If a person is prone to frequent diseases of the throat and larynx, the doctor may recommend a procedure such as laryngoscopy. What it is? This is the most effective way to study the condition of the larynx. Previously, in this case, doctors used a special mirror. It was introduced into the larynx, illuminated the throat and examined its walls. Today, this procedure has undergone significant changes, and modern laryngoscopy is performed in a completely different way, and doctors receive comprehensive information.
What is laryngoscopy used for?
What is it and in what cases is this procedure carried out? Laryngoscopy is necessary in order to examine the throat and diagnose problems that have arisen in it. It is usually assigned in the following cases:
- to understand the cause of cough, often with blood, hoarseness, bad breath, sore throat;
- to find out the causes of swallowing difficulties;
- to evaluate the possiblethe cause of constant pain in the ear;
- for foreign body removal;
- to detect swelling of the throat.
Types of laryngoscopy
There are the following types of procedures such as laryngoscopy:
- indirect - in this case, a laryngeal mirror is used, which the doctor inserts into the oral part of the pharynx;
- direct - carried out using a device, thanks to which you can see the larynx itself, and not its mirror image;
- retrograde - performed to study the lower larynx using a nasopharyngeal speculum inserted into the trachea through a tracheostomy;
- microlaryngoscopy - for this, a special operating microscope is used with a focal length of 350–400 mm.
Possible Complications
If you have a procedure such as laryngoscopy of the larynx, then you need to know about such possible complications as:
- pain;
- severe swelling or bleeding in the throat;
- allergic reaction to anesthesia;
- bleeding from the nose when a laryngoscope is inserted through the nose;
- nausea and vomiting;
- Teeth wounds at the bottom of the tongue.
The laryngoscopy procedure is usually performed by an otorhinolaryngologist.
Otorhinolaryngologist - who is this?
Many people with various diseases of the ear, throat and nose do not rush to the doctor, but self-medicate. Gradually, this leads to the fact that the disease acquires a chronic form, giving a complication onheart, joints, kidneys. Only in this case, a person turns to such a specialist as an otorhinolaryngologist. Who is this?
Otolaryngologist examines and diagnoses: pharynx, ears, larynx, nose and trachea. Such a specialist performs not only conservative treatment, but also operations on the ears, nose, pharynx, larynx.
Preparing for the procedure
Before a laryngoscopy is performed, it is necessary to prepare for it. To do this, the patient is examined, a chest x-ray is taken, a barium x-ray contrast study is performed, which is an x-ray of the esophagus and larynx, and is performed after taking a liquid containing a barium solution. The preparation may also include a CT scan, a type of computer-assisted x-ray that takes pictures of structures inside the body.
If general anesthesia will be used, it is forbidden to drink and eat 8 hours before the procedure. Local anesthesia does not impose such requirements. The doctor should be aware of all medications taken. Anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners should be stopped a week before laryngoscopy.
Performing indirect laryngoscopy
For a patient, a doctor may prescribe a procedure such as an indirect laryngoscopy. What it is? This is a procedure carried out by adults and older children using a special laryngeal mirror. A head reflector is used as illumination,which reflects the light of the lamp.
Indirect laryngoscopy is usually performed in a darkened room. An anesthetic is used in the form of a spray, which is sprayed into the throat. If a frontal reflector is used, then this light source is placed on the side of the patient's right ear, and the patient's protruding tongue is fixed with the thumb and middle fingers of the left hand. The index finger is often used to lift the upper lip. The doctor directs the light of the frontal reflector to the area of the soft palate and with his right hand introduces a laryngeal mirror into the oral cavity, which must first be heated to body temperature so that it does not fog up.
The mirror should be installed in such a way that the rays of light reflected from it fall on the larynx, and the rod is located on the left side of the patient's mouth. This will keep the field of view open. The patient should pronounce the sounds "E" and "I", in which case the larynx rises slightly and facilitates examination. If there is a foreign object in the larynx, the doctor removes it.
To avoid vomiting, the oral cavity and laryngeal part of the pharynx, as well as the upper part of the larynx, are irrigated or lubricated with 1–2% lidocaine solution or 2% pyromecaine solution. If there are such shortcomings as a thick short tongue, a rigid, folded, thrown back epiglottis, then with the help of a holder, the epiglottis is pulled to the root of the tongue. This procedure is performed under surface anesthesia.
A procedure such as indirect laryngoscopy produces a semi-reverse image of the larynx.
Performing direct laryngoscopy
In addition to indirect, direct laryngoscopy can also be performed. What it is? This is a procedure that allows the doctor to take a closer look at the throat. In this case, laryngoscopes are used, which are also used for other manipulations, for example, the removal of foreign bodies. In order to make it more convenient to examine the larynx during a procedure such as direct laryngoscopy, laryngoscopy sets are used that have fiber light guides and replaceable blades. These kits are usually designed for the procedure in children and adults and allow you to view the larynx in all details.
Retrograde laryngoscopy done
The procedure is prescribed for people who have had a tracheostomy. A small nasopharyngeal mirror is preheated to body temperature and inserted through the tracheostomy. The tool in this case should be turned up with a mirror surface, in the direction of the larynx. A forehead reflector or illuminator is used as illumination. This procedure allows you to see the upper trachea, the lower surface of the vocal folds and the subglottic cavity.
Microlaryngoscopy
Examination of the larynx is carried out using a special operating microscope with a focal length of 350–400 mm. This procedure can be combined with direct or indirect laryngoscopy and allows the diagnosis of tumor lesions of the larynx.
Laryngoscopy procedure: where can it be done?
Many people are concerned about the question of where to do a laryngoscopy. It is usually held inmodern medical centers located in many cities. This procedure can be paid and free.
Conclusion
Laryngoscopy is a procedure that allows you to assess the condition of the larynx and determine the cause of chronic diseases. Often, throat diseases become chronic due to their neglect. In order not to bring your larynx to such a state, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner.
