If a person is prone to frequent diseases of the throat and larynx, the doctor may recommend undergoing 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. He was introduced into the larynx, his throat was illuminated, and its walls were examined. Today, this procedure has undergone significant changes, and modern laryngoscopy is performed very differently, and doctors receive comprehensive information.
Why is laryngoscopy performed?
What is it and in what cases is this procedure performed? Laryngoscopy is necessary in order to examine the throat and diagnose the problems that arise in it. It is usually prescribed in the following cases:
- to understand the cause of the cough, often with blood, hoarseness, bad breath, sore throat;
- to find out the reasons for difficulty with swallowing;
- to assess the possible cause of persistent earaches;
- to remove a foreign body;
- to detect a swelling of the throat.
Types of laryngoscopy
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 with the help of 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 mirror inserted into the trachea through the tracheostomy;
- microlaryngoscopy - for this a special operating microscope is used, having a focal length of 350-400 mm.
Possible complications
If there is 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;
- an allergic reaction to anesthesia;
- bleeding from the nose if a laryngoscope is inserted through the nose;
- nausea and vomiting;
- wounds from teeth below the tongue.
The procedure for laryngoscopy is usually performed by an otorhinolaryngologist.
Otolaryngologist - who is it?
Many people with various diseases of the ear, throat and nose are in no hurry to see a doctor, but are self-medicating. Gradually, this leads to the fact that the disease takes on a chronic form, giving a complication to the heart, joints, and kidneys. Only in this case, a person turns to such a specialist as an otorhinolaryngologist. Who is it?
The otorhinolaryngologist examines and diagnoses: pharynx, ears, larynx, nose and trachea. Such a specialist conducts not only conservative treatment, but also surgery on the ears, nose, pharyngeal cavity, and larynx.
Preparation for the procedure
Before laryngoscopy is performed, it is necessary to prepare for it. To do this, a patient is examined, a chest x-ray is taken, a barium radiopaque study is performed, which is an x-ray of the esophagus and larynx, and it is performed after taking a liquid containing barium solution. Also, the preparation may include computed tomography - a type of x-ray using a computer with which pictures of the structures inside the body are taken.
If general anesthesia will be used , then it is forbidden to drink and eat 8 hours before the procedure. Local anesthesia does not have such requirements. The doctor should know about all the drugs taken. A week before laryngoscopy, you must stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as blood thinning medications.
Indirect laryngoscopy
A doctor may prescribe a procedure for a patient such as indirect laryngoscopy. What it is? This is a procedure performed by adults and older children using a special laryngeal mirror. As the lighting, a frontal reflector is used, 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 located 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 enters the laryngeal mirror into the oral cavity, which must be warmed up to body temperature before it is fogged up.
The mirror should be installed so 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 allow not to close the field of view. The patient should pronounce the sounds “E” and “I”, in this 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 larynx of the pharynx, as well as the upper part of the larynx, are irrigated or lubricated with a 1-2% lidocaine solution or 2% pyromecaine solution. If there are drawbacks such as a thick short tongue, rigid, curled, thrown back epiglottis, then with the help of the holder they pull the epiglottis to the root of the tongue. This procedure is performed under superficial anesthesia.
When performing a procedure such as indirect laryngoscopy, a semi-inverse image of the larynx is obtained.
Direct laryngoscopy
In addition to indirect, direct laryngoscopy can also be performed. What it is? This is a procedure that allows the doctor to more closely examine the throat. In this case, laryngoscopes are used, which are also used for other manipulations, for example, removal of foreign bodies. So that when carrying out such a procedure as direct laryngoscopy, it is more convenient to consider the larynx, laryngoscopic sets are used that have fiber optic fibers, interchangeable blades. Such kits are usually designed for the procedure in children and adults and allow you to examine the larynx in detail.
Retrograde laryngoscopy
The procedure is prescribed to persons who have undergone a tracheostomy. A small nasopharyngeal speculum is preheated to body temperature and injected through the tracheostomy. The instrument in this case should be turned upward by a mirror surface, in the direction of the larynx. As the lighting, a frontal reflector or illuminator is used. This procedure allows you to see the upper part of the trachea, the lower surface of the vocal folds and the sub-vocal cavity.
Microlaringoscopy
Inspection 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 you to diagnose tumor lesions of the larynx.
Laryngoscopy procedure: where can it be done?
Many people care about where to do laryngoscopy. Usually it is held in modern medical centers, which are 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 establish 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.