Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, accompanied by quite characteristic symptoms. Therapy largely depends on the type of disease and severity, as well as the characteristics of the patient's well-being.
Inflammation of the larynx can be acute or chronic. The entire mucous membrane of the larynx or individual parts may be involved in the pathological process. Basically, the disease is associated with colds or occurs against the background of infection entering the body.
Among the symptoms of laryngitis are hoarseness, itchy and dry throat, and barking dry cough. Breathing may be difficult, there is a bluish tint to the skin, pain when swallowing.
Main forms of the disease
Symptoms and treatment of laryngitis in adults are very different, it all depends on the type of disease. There are several types of this pathology, which depend on the extent of the damage to the organ and the course of the disease. In particular, there are such varieties as:
- acute catarrhal;
- phlegmonous;
- false croup;
- chronic;
- allergic.
Some doctors consider separate forms of the disease as stages of one pathological process. When the first symptoms of laryngitis occur, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner for diagnosis and subsequent therapy.
Acute type of illness
The most common is acute laryngitis, the symptoms and treatment of this type of disease can be very different, it all depends on the characteristics of its course. It occurs as a result of damage to the larynx by bacteria or viruses. In addition, mechanical irritation of the vocal cords and larynx can be distinguished among the provoking factors.
When acute laryngitis occurs, the symptoms are characterized by the fact that there is a sore throat, wheezing, fever, pain when swallowing. A person has a deterioration in general well-being, a severe headache. The illness can last up to 2 weeks. When carrying out incorrect or untimely treatment, the acute form can turn into a chronic one.
Chronic type of disease
This condition occurs with frequent acute laryngitis, lesions and changes in the larynx. Like acute inflammation, chronic course has certain varieties, depending on which the method of therapy is selected. Among the main types, one can distinguish such as:
- hypertrophic;
- catarrhal;
- atrophic;
- edematous-polyposis.
The catarrhal type mainly affects people whoseactivity is directly related to regular, significant stress on the vocal cords. Symptoms of chronic laryngitis of the catarrhal type are characterized by the appearance of redness of the mucous membranes of the larynx, cough, dry mouth.
Hypertrophic type has the same features, but they are more pronounced. Nodules form on the vocal cords, which lead to hoarseness of the voice. The atrophic type is characterized by thinning of the mucous membrane of the larynx.
Edematous-polyposis is considered the most dangerous type, as it can provoke respiratory failure as a result of stenosis of the larynx. Depending on the symptoms of laryngitis in adults, the treatment is selected purely individually, depending on the characteristics of the course. Therapy involves the elimination of inflammation and the changes that have occurred in the larynx.
Causes of occurrence
Often, acute laryngitis does not occur as a separate disease, but it occurs in parallel with the course of inflammation of other parts of the respiratory system. Acute respiratory infections can provoke such a condition, in particular, such as:
- parainfluenza;
- flu;
- adenoviral infection.
Inflammation can develop during the course of diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, tuberculosis, syphilis. Less commonly, this condition can be triggered by a bacterial infection, in particular, a staphylococcal or streptococcal infection. This usually occurs with secondary infection of the pharyngeal mucosa with weakeningimmunity against the background of chronic infections or SARS. In addition, the main causes of acute laryngitis are:
- airborne dust, vapor and gases;
- external allergens;
- thermal effect on the mucosa;
- tobacco smoking;
- increased load on the ligaments.
In some cases, a violation can occur against the background of gastric reflux, when its contents enter the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and have an irritating effect. The chronic form of the disease occurs for reasons such as:
- frequent acute laryngitis without required treatment;
- chronic respiratory inflammation;
- increased loads on ligaments;
- hypothermia;
- consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- tobacco smoking.
Penetrating into the mucous membrane of the larynx, the provoking factor leads to its damage, resulting in symptoms of chronic laryngitis, causing significant discomfort.
Main symptoms
Often, the main causes of laryngitis include the penetration of bacteria and viruses into the mucous membrane of the pharynx. In the first 7-10 days after the onset of the disease, it is considered acute. If the symptoms of laryngitis persist for a longer period, then this is considered a chronic stage. All unpleasant signs are mainly concentrated in the pharynx. Among the main symptoms of laryngitis in adults are:
- dryness and burning in the throat;
- feeling the presence of a foreign object;
- frequentsuperficial dry cough or phlegm;
- fatigue, hoarseness and hoarseness of voice;
- temperature increase;
- headache, severe weakness.
At the very beginning of the course of the disease, the general state of he alth worsens somewhat. It becomes painful for a person to swallow, and sometimes even hard to breathe, as the glottis narrows significantly.
Among one of the most important symptoms of pharyngitis and laryngitis is voice change. It first becomes hoarse, rough, and then completely disappears. At the initial stage, a dry cough appears, which eventually becomes wet and viscous sputum appears. If the first symptoms of laryngitis occur, you should immediately visit a therapist for diagnosis and subsequent adequate treatment.
Diagnostics
In the article you can see people (pictured) with symptoms of laryngitis. Treatment is selected purely individually, based on the results of the diagnosis. Mainly, the definition of the disease occurs due to the information obtained from the patient's complaints and the laryngoscopy performed. In the course of the study, you can determine:
- swelling and redness of the larynx;
- presence of characteristic plaque and formation of crusts;
- thickening or, conversely, thinning of the mucosa;
- excessive dryness or moisture in the throat;
- presence of purulent fistulas;
- necrosis of the tissue of the larynx.
Histological examination at the initial stages can detect a change in the upper layer of the epithelium. AtAs the pathology progresses, the cells change their shape, becoming flat. At the same time, the capillaries expand.
To determine microbial laryngitis, bacterial culture is carried out from the mucous membrane of the larynx, as well as determining the level of immunoglobulins in the blood. Increased values may be with the course of an allergy. To prescribe the correct treatment of laryngitis in adults, the symptoms must be taken into account, as they can be similar to many other disorders.
Feature of treatment
When the first symptoms of laryngitis occur in adults, treatment should be carried out immediately to prevent the development of complications. If inflammation of the larynx is observed, then, first of all, it is necessary to observe the correct daily regimen. It consists in:
- restricted speech activity;
- quitting alcohol and smoking;
- exclusion from the diet of cold and spicy foods;
- compliance with bed rest;
- liquid food intake;
- avoiding allergen exposure.
In the presence of a pathology that is not accompanied by an increase in temperature, the use of a warming compress on the neck is indicated. In addition, inhalations can be carried out using medications, herbs, and mineral water. The same means are used for gargling. Night baths are recommended for children as warming procedures, as well as the application of mustard plasters on calves.
Depending on the symptoms of laryngitis in adults, treatment is carried out withthe use of medications, in particular, such as:
- antimicrobial;
- antipyretic;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- mucolytics;
- bronchodilators;
- secretolytics.
May be prescribed for external use, and for better absorption, physiotherapy is additionally indicated. Perhaps the use of biostimulants and vitamins.
If there are abscesses, they are opened. Since there may be a narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, surgical intervention is required. If the symptoms of laryngitis are not too pronounced, treatment in adults can also be carried out using folk remedies and techniques that will help eliminate inflammation and quickly normalize well-being.
Medicated treatment
Since the symptoms and treatment of laryngitis can be very different, it is imperative that when the first signs appear, you should immediately visit a therapist who can prescribe adequate therapy. It should be aimed at reducing the course of the infectious process and inflammation in the larynx, as well as alleviating symptoms and eliminating pain.
To be able to quickly eliminate the symptoms of laryngitis, treatment should be carried out with the use of drugs aimed at the destruction of bacteria and viruses. Since inflammation is often provoked by viruses, the use of antiviral agents is required, in particular, such as Aflubin, Laferon, Anaferon, Laferobion. If, during the diagnostic process, it was determined that the inflammationoccurred when bacteria entered the body, antibiotics are prescribed.
The most effective antibacterial agents are such as Ampicillin, Retarpen, Cefepim, Medocef. Before prescribing antibiotics, a comprehensive examination is required. When treating chronic laryngitis in adults, the symptoms are taken into account first of all, since it is by them that the nature of the disease can be determined and the best medication can be selected.
If the disease has arisen due to the penetration of fungi, then the appointment of antimycotics is required. In the presence of temperature, it is required to take antipyretics, in particular, such as Paracetamol or Nurofen. To eliminate inflammation of the mucosa, it is necessary to gargle with drugs that have a local effect directly on the focus of inflammation, preventing the subsequent development of infection. In particular, Chlorophyllipt solution helps a lot. The throat can be lubricated several times a day with Lugol's solution. This therapy technique helps to soothe the mucosa, eliminate perspiration and sore throat.
To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of laryngitis, treatment is also carried out with the help of lozenges for resorption, in particular, such as Decatilen, Strepsils, Faringosept. They have an antiseptic effect on the pharynx and larynx, and also somewhat eliminate pain.
To reduce the symptoms of chronic laryngitis in adults, treatment involves the use of antitussivedrugs. The doctor may prescribe medications for dry cough, such as Gerbion, Sinekod, Stoptussin. With subsequent therapy to thin sputum, expectorant drugs should be used, for example, Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Bromhexine.
To eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane and prevent further damage due to the penetration of allergens into the body, the use of antihistamines is required. In order to quickly alleviate the symptoms of laryngitis in adults and children, and also not to provoke side effects, you need to use drugs such as Claritin, Cetrin, Diazolin.
Folk techniques
If the symptoms of laryngitis have begun, home treatment involves warming up the diseased area, as well as softening the inflamed pharynx. Well help folk methods to improve immunity. Can be used on its own:
- inhalations;
- compresses on the neck;
- tinctures;
- foot baths.
To eliminate the symptoms of laryngitis at home, the treatment is carried out using inhalation. You can simply breathe over the steam of decoctions of medicinal plants or boiled potatoes in their skins. Plants with antiseptic qualities are good, in particular, such as:
- chamomile;
- St. John's wort;
- eucalyptus;
- sage.
You can also add essential oils or baking soda to the water. These agents have a detrimental effect on bacteria. You can take a warm decoction made from carrots and milk. gooda decoction of dried apples with honey is considered a remedy.
Good help to eliminate the symptoms of chronic laryngitis in adults, a compress on the neck, which has a warming effect. To do this, you need to dilute medical alcohol half with water, and then moisten a bandage or cotton wool in it, wring it out well and wrap your neck. Top wrap with a film and a warm scarf. Leave it to cool completely.
To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to do hot foot baths with the addition of mustard powder or s alt. This procedure should be carried out daily for 15 minutes. After that, dry your feet, put on warm socks and go to bed.
Other types of therapy
If there are symptoms of chronic laryngitis, the treatment should be complex. In addition to medications and folk remedies, you also need:
- carrying out physiotherapy;
- sparing food;
- ensure peace.
When an acute type of illness or exacerbation of chronic laryngitis occurs, strict bed rest is required for faster recovery. Inflamed vocal cords also require calmness, so it is advisable to be silent for 3-5 days.
When the throat is sore, it is very painful to swallow. In addition, certain foods and drinks can damage inflamed mucous throats. It is recommended to consume warm soft food without seasonings. Patients need to drink as many warm drinks as possible, including milk with honey.
Sickit will heal much faster if you carry out daily wet cleaning in the room, as well as airing 2-3 times a day. If you humidify the air, it becomes much easier. If atrophy of the muscular system occurs during laryngitis, then electrophoresis is prescribed for the collar region. A solution of potassium chloride is introduced within 15-20 minutes. 10–15 such procedures are shown. With intense pain, electrophoresis with novocaine is indicated.
When treating an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, special attention should be paid to chronic infections that lead to this exacerbation.
Consequences of laryngitis
A fairly common complication of an acute inflammatory process is its transition to a chronic stage. The severe form is accompanied by swelling and can lead to asphyxia. Other consequences of the disease include:
- phlegmon;
- mediastinitis;
- lung abscess;
- sepsis.
Despite the fact that the manifestations of the chronic form of laryngitis are not as obvious as in the acute stage, this disease is no less dangerous. Complications include:
- benign neoplasms;
- narrowing of the lumen of the larynx;
- malignant lesion;
- polyps and granulomas;
- vocal cord paresis;
- cyst.
In order to prevent the consequences of laryngitis, it is important to treat acute or chronic inflammation in a timely manner under the supervision of a doctor. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of immunity, excludefrequent infections and respiratory diseases.
Laryngitis in a child
The nasopharynx in children still cannot properly retain the viruses that have penetrated inside, which allows pathogens to quickly descend into the larynx. That is why illness is a very serious problem for them.
Basically, the symptoms of laryngitis in children are manifested in the form of rhinitis, dry intense cough, and somewhat later the timbre of the voice changes. During the course of the disease, the child has difficulty and rapid breathing. Basically, this situation occurs at night or immediately after waking up.
When air is inhaled, a characteristic whistle is observed. Then the child has a strong attack of dry cough, because of which the baby cries a lot and is irritated. In addition, the temperature may rise significantly.
When the first symptoms of laryngitis appear in children, you should immediately consult a doctor who can choose the required treatment. If the baby has a very strong attack of coughing, then you need to seat him and put a pillow under his back. As prescribed by the doctor, you need to give drugs that will help eliminate inflammation and irritation of the mucosa. It is very important to quickly cure the disease in infants, as a small lumen of the larynx can be blocked, which will provoke respiratory arrest.
Prevention
It is very important to prevent laryngitis, as this disease is very acute and causes considerable discomfort. Preventive measures mean hardening of the body andproviding a gentle regime for the vocal cords. Be sure to avoid talking in the cold, as well as significant tension on the vocal cords.
It is important to determine the course of laryngitis in a timely manner and treat it in order to prevent dangerous complications.
