Sometimes, during colds or infectious diseases, the voice disappears. There is an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the larynx. It can be provoked by hypothermia, very cold or very dusty air, bad habits (alcohol or smoking), voice strain. The disease, which is called laryngitis, occurs in both acute and chronic forms. This article will discuss what laryngitis is, what are its signs and what to do if a disease occurs.
Common symptoms of laryngitis
Illness usually begins when a person feels well or has a mild ailment. Body temperature often remains normal or slightly elevated. An unpleasant sensation of burning, dryness, tickling, scratching occurs in the larynx, a slight soreness is felt when swallowing, and a dry, barking cough appears, and sometimes a headache. The voice becomes hoarse, hoarse, and sometimes sonority disappears altogether, but a person can speak in a whisper. Subsequent dry coughturns into wet with the separation of a large amount of sputum, consisting of mucus, and then an admixture of pus appears. The larynx swells and turns red.
The inflamed vessels burst, and dark red spots appear on the larynx. In this case, the vocal cords swell. This disease is especially dangerous in children. What is laryngitis? Symptoms develop very quickly, and swelling of the larynx can block the air supply. The child stops breathing, a coma is possible. Inhalation is disturbed, and a false croup sets in. With a lack of oxygen, brain function is disrupted. Urgent medical attention and hospitalization required.
Clinical picture of various forms of laryngitis
There are several types of the disease, the clinic of which is somewhat different. Consider them by type of laryngitis:
- Atrophic - thinning of the mucous membrane of the larynx occurs. Patients suffer from dry mouth, excruciating cough, hoarse voice. With bouts of coughing, crusts with streaks of blood depart from the mucosa. Together with the larynx, the back wall of the pharynx is also damaged. The reason lies in the excessive consumption of spicy food, in which many seasonings and spices are added. Children do not get this form of laryngitis. It is most often found in residents of the mountainous regions of the Caucasus, lovers of spicy food.
- Hemorrhagic laryngitis. How does this condition threaten the patient? The larynx is very inflamed and swollen. The disease is characterized by hemorrhages in the mucous membrane, especially in the vocal cords. The disease is mostly a complication of the toxic form of influenza, it can rarelyappear due to deviations in the functioning of the hematopoietic organs and during pregnancy. Children and the elderly often get sick.
- Hypertrophic - characterized by the fact that thickenings of a small size are formed on the vocal cords. As a result of this, there is a strong hoarseness of the voice, perspiration and cough. In children, hoarseness may go away. In adolescence, due to hormonal changes, thickening disappears. Sometimes cauterization with a solution of silver nitrate is used to remove them, in extreme cases, an operation is performed.
- Catarrhal - sore in the throat, itchy, sometimes coughing. This form of the disease is the mildest.
- Professional - the disease is associated with frequent tension of the voice. Teachers, lecturers, singers get sick - everyone who speaks and sings a lot and loudly. They also develop lumps on their ligaments called "singer's nodules" and become hoarse in their voices.
- Diphtheria laryngitis - what is it? This is a very dangerous infectious disease called diphtheria. Microorganisms from the tonsils enter the larynx. It becomes inflamed, covered with a white coating, which can separate and clog the airways. The result is suffocation.
- Syphilitic - is a complication of syphilis. With the underlying disease, ulcers, plaques, and subsequently scars appear in the larynx, leading to deformation of the larynx and vocal cords, which leads to irreversible hoarseness.
- Tuberculosis - occurs as a complication of pulmonary tuberculosis. In the larynx, thickenings appear on the mucosa, with an advanced form of the disease, it is destroyedcartilage and epiglottis.
Main causes of laryngitis
Depending on the course of the disease, laryngitis is divided into two forms: acute and chronic.
The reasons for them are as follows:
- Viral infections - influenza, SARS and adenovirus. The disease in this case develops very quickly, literally in a few hours. With laryngitis (photo above), there is a strong swelling of the mucous membranes, and the glottis becomes very narrow.
- Infections of a bacterial nature - streptococci and staphylococci. Being on the mucous membrane, they do not cause disease until conditions favorable for them appear (weakened immunity, hypothermia).
- Fungal Infections - Yeasts and Molds.
- Allergic reactions - possible respiratory and food irritants.
- Hypothermia and sudden changes in temperature.
- Vocal cord strain.
- Bronchial cough and smoker's cough.
- Vapours of heavy chemical compounds, small particles in the air.
Diagnosis of laryngitis
To diagnose the disease, the following measures must be taken:
- The doctor talks to the patient, examines the larynx, nose, throat, lymph nodes, measures the temperature.
- Complete blood count. ESR values determine the presence of inflammation. For antibiotic treatment, an analysis is made for the sensitivity of microorganisms to drugs.
- Bacteriological examination of a smear from the larynx - to determineexciter type.
- Laryngoscopy. Used for a more thorough examination of the larynx.
- Video-laryngostroboscopy. This study allows the doctor to analyze the vibration of the vocal cords.
Based on symptoms and findings, treatment of laryngitis is prescribed.
Treatment of acute disease in adults
Patients are assigned home bed rest with strict voice restriction. Conversations are kept to a minimum. Doctors recommend speaking quietly, but not in a whisper, to reduce the strain on the vocal cords. In addition, an appropriate diet with vitamin complexes is needed to strengthen the general condition. How to treat laryngitis in adults? The course of therapy consists of the following activities:
- Inhalations using baking soda, herbal decoctions, mineral water.
- Drugs for dry cough. It is advisable to drink warm mineral water "Borjomi", it helps to thin the mucus. Of the medications, they use ACC-long, Ambroxol, Solvin.
- Antipyretic drugs. They are taken when body temperature rises above 38 degrees.
- Sprays and tablets to soften and disinfect the throat.
- Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial laryngitis. For the treatment of laryngitis in adults, the Bioparox aerosol is often used.
- Antiviral drugs to treat a viral infection,
- Antihistamines are used for allergic reactions.
In addition, you need to drink plenty of warm liquids, use a humidifier. During treatment, it is not recommended to eat hot, cold and spicy foods. You should not breathe cold air and be in a smoky room. With properly organized treatment of acute laryngitis, the patient is on his feet in a week.
Treatment of chronic disease in adults
Chronic laryngitis cannot be completely cured. Under favorable conditions, he returns every time. The number of relapses due to productive therapy can be reduced. Laryngitis in adults can be cured using the following remedies:
- Antibacterial. In a polyclinic, the mucous membrane of the larynx is sprayed with solutions of antibiotics or oils with a special syringe.
- Antiseptic sprays, lozenges - Tantum Verde, Ingalipt, Faringosept, Septolete.
- Inhalations with herbs, saline and sodas, and good use of peach, apricot, cedar and eucalyptus oils.
- Expectorant and antitussive drugs - Fluimucil, Bromhexine, Travisil, Aflubin.
- Medicines to support the immune system.
Physiotherapy is widely used: UHF, diadynamic therapy, electrophoresis, as well as compresses, mustard plasters, warming baths.
Treatment of chronic laryngitis should help to moisturize the larynx, eliminate the formation of crusts and strengthen the body's defenses.
Somefeatures of the disease in infants
In young children, there is a weak resistance to pathogenic bacteria. The baby's illness can be caused by hypothermia, infection or a virus as a result of inflammation in the nasopharynx. A hoarse voice, swelling of the mucosa, bouts of dry cough are the first signs of laryngitis.
When a baby has such signs at night, an ambulance should be called urgently. To alleviate the child's condition with laryngitis at home, the following steps must be taken:
- Calm down and don't panic. The child should not be nervous and cry - this increases the spasm.
- The baby should be breastfed more often if he is breastfeeding, or make a warm alkaline drink by dissolving one teaspoon of baking soda in a liter of water. Drink often, but little by little. Do not give juices, compotes and cow's milk to avoid allergic reactions.
- Give your child a steam inhalation. To do this, close the drain hole in the bathroom and turn on hot water. Stand with the baby there for about five minutes, repeat the procedure after 30 minutes. Humid warm air softens the mucous membrane of the larynx.
- Humidify dry room air by hanging wet towels.
- To prevent an allergic reaction in laryngitis in children, antihistamines are given - Suprastin, Loratadin, and No-shpa or Papaverine will help to relieve spasm.
- Inhalation will help relieve the symptoms of dry cough. For the treatment of babies, it is better to use a nebulizer. You can take a soda solution with the addition of "Lazolvan"or "Ambrobene".
- When the temperature rises above 38 degrees, give an antipyretic in the form of candles.
Treatment of laryngitis in babies should be started immediately, until there is severe swelling and suffocation. All the danger is associated with a weak immune system and an unformed larynx, which has a very narrow glottis and loose mucosa. It should be noted that the symptoms of laryngitis in infants develop very quickly. Therefore, when the first signs of the disease appear, you should immediately seek medical help.
General recommendations for the treatment of the disease in children
General recommendations for treating laryngitis in children at home are as follows:
- Organize bed rest so that the child can lie quietly and move less.
- Constantly give plenty of alkaline drink, herbal teas. The use of a large amount of liquid softens the mucous membrane of the larynx and helps to reduce the overall intoxication of the body.
- Limit the strain on the vocal cords. Doctors recommend to be more silent and speak only in a quiet voice. Excessive stress can adversely affect the child's condition.
- Treatment of laryngitis at home will be more successful if you regularly moisten and ventilate the room where the child is. This can be done using wet sheets, a container of water, air humidification from a spray bottle.
- Proper nutrition. During illness, you should not give your child too hot or cold food, exclude carbonated drinks. Food mustcontain the required amount of vitamins and trace elements.
- Walks. In the acute course of the disease, it is not recommended to go outside. Walking should also be avoided in very hot or, conversely, cold and slushy weather. With improved well-being, fresh air away from the highway is very beneficial.
Drug treatment of laryngitis in children
To treat the disease, doctors recommend the following drugs:
- Antihistamines. These drugs are always present in the treatment of laryngitis. They help to relieve swelling of the mucosa and have a calming effect on the baby. Often prescribed "Zodak", "Klarotadin".
- Antitussive and expectorant. The pharmacy network has a large assortment of such funds. Only the attending physician can choose them correctly for the child. With a paroxysmal dry cough, Libeksin, Sinekod or effective syrup Erespal is prescribed, which is used from the age of two. Expectorant effect has: "Bronchosan", "Alteika", "Fluimucil".
- Lozenges and aerosols. They soften and moisturize the mucous membrane of the larynx, thereby preventing swelling. Lozenges are not recommended for children under five years of age. In this case, it is necessary to observe the reaction of the baby to medicines - allergic reactions are always possible. The most popular tablets are: Gramidin, Stopangin, Strepsils, and effective aerosols include: Miramistin, Lugol, Geksoral.
- Antibiotics for laryngitis. They are extremely rarein severe forms, when the disease is caused by bacteria. Doctors recommend Augmentin, Amoxiclav.
- Antipyretic. At a temperature above 38 degrees, the child is prescribed: Paracetamol, Panadol, Nurofen.
The main task for laryngitis is to eliminate the swelling of the vocal cords. These symptoms are a serious threat to the life of the child. To prevent this, the doctor prescribes antihistamines and decongestants. Now you know how to treat laryngitis in children with medications. But remember that only a doctor can prescribe medications.
Laryngitis in pregnant women
During this period, with a weakened immune system, a woman is very susceptible to various colds and viral diseases associated with the upper respiratory tract. Laryngitis can appear due to hypothermia, being in a dusty and gassed place, or from exposure to pathogens. The disease is dangerous during pregnancy in that it can be a manifestation of another disease: influenza, whooping cough, measles or scarlet fever, which are very dangerous for the fetus. Therefore, when a dry cough, sore throat, hoarseness of voice appear, a woman in an interesting position should definitely visit the attending physician. The doctor will advise taking decoctions and inhalations from medicinal plant materials and sea s alt.
Treatment of the disease with folk methods
For the treatment of laryngitis of any form, inhalations, rinses, warm compresses and foot baths are required. To eliminate dry andwet cough use antitussives and expectorants. All this is purchased in the pharmacy network. And you can try to use folk remedies that have been tested for years. Many use various infusions, decoctions and juices from natural products and herbs for the treatment of laryngitis, reviews of which are shared on the Internet. Here are some of them:
- Boil three carrots until tender in a liter of milk. Gargle with the resulting decoction and drink in small sips throughout the day. Helps with hoarse voice.
- Squeeze the juice of boiled beets and gargle with them several times a day. Reduces puffiness.
- Cook the potatoes in their skins, drain the water. Breathe over the steam for ten minutes, covering your head with a warm cloth. Inhalation moisturizes the mucous membrane of the larynx.
- Drink half a glass of decoction of dried apples twice a day. Helps with acute laryngitis.
- Grate the onion, put the gruel in 0.5 liters of boiling milk, strain. Drink a glass in the morning and evening. Helps restore voice.
- Chop two cloves of garlic, add a glass of milk and boil. Drink warm broth in small sips. Disinfects the throat, softens the mucous membranes.
- Insist two tablespoons of nettle flowers in a glass of boiling water. Take during the day. Acts as an expectorant.
It should be remembered that the treatment of folk remedies for laryngitis is used as an adjunct therapy to the drug course. Before starting treatment, you need to make sure that the medicinal raw material does not cause allergies. Particular care should be taken when treating laryngitis in children. In each case, consultation with a doctor on the use of folk remedies is necessary.
Prevention of laryngitis
Prevention of colds is the main prevention of laryngitis. To do this, follow:
- Temper the body - spend more time outdoors, pour cold water on yourself, take a contrast shower, have constant physical activity.
- Avoid hypothermia - dress for the season.
- Timely treat foci of infection.
- Minimum contact with patients with influenza, SARS.
- Keep your vocal cords warm - don't talk in the cold, wear a warm scarf and hat in cold weather.
- Ensure normal humidity, air temperature and cleanliness in the apartment.
- Keep personal hygiene - regularly wash your hands with soap and water, use disposable tissues, have separate personal hygiene items.
- Do not abuse smoking and alcohol.
If laryngitis occurs, treat it to the end so that the disease does not become chronic. To do this, strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations.
Instead of a conclusion
How to treat laryngitis? You should start with those methods that will alleviate the condition and save you from complications. Before going to the doctor, inhalations and various home treatments are useful. Then you must strictly follow all the instructions of the attending doctor. Parents should pay special attention to this diagnosis in children. Statistics show that morein some children, acute laryngitis turns into stenosis of the larynx. And only parents can prevent serious complications and save the life of the child.
