Everyone knows the common cold and the flu. Often people try to eliminate tickling and sore throat on their own, stop coughing. But such self-medication can lead to unpleasant complications and the overflow of the acute form of the disease into a chronic one. In order for the therapy to be selected correctly, it is necessary to correctly diagnose. Today's article will help you figure out what the differences between pharyngitis and laryngitis are. You will learn more about these diseases and will be able to familiarize yourself with methods for their correction.
Pharyngitis and laryngitis: differences
Pharyngitis is called inflammation of the lymphoid tissue of the near-pharyngeal ring. Often, this pathology does not occur on its own, but is a consequence of the infectious process: influenza, acute respiratory infections, whooping cough, scarlet fever or another. The disease may have a mixed form, then we are talking about nasopharyngitis. Together with the pharyngeal membrane, the nasal mucosa and sinuses become inflamed.
With laryngitis, an inflammatory process also occurs. The difference is in its localization. It does not occur in the larynx, but affects the vocal cords. Pathology can switch to the trachea, then specialists are talking about laryngotracheitis. So, pharyngitis and laryngitis proceed in different areas of the disease. The first and main differences are precisely in this.
Causes and symptoms of the disease
Colds, viral, bacterial or fungal infections can become the causes of diseases. Pharyngitis, as a rule, does not appear on its own. You already know about this. Laryngitis, by contrast, can be an independent disease. The cause of pharyngitis is an untreated runny nose, in which mucus flows down the back of the larynx. Pathology can occur against the background of the disease or after it (with whooping cough, scarlet fever). Even caries can cause inflammation. The cause of laryngitis is the inhalation of dirty air, dust, household fumes. The disease appears due to damage by viruses or bacteria. To establish what exactly caused the malaise is possible only through laboratory tests.
In diseases, pharyngitis and laryngitis, the differences are also in symptoms. Both inflammations are accompanied by pain and sore throat. With laryngitis, hoarseness occurs , in some cases a person can not utter a word. Pharyngitis is often accompanied by high fever. Cough with laryngitis is more like barking, if the inflammation has passed to the trachea, sputum is released. Pharyngitis is characterized by a dry, unproductive cough that occurs due to irritation of the lymphoid tissue. A runny nose can also occur, which usually does not happen with inflammation of the vocal cords. Depending on the symptoms of laryngitis or pharyngitis, and the appropriate treatment is chosen.
Drug therapy
Treatment of pharyngitis and laryngitis requires the use of antipyretic drugs in cases where body temperature rises to 38.5 degrees. Up to this point, the use of antipyretics is unreasonable. But you can, with a clear conscience, take painkillers and antipyretic drugs for severe headaches, often it occurs with pharyngitis. Antibiotics are indicated only with confirmation of a bacterial infection. With pharyngitis, an advantage is given to penicillin preparations, for example, Augmentin. According to statistics, during laryngitis, macrolides are prescribed, for example, Sumamed.
You already know what pharyngitis symptoms are. And treatment should be chosen according to them. With a dry cough, drugs such as Sinecode, Codelac, Herbion are prescribed. They block spasm and improve well-being. Cough with laryngitis is usually wet, with difficulty in sputum discharge. In such a situation, it is advisable to use expectorant drugs: “ACC”, “Lazolvan”, “Mukaltin”. For the treatment of the larynx, painkillers antiseptics and emollients can be used: Tantum Verde, Lugol, Doctor Mom, Strepsils.
Treatment of pharyngitis and laryngitis with folk remedies
Often, patients resort to self-medication using grandmother's recipes. It is permissible to gargle with decoctions of chamomile, sage, calendula. They will have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. In both cases, inhalation can be done. During laryngitis, it is contraindicated to breathe hot air. So you only exacerbate your current state. With the confidence of both diseases, the following manipulations can be done:
- warm your legs (you will need mustard and warm water);
- drink fruit drinks and herbal decoctions (consider the likelihood of allergies);
- soften the throat with warm milk and honey (not suitable for young children and people with intolerance to cow protein or honey);
- warm your throat with a wool scarf.
Remember that the use of alternative methods does not exempt you from the use of medicines prescribed by your doctor.
Regimen and diet
During the treatment of pharyngitis and laryngitis, certain conditions must be adhered to. The patient needs more rest: give up work and household chores. Your body needs strength to recover. Laryngitis provides the rest of the vocal cords. This means that you can’t talk. Many patients mistakenly believe that whispering will help them. But such a load only aggravates the course of the disease and delays recovery.
Laryngitis and pharyngitis provide for the rejection of salty, pepper food, as well as the use of spices. Eat only non-hot food, exclude cold. If there is no appetite - do not eat at all. But you can’t refuse to drink. Even if swallowing with pharyngitis gives you great discomfort, you need to drink. Give preference to warm teas, decoctions and plain water.
Medical opinion
Doctors warn: self-medication of pharyngitis and laryngitis can translate the disease into a chronic form. While the pathology is acute, there is a chance to get rid of it in a short time. All medicines for pharyngitis and laryngitis for children should be prescribed by a pediatrician. You can give your child only antipyretic drugs if necessary. Remember that some medicines are contraindicated in babies. For example, lozenges for resorption and irrigation of the larynx are not assigned to children up to 3-6 years.
Summarize
Pharyngitis and laryngitis are separate diseases that are rarely found together. To establish an accurate diagnosis, you need an examination by a specialist: a therapist, pediatrician or ENT specialist. Modern and proper therapy will help you avoid complications and quickly restore your strength. Be healthy!