Throughout life, the human body is exposed to the negative effects of various types of bacteria and microorganisms. Most often, they enter through the respiratory system, which are responsible for vital functions. The larynx acts as a kind of filter, since its mucous membranes purify the inhaled air from pathogenic viruses and microbes.
The largest number of colds occurs precisely in this organ, because it receives the main blow of bacteria. A good immunity job makes it easy to deal with such attacks. But if the body's defense system is violated by various diseases and hypothermia, it will be difficult to resist viruses. Among colds, pharyngitis is one of the most common ailments. We will analyze in detail what kind of disease it is, and also describe the causes of its occurrence, symptoms and treatment methods.
What is atrophic pharyngitis?
Inflammation of the walls of the larynx is called pharyngitis. The disease is classified by acute and chronic course. Atrophic pharyngitis is the most complex form of throat disease. Its characteristic features are the thinning and drying out of the mucous membranes of the larynx, as well as the release of viscous sputum. The word “atrophic” itself is a derivative of the Latin atrophic, which means “dry”. A distinctive feature of the disease is the dried mucous membrane of the larynx and nasopharynx, which causes pain when swallowing, as well as the formation of a crust.
In the initial stage, chronic atrophic pharyngitis is not difficult to cure, while an advanced disease can lead to complications and a severe course of the disease. The mucous membrane of the throat becomes thinner and unable to cope with its protective functions. Chronic inflammation leads to compaction of the mucous, submucosal, glandular and lymphoid tissues of the nasopharynx and larynx. The capillaries responsible for the blood supply to the organ are damaged. The lumen in the vessels becomes smaller, while their walls thicken. Pathological changes affect the nerve endings, which leads to disturbances in the work of the larynx and nasopharynx.
The main causes of the disease
Atrophic pharyngitis is a chronic disease, the appearance of which is affected by a number of factors:
- An acute phase that has not undergone proper treatment.
- Endocrine diseases: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and others.
- Inflammatory processes occurring in the oral cavity.
- Disorders in the digestive tract, in which bile is released into the esophagus.
- Bad habits: drinking and smoking.
- The use of drops and sprays of vasoconstrictor action.
- Diseases of the nasopharynx: sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and others.
Interesting fact! It has been established that atrophic pharyngitis in most cases occurs in the adult population, while among children a similar ailment is very rare.
Symptoms of the disease
In the early stages of the disease, the patient may not feel any special manifestations. But with the development of the disease, the following symptoms occur:
- dryness and perspiration in the throat;
- barking, dry cough;
- the voice changes the timbre;
- drooling becomes thick;
- crusts formed from sputum on the back of the larynx are difficult to separate.
The patient may experience irritability and nervousness, sleep is often disturbed. Atrophic pharyngitis in the classical form proceeds without an increase in body temperature. When examining the throat, the doctor may also find other symptoms of the disease:
- The mucous membranes have a pale pink tint.
- The wall of the larynx is thinned, which is why blood vessels become visible.
- The mucous membranes are dried out and have a slight sheen.
- Mucus in the form of dried crusts covers the walls of the larynx.
Given all the above information, we can imagine what constitutes atrophic pharyngitis. Symptoms identified in the initial stage of the disease make it easy to cure the disease. Running pharyngitis leads to complications. Firstly, nerve endings lose their sensitivity. Secondly, the pharyngeal reflex disappears.
Dangerous effects
Atrophic pharyngitis, a photo of which can be seen above, can be accompanied by various respiratory diseases:
- tracheitis;
- laryngitis;
- bronchitis;
- sinusitis;
- rhinitis, etc.
The most dangerous consequence of chronic atrophic pharyngitis is oncology. Malignant tumors can form at the sites of tissue damage. In frequent cases of pharyngitis with symptoms of atrophy, patients are advised to undergo a biopsy of the mucous membranes, after which the test material is sent for histological examination.
What you need to know when treating a disease?
It is impossible to completely cure atrophic pharyngitis, since this is a chronic disease. From time to time it makes itself felt. The main course of therapy is aimed at alleviating the patient's condition, eliminating the factors that cause irritation of the laryngeal mucosa, and reducing the frequency of relapses. There are certain recommendations that a patient with pharyngitis should adhere to:
- Exclude spicy, sour and salty foods from the diet. Hot, cold and carbonated drinks are not recommended, as they are irritants for the affected mucous membrane.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Alcohol and tobacco smoke contribute to the strengthening of the inflammatory process, due to the fact that the mucous membranes of the throat are dried.
- A plentiful warm drink (2-2.5 liters per day).
- As little as possible strain the voice, do not sing and do not talk whenever possible.
- The air in the room must be humidified. For this, special equipment is used. If there are no such devices, there is a proven method: put a damp cloth or towel on the battery.
- During exacerbations of the disease, you can steam your feet in hot water, put a compress to warm your throat, and drink warm milk with honey.
If disturbances in the thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract or metabolic processes in the body have caused a disease such as atrophic pharyngitis, treatment should take place in combination. In such a situation, it will be necessary to attract other doctors of narrow specializations.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy should include drugs aimed at increasing secretion and improving the functioning of the mucous membrane. The doctor also prescribes drugs that are responsible for the regeneration of damaged tissues and reduce the viscosity of sputum. What drugs are used to treat atrophic pharyngitis? Here is a list of essential drugs:
- Sodium chloride (1%) in combination with a few drops of iodine is used to rinse. This method allows you to clean the mucous membrane of dry crusts and sputum.
- The larynx is treated with Lugol or Vinylinum every 4 hours.
- Irrigation of the nasopharynx is carried out using Aqualor or Aquamaris sprays.
- With pharyngitis, the use of inhalation based on the "Lazolvan" and "Ambrobene" preparations is effective. These mucolytic drugs can relieve cough and reduce sore throat.
- To regenerate damaged tissues of the mucous membrane, Solcoseryl-gel, Kartalin and propolis extract are used.
With atrophic pharyngitis, physiotherapeutic treatment is often prescribed: UV, UHF, magnetic and laser therapy.
Traditional treatment
Traditional medicine is often used in the treatment of colds. Atrophic pharyngitis is not an exception, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in this article. To alleviate the condition of the patient, you can apply:
- Honey. A rinse is prepared from this product: 2 tsp are taken per 150 ml of water . honey. Gargle with a warm solution is necessary twice a day.
- Essential oils are used to lubricate the walls of the larynx and as a basis for inhalation. After processing the throat and removing mucus and crusts, rinse is necessary. An alkaline solution (1% sodium chloride) or a decoction of chamomile and sage is suitable for this procedure.
- From egg white (1 pc.) With the addition of 1 ml of sea buckthorn oil or wild rose, an enveloping agent is prepared. It moisturizes the mucous membrane and covers it with a protective film. Apply it to the walls of the larynx using a stick with a cotton tip.
It should be remembered that inhalation with atrophic pharyngitis is unsafe, since hot air can increase irritation of the mucosa. Before the procedure, you must consult your doctor.
Very often, with colds, soda is used to rinse, but pharyngitis cannot be treated with such means. Although this substance is alkaline, its properties can harm health and lead to an increase in the inflammatory process on the mucous membranes of the larynx.
Preventative measures
Preventing the disease is easier than curing. Prevention of pharyngitis is quite simple:
- At the first symptoms of the disease, timely treatment should be started.
- Monitor the health of the digestive tract and oral cavity.
- Refuse bad habits (smoking and drinking).
- Maintain the hormonal state in a normal state.
Atrophic pharyngitis is considered one of the most serious diseases of the throat. Timely treatment started will eliminate the severe course of the disease and prevent complications.