Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, accompanied by fairly characteristic symptoms. Therapy largely depends on the variety of the disease and the severity, as well as the patient's well-being.
Inflammation of the larynx can be acute or chronic. The entire mucosa of the larynx or individual parts can be fully involved in the pathological process. Basically, the disease is associated with colds or occurs against the background of infection in the body.
Symptoms of laryngitis include hoarseness, sore and dry throat, and a barking dry cough. Breathing can be difficult, a bluish tinge of the skin, soreness when swallowing appears.
The main forms of the disease
Symptoms and treatment of laryngitis in adults are very different, it all depends on the type of disease. There are several types of this pathology, which depend on the amount of organ damage and the course of the disease. In particular, such varieties are distinguished as:
- acute catarrhal;
- phlegmonous;
- false croup;
- chronic;
- allergic.
Some doctors consider individual forms of the disease as a stage of one pathological process. If the first symptoms of laryngitis occur, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner for diagnosis and subsequent therapy.
Acute type of disease
The most common acute laryngitis, the symptoms and treatment of this type of disease can be very different, it all depends on the features of its course. It occurs as a result of damage to the larynx by bacteria or viruses. In addition, among the provoking factors, mechanical irritation of the vocal cords and larynx can be distinguished.
When acute laryngitis occurs, the symptoms are characterized by the fact that there is a sore throat, wheezing, fever, pain when swallowing. A person has a deterioration in overall health, a severe headache. The disease can last for 2 weeks. When conducting improper or untimely treatment, the acute form can become chronic.
Chronic type of disease
A similar condition occurs with frequent acute laryngitis, lesions and changes in the larynx. Like acute inflammation, the chronic course has certain varieties, depending on which the methodology of therapy is selected. Among the main types can be distinguished such as:
- hypertrophic;
- catarrhal;
- atrophic;
- edematous polypous.
The catarrhal type mainly affects people whose activities are directly related to the regular, significant loads exerted on the vocal cords. Symptoms of chronic catarrhal laryngitis are characterized by the appearance of redness of the mucous membranes of the larynx, cough, and a feeling of dry mouth.
The hypertrophic type has the same symptoms, but they are more pronounced. Nodules form on the vocal cords, which lead to hoarseness of the voice. The atrophic type is characterized by thinning of the laryngeal mucosa.
The most dangerous species is considered to be edematous-polyposis, since it can provoke respiratory failure as a result of stenosis of the larynx. Depending on the symptoms of laryngitis in adults, the treatment is selected exclusively individually, depending on the characteristics of the course. Therapy involves the elimination of inflammation and those changes that have occurred in the larynx.
Causes of occurrence
Often, acute laryngitis does not occur as a separate disease, but this occurs in parallel with the course of inflammation of other parts of the respiratory system. Provoke a similar condition can acute respiratory infections, in particular, such as:
- parainfluenza;
- flu;
- adenovirus infection.
Inflammation can develop with the occurrence of diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, tuberculosis, syphilis. Less commonly, this condition can be triggered by a bacterial infection, in particular, staphylococcal or streptococcal infection. This usually occurs with secondary infection of the pharyngeal mucosa with a weakened immune system against the background of chronic infections or SARS. In addition, the main causes of acute laryngitis are:
- dust, vapor and gases contained in the air;
- external allergens;
- thermal effects on the mucosa;
- smoking;
- increased load on the ligaments.
In some cases, a violation can occur against the background of gastric reflux, when its contents enter the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and have an irritating effect. The chronic form of the disease occurs for reasons such as:
- frequent acute laryngitis without the required treatment;
- chronic inflammation of the respiratory system;
- increased load on the ligaments;
- hypothermia;
- alcohol consumption;
- smoking
Penetrating the laryngeal mucosa, a provoking factor leads to its damage, as a result of which symptoms of chronic laryngitis appear, causing significant discomfort.
The main symptoms
Often, the main causes of laryngitis include the penetration of bacteria and viruses into the mucous membrane of the pharynx. In the first 7-10 days after the onset of the disease, it is considered acute. If the symptoms of laryngitis persist for a longer period, then this is considered a chronic stage. All unpleasant symptoms are mainly concentrated in the pharynx. Among the main symptoms of laryngitis in adults, one can distinguish such as:
- dryness and burning in the throat;
- sensation of the presence of a foreign object;
- frequent superficial dry cough or sputum;
- fatigue, hoarseness and hoarseness of the voice;
- temperature rise;
- headache, severe weakness.
At the very beginning of the course of the disease, overall health is somewhat worse. It becomes painful for a person to swallow, and sometimes it is even difficult to breathe, since the glottis is narrowed significantly.
Among one of the most important symptoms of pharyngitis and laryngitis is a change in voice. It first becomes hoarse, rude, and then completely disappears. At the initial stage, a dry cough appears, which eventually becomes wet and viscous sputum appears. If the first symptoms of laryngitis occur, you should immediately visit a therapist for diagnosis and subsequent adequate treatment.
Diagnostics
In the article, you can see people (pictured) with symptoms of laryngitis. Treatment is selected strictly individually, based on the results of the diagnosis. Mostly, the definition of the disease is due to information obtained from the patient's complaints and laryngoscopy. During the study, you can determine:
- swelling and redness of the larynx;
- the presence of characteristic plaque and the formation of crusts;
- thickening or, conversely, thinning of the mucosa;
- excessive dryness or wetness of the pharynx;
- the presence of purulent fistulas;
- necrosis of the tissue of the larynx.
With a histological examination at the initial stages, a change in the upper layer of the epithelium can be detected. With the progression of the pathology, the cells change their shape, becoming flat. However, the capillaries expand.
To determine microbial laryngitis, bacterial culture from the laryngeal mucosa is performed, as well as determining the level of immunoglobulins in the blood. Higher values can be with an allergy. To prescribe the correct treatment for laryngitis in adults, the symptoms must be taken into account, since they can be similar to many other disorders.
Treatment feature
If the first symptoms of laryngitis in adults occur, treatment should be carried out immediately to prevent the development of complications. If there is inflammation of the larynx, then, first of all, you need to observe the correct regimen of the day. It consists in:
- limitation of speech activity;
- refusal of alcohol and tobacco;
- exclusion from the diet of cold and spicy dishes;
- compliance with bed rest;
- liquid food intake;
- elimination of exposure to the allergen.
In the presence of a pathology that is not accompanied by an increase in temperature, the use of a warming compress on the neck is indicated. In addition, you can carry out inhalation with the use of medications, herbs, and also mineral water. The same means are used to gargle. Children are recommended to use night baths as well as applying mustard plasters on calves as warming procedures.
Depending on the symptoms of laryngitis in adults, treatment is carried out with the use of medications, in particular, such as:
- antimicrobial;
- antipyretic;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- mucolytics;
- bronchodilators;
- secretolytics.
Funds for external use can be prescribed, and for their better absorption, physiotherapy is additionally shown. Perhaps the use of biostimulants and vitamins.
In the presence of abscesses, an autopsy is performed. Since there may be a narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, surgical intervention is required. If the symptoms of laryngitis are not too pronounced, treatment in adults can also be carried out using folk remedies and techniques that will help eliminate inflammation and quickly normalize well-being.
Drug treatment
Since the symptoms and treatment of laryngitis can be very different, it is imperative that the first signs appear, you must immediately visit a therapist who can prescribe adequate therapy. It should be aimed at reducing the course of the infectious process and inflammation in the larynx, as well as relieving symptoms and eliminating pain.
In order to quickly eliminate the symptoms of laryngitis, treatment should be carried out with the use of drugs aimed at the destruction of bacteria and viruses. Since often inflammation is provoked by viruses, the use of antiviral agents is required, in particular, such as Aflubin, Laferon, Anaferon, Laferobion. If, during the diagnostic process, it was determined that the inflammation occurred when bacteria entered the body, antibiotics are prescribed.
The most effective antibacterial agents are such as Ampicillin, Retarpen, Cefepim, Medocef. Before prescribing antibiotics, a comprehensive examination is required. When treating chronic laryngitis in adults, the symptoms are taken into account first of all, since it is with them that you can determine the nature of the disease and choose the best medication.
If the disease arose due to the penetration of fungi, then the appointment of antimycotics is required. In the presence of temperature, it is necessary to take antipyretic drugs, in particular, such as Paracetamol or Nurofen. To eliminate inflammation of the mucosa, you need to gargle with drugs that have a local effect directly on the focus of inflammation, preventing the subsequent development of the infection. In particular, the solution of Chlorophyllipt is good. The throat can be lubricated several times a day with a solution of Lugol. This method of therapy helps to calm the mucous membrane, eliminate perspiration and sore throat.
To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of laryngitis, treatment is also carried out with the help of lozenges for resorption, in particular, such as “Decatilene”, “Strepsils”, “Faringosept”. They have an antiseptic effect on the pharynx and larynx, and also somewhat eliminate painful sensations.
To reduce the symptoms of chronic laryngitis in adults, treatment involves the use of antitussive drugs. The doctor can prescribe drugs for dry cough, such as "Herbion", "Sinecode", "Stoptussin." During subsequent therapy with the goal of thinning sputum, expectorant drugs, for example, Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Bromhexine, should be used.
To eliminate swelling of the mucosa and prevent even greater damage due to the penetration of allergens into the body, the use of antihistamines is required. In order to quickly alleviate the symptoms of laryngitis in adults and children, as well as not to provoke side effects, it is necessary to use such drugs as Claritin, Cetrin, Diazolin.
Folk techniques
If symptoms of laryngitis have begun, treatment at home involves warming up the affected area, as well as alleviating the sore throat. Well help folk techniques to enhance immunity. You can independently apply:
- inhalation;
- compresses on the neck;
- tinctures;
- foot baths.
To eliminate the symptoms of laryngitis at home, treatment is carried out using inhalation. You can just breathe over a pair of decoctions of medicinal plants or boiled potatoes in their skins. Plants with antiseptic qualities, in particular, such as:
- chamomile;
- St. John's wort
- eucalyptus;
- sage.
Essential oils or baking soda can also be added to water. These funds have a detrimental effect on bacteria. You can take a warm broth made from carrots and milk. A decoction of dry apples with honey is considered a good remedy.
It helps to eliminate the symptoms of chronic laryngitis in adults, a compress on the neck, which has a warming effect. To do this, dilute the alcohol in half with water, and then moisten a bandage or cotton wool in it, squeeze it well and wrap it around the neck. Wrap on top with a film and a warm scarf. Leave it to cool completely.
To strengthen the immune system, hot foot baths with the addition of mustard powder or salt are recommended. Such a procedure should be carried out daily for 15 minutes. After that, wipe your feet dry, put on warm socks and go to bed.
Other types of therapy
In the presence of symptoms of chronic laryngitis, treatment should be carried out comprehensively. In addition to medications and folk remedies, it is also required:
- physiotherapy;
- sparing nutrition;
- ensuring peace.
With the occurrence of an acute type of disease or exacerbation of chronic laryngitis, strict bed rest is required for faster recovery. Inflamed vocal cords also require peace of mind, so it is advisable to remain silent for 3-5 days.
With sore throat, it is very painful to swallow. In addition, some foods and drinks can damage sore throats. It is recommended to consume warm, soft foods without seasoning. Patients need to drink as many warm drinks as possible, including milk and honey.
The patient will recover much faster if daily wet cleaning is carried out in the room, as well as airing 2-3 times a day. If you humidify the air, it becomes much easier. If atrophy of the muscular system occurs with laryngitis, then electrophoresis is prescribed for the collar region. A solution of potassium chloride is introduced within 15-20 minutes. Conducted 10-15 of these procedures. For intense pain, electrophoresis with novocaine is indicated.
When treating exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, special attention should be paid to chronic infections that lead to the occurrence of this exacerbation.
The consequences of laryngitis
A fairly common complication of an acute inflammatory process is its transition to the chronic stage. A severe form is accompanied by swelling and can lead to asphyxiation. Other consequences of the disease include:
- phlegmon;
- mediastinitis;
- lung abscess
- sepsis.
Despite the fact that the manifestations of the chronic form of laryngitis are not as obvious as in the acute stage, such a disease is no less dangerous. Among the complications can be identified:
- benign neoplasms;
- narrowing of the lumen of the larynx;
- malignant lesion;
- polyps and granulomas;
- paresis of the vocal cords ;
- cyst.
In order to prevent the consequences of laryngitis, it is important to timely treat acute or chronic inflammation under the supervision of a doctor. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of immunity, to exclude frequent infection and respiratory tract diseases.
Laryngitis in a child
The nasopharynx in children cannot still normally contain viruses that have penetrated inside, which allows pathogens to quickly sink into the larynx. That is why for them the disease is a very serious problem.
Basically, the symptoms of laryngitis in children are manifested in the form of rhinitis, intense dry cough, and the timbre of the voice changes somewhat later. During the course of the disease, the child has difficulty and rapid breathing. Basically, a similar situation is observed at night or immediately after waking up.
When inhaling air, a characteristic whistle is observed. Then the child has a severe attack of dry cough, which is why the baby is crying and irritated. In addition, the temperature can increase dramatically.
When the first symptoms of laryngitis in children appear, you should immediately consult a doctor who can choose the required treatment. If the baby has a very strong coughing fit, then you need to seat him and put a pillow under his back. As prescribed by the doctor, you need to give drugs that will help eliminate inflammation and irritation of the mucosa. It is very important to quickly cure the disease in infants, since a small lumen of the larynx can be blocked, which will cause respiratory arrest.
Prevention
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