic and onions.

Sinusitis

  • elimination of infection;
  • normalization of nasal breathing;
  • cleansing the nasal mucosa from pus.
  • antibiotics (Ampiox, Augmentin, Pancef, Suprax);
  • drops that make breathing easier (Vibrocil, Nazivin);
  • painkillers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin);
  • homeopathic (Gamorin, Cinnabsin);
  • mucolytic (Mucodin, Fluimucil);
  • antiviral (Arbidol, Oscilococcinum).

Rinse the nose 3-4 times a day disinfectant solutions(Furacilin, Miramistin) or saline solution.

Tuberculosis

  • bed rest;
  • rejection of bad habits;
  • taking anti-tuberculosis drugs;
  • resection of part of the lung in case of failure of conservative treatment.
  • antituberculosis (isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol);
  • antibacterial (Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin);
  • immunomodulators (Timalin, Levamisole);
  • antihypoxants (Riboxin);
  • hepatoprotectors (Phosphogliv, Essentiale).
  • magnetic therapy;
  • laser therapy;
  • ultraphonophoresis;
  • radio wave therapy;
  • electrophoresis.
  • elimination of the causative agent of the disease;
  • stimulation of the immune response;
  • relieving the patient's condition;
  • diet excluding cold, sour and spicy foods.
  • antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Flemoxin Solutab, Cefixime);
  • expectorants (Chlorophyllipt, marshmallow infusion, Thermopsis);
  • antitussives (Codeine, Libexin);
  • antiviral (Rimantadine);
  • antipyretics (Paracetamol);
  • antiseptic lozenges (Strepsils).

Warming drink: fruit drinks, teas. Thermal inhalations with herbal decoctions, for example, sage. The procedure needs to be carried out 3-4 times a day. It is allowed to do inhalations using a nebulizer using Lazolvan. Additionally, it is worth rinsing with a solution of sea salt.

Atopic asthma

  • eliminating contact with the allergen;
  • frequent wet cleaning;
  • compliance hypoallergenic diet;
  • taking anti-inflammatory and antihistamine drugs.
  • Anti-inflammatory (Cromolyn sodium);
  • bronchodilators (Salbutamol, Atrovent, Berodual);
  • expectorants (ACC, Ambrobene);
  • inhaled corticosteroids (Budesonide, Beclomethasone, Flucatisone).
  • plasmapheresis;
  • hemosorption;
  • acupuncture.

Bronchiectasis

  • antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin);
  • anti-inflammatory (Aspirin, Paracetamol);
  • mucolytics (Bromhexine, Ambroxol);
  • adrenomimetics (Salbutamol, Fenoterol).

Inhalation over decoctions of ginseng, eucalyptus, eleutherococcus or echinacea.

Laryngitis

  • limiting conversations (you need to speak more quietly and less);
  • maintaining indoor air moist and cool;
    • regularly ventilate the living space;
    • do not stay in places with a polluted atmosphere;
    • to harden;
    • systematically engage in sports;
    • stop smoking;
    • spend more time outdoors.

    Video

A person’s ability to breathe is one of the most important criteria on which our life and health directly depend. We receive this skill from birth; everyone’s life begins with a sigh. As for the organs that allow us to breathe, they make up a whole system, the basis of which, of course, is the lungs, however, inhalation begins in a different place. One of the most important components of the respiratory system is, which we will talk about in more detail. But the biggest problem in this area of ​​our body is and will be diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which, unfortunately, do not occur so rarely.

Article outline

What is the upper respiratory tract?

The upper respiratory tract is a specific part of the body, which includes some organs, or rather their combination. So this includes:

  • Nasal cavity;
  • Oral cavity;

These four elements occupy the most important place in the functioning of our body, because it is through the nose or mouth that we inhale, fill our lungs with oxygen, and through the same two openings we exhale carbon dioxide.

As for the pharynx, its oral and nasal parts are directly connected to the nose and mouth itself. Vital channels flow through these sections, through which streams of inhaled air rush into the trachea and then into the lungs. In the nasopharynx, such canals are called choanae, and as for the oropharynx, here a part such as the pharynx comes into play, which also takes an active part in the respiratory process.

If we talk about the auxiliary functions of the upper respiratory tract, relating to the same breathing, then getting into nasal cavity, and then the nasopharynx, the air is warmed to the optimal temperature, moistened, and cleaned of excess dust and all kinds of harmful microorganisms. All these actions are carried out thanks to the capillaries located in the section under discussion and the special structure of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Having passed this difficult process, the air takes on suitable indicators in order to go into the lungs.

Upper respiratory tract diseases

As mentioned earlier, upper respiratory tract diseases are not uncommon. We more often than not, and the throat and pharynx become the most vulnerable place for all kinds of infections and viral ailments. These features are due to the fact that in this section of the throat there are accumulations of lymphoid tissue called tonsils. The palatine tonsils, which are paired formations located on the upper wall of the pharynx, belong to the structure of the upper respiratory tract, being the largest accumulation of lymph. It is in the palatine tonsils that processes that contribute to the development of diseases most often occur, since the lymphoid ring as a whole represents a kind of living shield in the path of all kinds of infections.

Thus, viral, bacterial and fungal infections When entering the human body, it is the tonsils that are attacked first, and if the immune system at these moments is in a vulnerable (weakened) state, the person gets sick. Among the most common diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract are the following:

  • (also called acute tonsillitis);
  • Chronic tonsillitis;
  • Bronchitis;
  • Laryngitis.

The ailments listed above are far from the only diseases that attack the upper respiratory tract. This list contains only those ailments that the average person most often suffers from, and their treatment in most cases can be done either independently at home, based on some symptoms, or with the help of a doctor.

Sore throat symptoms and treatment

Each of us quite often came across the name of this disease or suffered from it ourselves. This disease is one of the most common and has the most pronounced severe symptoms, and its treatment is known to the vast majority. However, it is impossible not to talk about it, so perhaps we should start with the symptoms. With angina, the following symptoms are almost always present:

  • A sharp increase in temperature to 38-39 degrees mercury thermometer;
  • Sore throat, first when swallowing, and then constant;
  • The throat in the area of ​​the palatine tonsils is very red, the tonsils are swollen and swollen;
  • The cervical lymph nodes are enlarged, and upon palpation they feel sore;
  • The person is very chilly, there is severe fatigue, lethargy and a state of weakness;
  • Headaches and joint aches are common.

Characteristic features of angina are the appearance of three or four of the above symptoms at once. At the same time, in the evening you could go to bed absolutely healthy person, and in the morning detect 3-4 symptoms, led by high fever.

Speaking about the treatment of sore throat, whether you see a doctor or not, it will be approximately the same. In most cases, a course of antibiotics is prescribed in order to attack the very cause of the disease and kill the infection that has entered the body. In combination with antibiotics, antihistamines that lower fever, relieve swelling and pain are also prescribed. Doctors also recommend strict bed rest and drinking as much warm liquid as possible in order to restore water balance and relieve intoxication, as well as gargle 4-6 times a day.

Also, touching on treatment, it is worth saying that it is still worth seeing a doctor so that the specialist can recommend you strictly specific antibiotics. This way, you reduce the risk of worsening the disease and damage to the body. As for sore throat in children, in this case calling a doctor at home is a mandatory step, since for children this disease can be extremely dangerous, even fatal.

Pharyngitis

This disease is much less dangerous compared to a sore throat, however, it can also cause a lot of trouble and definitely will not make your life easier. This disease is characterized by the fact that it also has a direct effect on the upper respiratory tract, and its symptoms are in some ways similar to sore throat, but much less pronounced. So, touching upon the symptoms of pharyngitis, the following are distinguished:

  • Painful sensations in the throat when swallowing;
  • In the area of ​​the pharynx, there is a feeling of soreness and dryness of the mucous membrane;
  • There is a slight increase in temperature, but rarely above 38 degrees thermometer;
  • The palatine tonsil and nasopharyngeal mucosa are inflamed;
  • In especially severe and advanced cases, back wall pharynx may appear purulent formations.

Diagnosing rhinitis is somewhat more difficult than sore throat, since the symptoms of this disease are less pronounced. However, as soon as you feel pain in your throat when swallowing, or notice even a slight increase in temperature or general malaise, you should consult a doctor.

Speaking about treatment of this disease, it will be less severe than with a sore throat, if only for the simple reason that you are unlikely to have to take antibiotics. If you have pharyngitis, you should completely avoid inhaling cold air, smoking (both passive and active), eating food that irritates the mucous membranes, that is, eliminating spicy, sour, salty, and so on from the diet.

The next stage will be methodically rinsing the eagle with special pharmaceutical drugs, or infusions of medicinal herbs such as sage, chamomile or calendula. Another great rinse method is to mix a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water, and add a few drops of iodine. Similar treatment promotes relief pain, relieving sore throat, inflammation, as well as disinfecting the upper respiratory tract and preventing the formation of purulent deposits. It would also be useful to take antibacterial drugs, however, it is better to consult a specialist on this matter.

Chronic tonsillitis

This disease fully falls under the definition of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It is very easy to catch chronic tonsillitis; it is enough to simply not treat a sore throat or let it become chronic.

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by purulent deposits in the tonsils. In this case, the pus most often becomes clogged, and it becomes quite difficult to get rid of it. Very often, a person may not even suspect that he has this disease, but there are still diagnostic methods. Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis are as follows:

  • Bad breath due to the presence of pus;
  • Frequent throat diseases;
  • Constant soreness, rawness, dry throat;
  • In moments of exacerbation, a cough or even fever may appear.

If we talk about the treatment of this disease, it is fundamentally different from measures to get rid of a sore throat. For chronic tonsillitis, it is necessary to undergo a course of special treatment, in which repeated rinsing of the palatine tonsils is carried out in the otolaryngologist's office in order to get rid of pus. Then, after each rinsing, ultrasound heating follows and all this is accompanied by home procedures for rinsing the eagle, exactly the same as for pharyngitis. Only such methodical and rather long-term treatment can bear fruit. Unpleasant symptoms will go away, and you can get rid of this unpleasant disease forever.

Conclusion

Taking into account all of the above, we can say that problems associated with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, although they are a fairly common problem for all of humanity, their treatment is quite feasible. The main thing in this matter is to detect the symptoms of the disease in time, be able to compare them and immediately consult a doctor so that an experienced specialist can prescribe you treatment that corresponds to the etiology of your disease.

Video

The video talks about how to quickly cure a cold, flu or acute respiratory viral infection. Opinion of an experienced doctor.

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