Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, which can occur in both acute and chronic forms. The first accompanies influenza, scarlet fever, measles, whooping cough. It is more likely to develop in children.
Chronic form occurs as a result of frequent repetition of acute. It is considered an occupational disease of teachers.
Acute laryngitis in children: etiology
In the occurrence of this form of the disease, microbes are of primary importance: streptococcus, staphylococcus, pneumococcus, etc. Viruses, primarily parainfluenza, also play an important role in etiology.
Acute laryngitis in children: pathology
The mucosa with this form of the disease turns red, swells and becomes saturated with leukocytes. Microscopic examination of sputum, if it is still allocated, allows you to detect epithelial cells and single red blood cells. Inflammation, as a rule, spreads over the entire surface of the mucous membrane of the larynx, but sometimes it is concentrated only under the vocal cords or in their area.back. In some cases, the pathological process even captures the muscles of the larynx. If a child has recently had measles, dysentery, influenza and has a reduced reactivity, then tissue death may occur in his mucosa. This process is greatly affected by retinol deficiency.
Symptoms of laryngitis in children
Primary disease is rare. Acute laryngitis mainly joins tracheitis, nasopharyngitis, rhinitis. The disease begins with a rise in temperature and perspiration, scratching in the throat. Then comes a barking dry cough, which is soon followed by sputum. The voice either becomes rough, becomes hoarse, or completely disappears. In children with manifestations of exudative diathesis, inspiratory dyspnea or wheezing is observed. Possible pain when swallowing.
Acute laryngitis in children: recognition
It must be remembered that the symptoms mentioned above appear in many other infectious diseases. Therefore, you should carefully examine the pharynx. A mucosal rash associated with lacrimation, conjunctivitis, and photophobia is typical of measles.
The presence of deposits that protrude above the level of the mucous membrane of the tonsils is characteristic of diphtheria of the pharynx. Acute laryngitis is not very difficult, and after 3-5 days recovery occurs. Only in some cases is it complicated by false croup.
Acute laryngitis in children: treatment
With such inflammation of the larynx, the firstturn it is necessary to ensure the rest of the vocal cords. At least for five days you need to speak in a whisper, do not inhale cold air or air saturated with smoke, dust, smells of medicines. All this leads to additional irritation of the larynx. It is also necessary to exclude the intake of too hot, spicy or cold food. Drink plenty of warm water. Since inflammation of the larynx is predominantly a symptom of another infectious disease, antiviral drugs and antibiotics for laryngitis in children are prescribed in the same way as in adults, only in a different dosage. The next method of treatment is inhalation. They are carried out up to three times a day using medicinal herbs. To facilitate the process of expectoration, the doctor may prescribe tablets and syrups.
