Laryngitis, the drugs for the treatment of which will be described below, is inflammatory process that affects the larynx. As a rule, pathology is associated with such infectious diseases as scarlet fever, measles, whooping cough. Several factors contribute to the progression of laryngitis. First of all, it is hypothermia, drinking alcohol, smoking, breathing by mouth, overstrain of the larynx.
Causes of pathology
The disease can be long-term (chronic) or short-term. As a rule, the development of pathology occurs quickly. The disease lasts about two weeks with a short-term form and more than 2 weeks with chronic. Acute laryngitis develops as an independent pathology as a result of excessive overstrain of the larynx (for example, among teachers or singers) or hypothermia. This form may also be one of the symptoms of a common acute infection (measles, flu, and others). Inflammation can spread to the entire larynx or mucosa of the epiglottis, walls in the sub- vocal cavity, and vocal cords. The chronic form develops as a result of recurrent (repeated repeatedly) acute laryngitis or prolonged inflammatory processes in the pharynx, nose and sinuses.
How is the disease manifested in the acute stage?
Against the background of acute laryngitis, significant redness of the mucosa is noted. In the area of ββthe walls of the vestibule there is a strong swelling. Blood can flow from inflamed, dilated vessels, as a result of which crimson spots can be found on the mucosa. Often the inflammatory process extends not only to the larynx, but also to the trachea. Pathology in this case is accompanied by a strong cough, as a rule, with the separation of sputum, which is produced by the mucous membrane of the trachea and larynx.
Signs of a chronic course of the disease
Chronic laryngitis occurs against the background of a general deterioration, often there is an increase in temperature. In a laboratory study, an increase in the content of leukocytes and an acceleration of ESR are detected in the blood. In the case of the predominant localization of inflammation in the region of the posterior wall or epiglottis, soreness when swallowing may appear. Narrowing of the glottis (due to spasm, swelling, and in some cases due to an abscess) causes difficulty breathing. The patient complains of a feeling of perspiration, dryness, scratching in the throat. The voice thus becomes hoarse. First, a dry cough is noted, and then sputum begins to be expectorated. The condition is accompanied by headaches, a slight (up to 37.4 degrees) increase in temperature. If the patient observes bed rest, then the duration of the pathology does not exceed 7-10 days. How is laryngitis treated? More on this later in the article.
General therapeutic measures
In the acute form of pathology, treatment is aimed at eliminating the causes that provoked the condition. To create complete rest in the larynx, the patient is instructed not to talk for five or seven days. It is necessary to exclude the use of alcohol-containing products, spicy dishes, seasonings and spices. Smoking is strictly contraindicated. Additionally, a warm drink, gargling is prescribed. Inhalation is especially effective for laryngitis with a nebulizer. The drugs that are used to carry out these procedures will be described below. It is also recommended to apply heat to the neck area (warming compress or bandage).
Chronic laryngitis. What to treat?
Medicines to eliminate the symptoms of pathology should be prescribed by a doctor. Patients with a chronic form of the disease should certainly be examined by a specialist. In accordance with the overall clinical picture, therapeutic measures will be recommended. How is laryngitis usually treated? As a rule, the doctor prescribes lubrication or irrigation of the pharynx, physiotherapeutic procedures, and medications. In especially severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
The most popular and effective medicines
What medications for laryngitis can be used in adults? As mentioned above, the composition of therapeutic measures includes various procedures, including pharyngeal irrigation. An effective tool is a mixture of 0.9% saline (200 ml) and 10% iodine tincture (5 drops). Irrigation is carried out 2-3 times during the day. The dosage of the composition for one procedure is forty-sixty milliliters. Duration of use - from 5-6 days. Alkaline oil inhalations are also used to eliminate the symptoms of laryngitis. The duration of therapy with this method is five days if there is viscous sputum and crust in the larynx.
Emollients and anti-inflammatory drugs
What other medications are prescribed for laryngitis in adults? As emollients and anti-inflammatory drugs, infusions into the larynx of 1.5-2 ml of a one percent oil solution of sea buckthorn oil and menthol are recommended (for ten days). An astringent and cauterizing effect is exerted by such solutions as Resorcinol (0.5%), Protargol (2%), Collargol (1-3%). Dosage - 1.5-2 ml. Infusion into the larynx of these funds is carried out daily for ten days.
And what if a cough with laryngitis appears, how to treat it? To dilute sputum, an injection of Trypsin or Chymotrypsin (1.5-2 ml each), peach or sea buckthorn oil is injected into the larynx. In case of insufficiency of the neuromuscular system of the larynx, electrophoresis is prescribed with a five percent solution of calcium chloride on the collar region. Recommended 12-15 procedures lasting 15-20 minutes.
Broad spectrum agents
How to treat laryngitis in an adult? What other effective remedies exist? The medicine "Gentamicin" - 4% solution for injection proved to be quite good. This tool is allowed to be used for inhalation. The drug is able to affect most pathogenic microorganisms. For inhalations, the recommended dosage is 2 ml of the drug, dissolved in 3 ml of saline.
Dioxidine (0.5%) has a disinfecting effect. It is prescribed for patients with chronic and acute pharyngeal pathologies. Inhalation dose - 5 ml.
Means "Lazolvan" is also used with saline (mixed 1: 1).
The drug "Fluimucil", the active component of which is acetylene, helps to liquefy sputum, due to the destruction of polymer bonds. This medication is not advisable to use with a dry cough with a small amount of viscous secretion.
All of these medications for inhalation with laryngitis can be used with different types of devices. An exception is the evaporator type. For the procedure, 3 ml of the solution is recommended twice a day. The indications for the use of these funds include not only laryngitis. Antibiotic treatment of a wide spectrum of activity is also used for bronchitis, purulent pathologies of the lungs and other diseases of the respiratory system.
Exacerbation of pathology in a child
In children 6-8 years of age, a special form of pathology is often diagnosed - false croup. Manifestations of the disease are similar to symptoms of laryngeal diphtheria . The risk of this condition is high in acute form of laryngitis. Complication is dangerous because of the sharp breathing difficulties due to narrowing of the lumen of the larynx. Along with this, the condition is accompanied by spasms of the glottis. Usually, false croup develops suddenly during sleep. The condition manifests itself with increased sweating, shortness of breath, anxiety. Blue lips are also noted. After 20-30 minutes, the condition stabilizes. During the attack, the temperature remains within normal limits or rises slightly. Deterioration may be repeated the next or even this night. When the first signs of pathology appear, an ambulance should be called immediately. To ease the attack, it is recommended to put a mustard plaster, give the child a warm drink (milk, for example). The foot hot bath (about 39 degrees) stabilizes the condition somewhat for five to seven minutes.
We treat laryngitis at home
As you know, there are various folk remedies for getting rid of certain pathologies. How and with what is laryngitis treated? Here are some common recipes.
An effective remedy is grass or eucalyptus oil. In a large pot (with a wide bottom), put a few tablespoons of dry raw materials and, pouring boiling water, put on fire. Instead of grass, you can use three to four drops of eucalyptus oil. Medicinal plants such as chamomile, sage or St. John's wort are also effective. It is recommended to add soda to the composition (1 tbsp. L). When the solution boils, you should stand next to the pan and inhale the vapors. If a small child is sick (up to one and a half years), then the baby should be picked up and held near a boiling solution. The vapors released have a bactericidal effect. Such inhalations are recommended three to four times a day.
Other folk recipes
Before treating an adult's laryngitis with medicines, traditional medicine recommends using natural remedies. So, for example, you can chop the onion on a grater and put the resulting mass into boiling milk (half a liter). Without bringing to a boil, remove from heat and strain, cool. A glass of warm solution is drunk at night, the rest is in the morning (also warm). Take the drug for several days. With hoarseness and hoarseness, it is recommended to take 100 grams of carrots and boil them in milk (0.5 l). Filter, take in small sips. Gargling with fresh cabbage juice is also effective. In the acute form of laryngitis, a decoction of dry apples helps. It is taken in 0.5 cups with honey 1-2 times a day. Drink the broth should be hot. For inhalation, a potato broth is suitable. It is necessary to cook potatoes "in their skins", drain the water. Leaning over the pan and covering yourself with a towel, inhale the vapors with your mouth.
Disease prevention
First of all, measures to prevent the development of laryngitis are aimed at preventing colds. Specialists recommend, first of all, to pay great attention to hygiene. You need to wash your hands regularly, use disposable napkins. Do not touch your nose or mouth with dirty hands. If possible, contact with sick colds should be avoided. It is very useful to be in the fresh air more often, while protecting the body from hypothermia. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the vocal cords. You should not talk in the cold, in winter, be sure to wear a scarf and hat. The living area should be regularly ventilated. Temperature and humidity must be maintained at the optimum level. If the work activity is associated with harmful production, then after contact with toxic compounds it is recommended to carry out inhalation to eliminate these substances from the body. It is better to prevent on time than to treat laryngitis. In an adult, the body is more resistant to the harmful effects of external factors. But children are more susceptible to disease. Therefore, it is necessary from an early age to carry out activities that strengthen the baby's body.
How to prevent a disease in a child?
Above, we told how to treat laryngitis. And what to do to prevent its occurrence in children? Among the main preventive measures should be called hardening. Regardless of the season, you need to regularly walk with your child in the fresh air. Very effective dousing with cold water, contrast shower. Clothing should be selected in accordance with the season in order to protect the body from overheating or hypothermia. An essential condition for the normal development of immunity is a balanced diet. With food, a child, as, in fact, an adult, should receive all the necessary trace elements and vitamins. Be sure to observe the daily routine. Physical and mental stress should be distributed rationally. Overwork of the child should not be allowed. The main focus of preventive measures in general is to strengthen the immune system. Among other things, this contributes to the additional intake of adaptogens: tinctures of aralia, Eleutherococcus extract and others. However, before giving any medications to the child, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician.