The inflammatory process of the larynx is called laryngitis. The disease develops as a result of hypothermia, infection, excessive air pollution, alcohol abuse, smoking. Laryngitis can provoke pertussis, measles, scarlet fever. In addition, the disease often appears in people whose field of activity is associated with overstrain of the vocal cords (singers, teachers). The disease has two degrees of course: acute and chronic. The acute form is short-term, chronic lasts for two or more weeks. A qualified specialist can make a diagnosis after examining the patient. When identifying the disease "laryngitis" treatment requires strict adherence to the recommendations of the doctor. A belated visit to the doctor will only aggravate the situation and lead to complications.
Laryngitis: symptoms, treatment
The acute degree of the course of the disease is accompanied by reddening of the throat, swelling of the mucosa. There is swelling, the vocal cords in this case are incomplete. Due to the expansion of blood vessels, dark red spots may appear on the eve of the larynx.
The presence of redness and mucosal infiltration in the epiglottis indicate a form of the disease such as isolated laryngitis.
The spread of the inflammatory process to the trachea indicates laryngotracheitis. At the same time, the patient is tormented by severe bouts of cough, accompanied by sputum production.
With laryngitis, a general deterioration of the patient's condition occurs. In addition, the body temperature rises, a headache appears. A blood test indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. The voice becomes hoarse, breathing is difficult. Perhaps the occurrence of pain, perspiration.
In case of laryngitis, the treatment is primarily aimed at eliminating the cause of infection. It is also necessary to comply with the following recommendations:
- Reduced stress on the vocal cords (talk less) for a period of up to a week;
- exclusion of spicy, spicy food from the diet. In addition, it is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol;
- drink only warm liquid.
Therapeutic treatment consists of prescribing cough medications, antihistamines, Lugol's solution in glycerin. The chronic form of the course of the disease requires a thorough examination. Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor may prescribe oil and alkaline inhalations, novocaine electrophoresis in the larynx, UHF. If acute laryngitis occurs, the treatment is short-lived. This form of the disease is less dangerous than chronic. However, with neglect, a mild degree of the disease can develop into a more severe one, and this will seriously worsen the patient's condition.
Treatment of laryngitis at home
Methods of treating laryngitis at home are simple:
- gargling with decoctions of herbs (calamus, coltsfoot),
- inhalation with a decoction of chamomile, eucalyptus, sage;
- applying compresses to the neck;
- hot procedures for the legs (in the absence of elevated body temperature);
- drinking warm milk with a slice of butter or lamb fat;
Preventive measures to prevent laryngitis
Any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, you need to take care of yourself. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right. In addition, you can not supercool the body, as well as too "wrap" in clothes. People whose profession is associated with the process of speaking should take care of their voice (avoid loud speeches, do not speak in the cold). Dusty rooms for ligaments are dangerous: dust particles adhere to the mucosa and cause infection.
If laryngitis is suspected, treatment requires a professional approach. Therefore, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor.