Laryngitis is a fairly common disease that occurs both among children and among adults. That is why information on what laryngitis is, how to treat this disease and what precautions to follow should be familiar to everyone.
Causes and symptoms of laryngitis. Laryngitis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. Modern medicine distinguishes two main forms of laryngitis, which differ in both symptoms and factors leading to the development of the disease.
Acute laryngitis is most often the result of another infectious disease. It can be flu, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, whooping cough. In addition, this disease is an invariable companion of diphtheria, syphilis and tuberculosis. Sometimes laryngitis can also occur as an independent, isolated disease, the causes of which can be a strong overstrain of the vocal cords, inhalation of caustic fumes or dust. In acute laryngitis, there is an increase in temperature, general weakness of the body, dry cough, sore throat. The larynx swells, and the vocal cords cannot fully close. A person complains of hoarseness, and sometimes a complete loss of voice.
Chronic laryngitis in most cases is caused by smoking, abuse of drinks containing alcohol, constant inhalation of harmful fumes and smoke. This form of the disease is sometimes called the professional disease of teachers who constantly exert strain on the vocal cords. The main symptoms of chronic laryngitis are hoarseness, sore throat, dry annoying cough, which is much worse with hypothermia, inhalation of smoke, as well as colds. In some cases, small polyps begin to form on the larynx and vocal membrane.
How to cure laryngitis? The first thing to do is to see a doctor, and at the first suspicion of laryngitis. How to treat such a disease knows only an experienced specialist. It is worth noting that the method of treatment depends primarily on the age of the patient, the form and stage of development of this disease.
As a rule, patients are prescribed bed rest, gargling, inhalation and lubrication of the larynx with Lugol's solution. In order to remove the cough, expectorants are prescribed. If laryngitis is accompanied by a strong temperature, it is possible to take antipyretic drugs. Antibiotics are prescribed only if the disease is caused by a bacterial infection.
Chronic laryngitis: how to treat? The methods of treatment for this form of the disease are directly dependent on the cause. Patients need to give up smoking, drinking alcoholic and carbonated drinks. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or physiotherapy. Sometimes surgical methods are also used - removal of polyps from the larynx. Favorably on the healing process affects and spa treatment.
Laryngitis: how to treat at home? In order for the healing process to be quick and easy, the patient must monitor his regimen. The first few days after the exacerbation of the disease, he is forbidden to speak, so as not to strain the vocal cords. In addition, the inhaled air must be warm and humid, which means that with such a disease it is impossible to freeze and supercool the body. It is important to gargle with decoctions of herbs. From the diet you need to exclude honey, spices, spicy and salty dishes. Hot foot baths and warm compresses on the neck will be helpful.
How to treat laryngitis with folk remedies? Inhalations are the most effective treatment for both acute laryngitis and its chronic form. For this procedure, you need to use vegetable oils, for example, eucalyptus, sage, St. John's wort and sea buckthorn oil. Dilute a small amount of oil (partial teaspoon) in 300 ml of boiling water. The duration of one inhalation is 10 - 15 minutes. This procedure is recommended to be done at least three times a day for two weeks.