Prescriptions for laryngitis

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Laryngitis (chronic, acute): causes, signs, how to treat

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. It can be acute or chronic, varying in severity, symptoms, and severity of the disease.

Table of contents:

The causes of laryngitis can be very different, ranging from mechanical damage to the larynx associated with its infection, and ending with an allergic reaction.

Sometimes it can develop as a complication of flu or sore throat. Treatment of laryngitis comes down to supportive therapy, relieving inflammation and eliminating the causes of the disease.

Etiology of inflammation of the larynx - what can lead to laryngitis?

The main causative agents of laryngitis are respiratory viruses, streptococci, staphylococci and Haemophilus influenzae, introduced into the oral cavity or already present in it. The former most often land on the surface of the larynx during a person’s illness (ARVI, tonsillitis, etc.). In the body, pathogens are able to evade the immune response, destroy the walls between mucosal epithelial cells, and release toxins into the blood.

Factors associated with infection include:

  • Inflammatory processes of neighboring tissues and organs.
  • Injuries, burns of the larynx.
  • Past measles, scarlet fever.
  • Local and general decreased reactivity of the immune system.
  • Hypothermia and overheating, sudden temperature changes.

The development of chronic laryngitis is promoted by:

  1. Increased load on the cartilages and ligaments of the larynx, typical for singers, teachers, and public figures.
  2. Dirty air in work and home areas, unfavorable environmental conditions.
  3. Particular acute inflammatory diseases.
  4. Smoking, drinking alcohol.

Development of the disease

The larynx is an unpaired organ located in the human pharynx. Anatomically, it consists of cartilage and the ligaments connecting them. From the inside, they form a cavity, which is lined with epithelial tissue. Muscle fibers are attached to the cartilage on the outside. With laryngitis, it is the inner lining of the larynx that is primarily affected; in severe cases, the inflammation spreads to the cartilage. In this case, the disease is called chondroperichondritis. Muscle tissue may also be affected.

A pathogen that enters the epithelium of the laryngeal cavity penetrates the cells that form it (viruses) or the intercellular space (bacteria). In the first case, microorganisms actively use cellular synthesis systems for self-reproduction; when a sufficient number of viral particles accumulate, they rupture the membrane and begin infection again. Bacteria secrete enzymes that form pores in the membrane of the host cells, as a result, the water-salt balance is disrupted and the epithelial cells die.

When inflammation begins, immune system cells begin to migrate into the larynx to fight the infection; fluid flows there along the concentration gradient. As a result, swelling and hyperemia (redness) of the epithelium is observed. With insufficient immune reactivity, pathogens penetrate deeper and affect cartilage. Another option for the development of the disease may be tissue proliferation - hyperplasia. This complication is extremely dangerous because it can interfere with the patient’s normal breathing and cause suffocation.

In allergic laryngitis, an immune response occurs to a specific compound that does not pose a potential danger. In this case, the problem is the body’s own reaction, which can provoke bronchospasm.

Forms of laryngitis

Depending on the extent of organ damage and the course of the disease, several varieties are distinguished:

  • Acute catarrhal laryngitis. The inflammation does not extend beyond the epithelium lining the cavity. It is easily relieved and rarely has a severe course.
  • Phlegmonous laryngitis. The disease affects mainly men. Inflammation spreads to the mucous membrane, muscle tissue, ligaments and perichondrium.
  • False croup (acute stenosing laryngotracheitis or ASLT). Sometimes considered as a type of acute catarrhal laryngitis. The inflammation is localized in one subglottic cavity. Children aged 2 to 5 years are most often affected.
  • Chondroperichondritis. A purulent inflammatory process associated with the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the cartilaginous tissue of the larynx. Usually a consequence of organ injury. The disease is long-term and can last up to several years.
  • Chronic catarrhal laryngitis. Often occurs against the background of overstrain of the ligaments, regularly recurring acute inflammatory processes.
  • Chronic atrophic laryngitis. Destruction of the mucous membrane is observed as a result of long-term action of various damaging factors.
  • Chronic hyperplastic laryngitis. Occurs as a result of inadequate treatment of chronic catarrhal laryngitis. The disease is characterized by mucosal proliferation, limited or diffuse.
  • Allergic laryngitis. It can be triggered by almost any compound - pollen, food, smoke. The disease occurs acutely or chronically depending on the state of the immune system. Not all experts are inclined to classify an allergic reaction from the larynx as laryngitis.

Some authors quite rightly consider some of the described forms as stages of one process. For example, chronic laryngitis is always preceded by an acute form of the disease, and chondroperichondritis is preceded by a catarrhal form of the disease.

Clinical picture, main symptoms of inflammation

The following symptoms are typical for inflammatory diseases of the larynx:

  1. Violation of the sonority of the voice, the ability to speak only in a whisper.
  2. Discomfort in the throat - burning, soreness, dryness.
  3. Cough – dry or with sputum, reminiscent of a dog barking.
  4. Difficulty breathing, wheezing.
  5. Pain when swallowing.
  6. Increased voice fatigue.
  7. Sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
  8. Possible bleeding. It occurs when crusts form from drying sputum and tear off from the mucous membrane.
  9. The temperature can be high only with purulent laryngitis; in other cases it does not exceed subfebrile values ​​(37°).
  10. If the cartilage tissue is damaged, swelling of the larynx is possible.
  11. With false croup, nocturnal coughing attacks are observed, occurring with a frequency of once every 3-15 days.
  12. In some cases, enlargement of the lymph nodes is possible.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

The basis for determining the disease is the patient’s complaints and laryngoscopy. An endoscopic examination for laryngitis can reveal:

  • Redness and swelling of the larynx. In some cases (atrophic form), the color of the mucous membrane may be greenish. With false croup, there is a roll-like swelling.
  • Narrowing of the entrance to the larynx.
  • Presence of plaque, crusts.
  • Thickening and thinning of the mucous membrane.
  • Edema.
  • Excessive dryness or moisture of the mucous membrane.
  • With chondroperichondritis, purulent fistulas may be present.
  • With phlegmonous laryngitis and chondroperichondritis, partial necrosis of laryngeal tissue occurs.

Histological examination may reveal the following changes:

  1. In the initial stages of the disease, destruction of the upper epithelial layer (ciliated) is observed, while the underlying basal layer is usually in satisfactory condition.
  2. As laryngitis progresses, ciliated epithelial cells change shape, becoming flat from cylindrical.
  3. The capillaries become branched and dilated.

To separate microbial laryngitis from allergic laryngitis, a bacterial culture of scrapings from the laryngeal mucosa is performed and the level of immunoglobulin E is determined in the blood. It increases during allergic reactions.

To prescribe the correct treatment, it is necessary to separate laryngitis from other diseases with similar symptoms.

Laryngitis in children and diphtheria (true croup)

In the first case, fibrous crusts are observed on the surface of the larynx, tightly connected to the surface of the mucosa. With diphtheria, plaque spreads to adjacent tissues. With false croup, attacks differ from diphtheria: suffocation begins gradually, and not abruptly, as with laryngitis.

The course of true croup becomes more severe over time. Other symptoms of diphtheria increase gradually. The voice loses sonority and hoarseness appears.

Laryngitis in adults and tuberculosis

In tuberculosis, the larynx is affected asymmetrically. With laryngitis, the process usually spreads evenly. In addition, tuberculosis is characterized by damage to the lower respiratory tract.

Histological examination of the larynx reveals a greater polymorphism of changes than with laryngitis: nodules, granules, scars and ulcers are present on the mucosa.

Differential diagnosis with syphilis

Inflammation in this disease is rarely limited to the larynx; more often it spreads to adjacent tissues of the oropharynx. With syphilis of the larynx, a rash in the form of papules (nodules), erythema (bright red spots), and condylomas (protruding formations) can be found on the surface of the organ. Ulcers covered with a gray or white coating may also form.

Erysipelas, unlike laryngitis

In erysipelas, the epidermal coverings of the face and neck are involved in inflammation; with laryngoscopy, clear boundaries of the process are visible. In addition, symptoms such as:

  • Sudden loss of strength;
  • Clouded consciousness;
  • Severe ear pain.

During endoscopic examination during erysipelas, the dynamic behavior of inflammation is noted: it spreads to neighboring tissues, while in the original focus its severity gradually decreases.

Principles and methods of treating laryngitis

When there is inflammation of the larynx, the first thing you need is the correct regimen. It consists in:

  1. Limitation of speech activity up to complete silence;
  2. Excluding spicy and cold foods from the diet;
  3. Quitting alcohol and smoking;
  4. Pastel mode for severe forms of laryngitis;
  5. Taking liquid, porridge-like food for lesions of cartilage tissue;
  6. Sanatorium-resort treatment for chronic forms of laryngitis;
  7. Elimination of the action of the allergen in the corresponding form of the disease.

For processes not accompanied by high temperature, a warm compress on the neck is indicated. You can also carry out inhalations at home using pharmacological preparations, decoctions of medicinal herbs, and mineral water. You can gargle with the same means.

Inhalation can be carried out either in the classical way over steam or using a pharmaceutical nebulizer. Hot foot baths and mustard plasters on calves are recommended for warming up procedures for children.

The following may be prescribed as drug therapy:

  • Antimicrobials;
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs against bronchospasm;
  • Antipyretics;
  • Mucolytics;
  • Secretolytics.

To improve the absorption of local agents, their use is sometimes combined with exposure to various types of radiation (UHF, microwave, UV) or the supply of electric current. It is also possible to prescribe vitamins and biostimulants.

For ulcers and abscesses, they are opened. Stenosis (narrowing of the lumen of the larynx), which seriously complicates breathing, is an indication for tracheostomy surgery. In case of hyperplasia of the laryngeal mucosa, its destruction is carried out using a laser.

Antibacterial therapy: feasibility, most effective drugs

Antibiotics for laryngitis should be directed against the main causative agents of the disease. Some experts believe that it makes no sense to treat inflammation with these medications until the bacterial pathogen has been isolated and identified. In this case, antibiotic therapy becomes a secondary measure. For allergic laryngitis, antibacterial drugs are not prescribed. In case of viral inflammation, the admissibility of this measure is a debatable issue: antibiotics can only be considered as a preventive measure for additional infection by bacterial agents.

The drugs can be prescribed locally or as part of general treatment procedures. The first option is preferable because the risk of side effects from taking antibiotics is minimal. It is worth choosing for mild forms of laryngitis. If there is no improvement within 3-5 days, proceed to general therapy. Local remedies recommended for use for laryngitis include:

  1. Bioparox. Available in the form of an aerosol for inhalation, it contains the antibiotic fusafungine. In addition to exhibiting antibacterial activity, it can relieve inflammation. Suitable for use by adults and children from the age of 2.5 years.
  2. Benzylpenicillin sodium salt. Used to irrigate the larynx. To do this, the powder is dissolved in sterile water or isotonic solution. Benzylpenicillin is highly active against gram-positive microorganisms (streptococci, staphylococci, etc.), which are often the cause of laryngitis.
  3. Streptomycin sulfate. Used in a similar manner to benzylpenicillin. The drug is highly active against Haemophilus influenzae, and coccal bacteria are also sensitive to it.

The most active against cocci and Haemophilus influenzae are:

  • Ampicillin is a widely used antibiotic and shows good results in therapy. However, recently more and more strains of microorganisms have become insensitive to it. Therefore, for protracted, difficult-to-treat infections, it is better to use more modern drugs.

Speaking about the choice of drug, A.I. Kryukov, in his article devoted to the treatment and diagnosis of inflammation of the larynx, notes: “Initial antibacterial therapy for acute laryngitis provides an empirical approach to the prescription of antibiotics, since bacteriological research, which allows identifying the pathogen and determining its antibiotic sensitivity, takes up on average from 3 to 5 days.” In chronic diseases, it is usually possible to identify the parasite and choose the most active drug against it.

Drugs for anti-inflammatory therapy

Such remedies are important in the treatment of laryngitis, since they help avoid symptoms such as suffocation, swelling, and laryngeal stenosis.

They are prescribed for any nature of the disease. The choice of agents and dosage are made based on the severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease.

For laryngitis the following may be prescribed:

  1. Hydrocortisone. Available in the form of tablets or suspensions. In the latter case, it can be used to irrigate the larynx. An absolute contraindication for laryngitis is individual intolerance to the drug. It is important to be confident in the correct diagnosis, since taking it for tuberculosis and syphilis can aggravate the course of these diseases.
  2. Prednisol. A hormonal drug (contains a chemical derivative of hydrocortisone) that relieves all the main symptoms of inflammation or allergies by inhibiting the activity of the immune system. Prednisol is available in the form of a solution suitable for injection and throat irrigation as part of local therapy. Important! Hydrocortisone and prednisone have a wide range of adverse reactions from different organs and tissues; when taken together with a number of other drugs, they can reduce their effectiveness and increase toxicity. These medications should be taken only as directed by the attending physician.

Drugs that prevent bronchospasm

Such medications are prescribed to preserve the patient's respiratory functions. Some of the anti-inflammatory drugs described above have a bronchodilator (dilator) effect. In addition, these include the following:

  • Eufillin. For laryngitis, it is used in the form of solutions used for injection or irrigation of the larynx. During the course of treatment, you must avoid strong tea and coffee, as well as similar drinks. The drug has a number of side effects; at high doses it can provoke an epileptic seizure.
  • Terbutaline. The drug expands the lumen of the bronchi and has a relaxing effect on muscle tissue. For laryngitis, use in the form of a spray is recommended. It also thins mucus and promotes its movement. The internal cavity of the larynx is lined with ciliated epithelia (cells equipped with cilia). Terbutaline causes their increased beating and, as a result, accelerates the removal of sputum.
  • Hexoprenaline. The action is similar to the previous drug. Hexoprenaline is available in aerosol form and is suitable for long-term use. Monitoring by the attending physician is necessary if the patient suffers from diabetes.
  • Berodual (fenoterol). The drug is available in the form of a solution for inhalation and has a bronchodilator effect. It acts on the nervous system, indirectly relaxing the muscles of the bronchi and preventing spasm. It can also be used to expand their lumen for the purpose of endoscopic examination. The drug should be taken with caution in combination with corticosteroids. Suitable for children from 6 years old

Important! Drugs that have a relaxing effect on muscle fibers (terbutaline, hexoprenaline, fenoterol) should be taken with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, since these substances can disrupt the contractility of the uterine muscles.

Antiseptic drugs

Antiseptics, like antibiotics, are active against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Their main difference is that antiseptics are not a product of the activity of living organisms or their synthetic analogues. In addition, their activity compared to antibiotics in the vast majority of cases is significantly lower. For laryngitis, the following drugs are recommended for use:

  1. Camphomenes. The drug contains furatsilin, eucalyptus essential oil, which determines its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Camphomen also has a calming effect on irritated mucous membranes, relieving pain symptoms. The most common side effect of taking the drug is allergies, so for people prone to such reactions, it is better to choose a medicine that does not contain plant materials.
  2. Citral. A substance with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic effects. For laryngitis, inhalations of a 2% oil solution of citral can be prescribed.

Folk remedies such as sage, chamomile, mint, and calendula are also suitable for the treatment of laryngitis. Their decoctions can be used for drinking, inhalation, and rinsing. It is unlikely that laryngitis can be cured in this way, but these remedies can significantly alleviate the course of the disease.

Antipyretics (antipyretics)

Antipyretics are prescribed only for acute laryngitis; most often, a high temperature is observed in the phlegmonous form. It is not advisable to take antipyretics at a parameter value of 38° and below. For laryngitis, the following may be indicated:

  • Paracetamol (for example, as part of combination drugs - Theraflu, etc.);
  • Analgina;
  • Ibuprofen.

The dosage depends on the severity of symptoms and the age of the patients. The following medications may be prescribed for children:

  1. Panadol;
  2. Nurofen for children in syrup form;
  3. Analogues of paracetomol cefekon or efferalgan in the form of suppositories.

Expectorants and secretolytics

These herbal or chemical preparations act by thinning mucus in the bronchi and increasing hydration. This promotes its removal and alleviates the patient’s condition. Important! Mucolytics can provoke bronchospasm, so if there is a risk of bronchospasm, they should be excluded from the arsenal of therapeutic agents. Secretolytics increase the activity of epithelial cells, resulting in the production of more mucus, but with less viscosity. In this form it is easier to remove it from the body. Indications for their use are dry, unproductive cough, as well as cough with viscous sputum.

Herbal medicines usually give a good effect and do not have a serious effect on the body. Their disadvantage is that they contain active substances in small concentrations, which necessitates their frequent use to achieve the desired result. The following types of medicinal herbs are recommended for use:

  • Althaea officinalis (pharmacy). The roots and rhizomes of the plant are used for therapeutic purposes. At the pharmacy you can purchase preparations containing marshmallow extract in the form of tea, breast milk, syrup or tincture. In addition to the expectorant effect, it has anti-inflammatory and enveloping properties. Marshmallow also relieves irritation of the laryngeal mucosa and accelerates its regeneration.
  • Common anise. The fruits of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials. For laryngitis, anise oil is prescribed. It enhances the secretory activity of the ciliated epithelium of the larynx and relieves inflammation. It can be taken as part of medicines or combined with antibiotics. Anise is suitable for use during lactation; moreover, it has a positive effect on the amount of milk produced.
  • Licorice is naked. Its roots and rhizomes are used in medicine. For laryngitis, the use of licorice syrup is indicated. The plant irritates the mucous membranes, increasing their secretory activity and causing a cough. Due to the phytoncides included in its composition, it also has an antiseptic effect. The root of the plant contains steroid compounds that are structurally reminiscent of glucocorticosteroid hormones, which allows licorice preparations to act as antihistamines, reducing the severity of inflammatory symptoms.
  • Violet tricolor. The shoots of the plant are used as an expectorant. You can buy violet infusion at the pharmacy. At the moment, syrup is being developed, and it is planned to introduce it into pediatric practice due to the low toxicity and high efficiency of plant raw materials.
  • Thermopsis lanceolata. Tablets with herbal extracts of the plant are available for sale. The active components have an effect on the mucous membrane of the larynx and respiratory centers, provoking an increase in the amount of secretion and its outflow. The drug may cause nausea. As a contraindication, ulcers in the stomach or proximal (initial) intestines can be noted.

Chemically synthesized expectorants include:

  1. ACC. Unlike the above-described remedies, it acts not on the mucous membrane, but directly on the sputum, making it more liquid due to chemical transformations. Important! The antibiotic tetracycline, its derivatives and analogs cannot be used together with ACC.
  2. Bromhexine. The drug has a stimulating effect on the cells of the mucous membrane and dilutes the secretion itself. It can be used in the form of syrup, tablets and inhalations, the latter method is preferable. The drug can be combined with herbal remedies of similar action to enhance the mucolytic effect.
  3. Ambroxol. Available in the form of capsules, tablets, syrup, solution for inhalation. The principle of action of ambroxol is similar to that of bromhexine. Important! The drug is incompatible with antitussives due to the risk of mucus accumulation in the respiratory tract.

Features of laryngitis treatment in infants

The difficulty of treating inflammation of the larynx in infants is as follows:

  • The need for a quick response, since the small lumen of the larynx can easily be blocked during swelling, which will lead to respiratory arrest.
  • Inability to maintain a gentle vocal regime.
  • Inapplicability of such treatment methods as rinsing and inhalation.
  • Prohibition on taking mucolytics due to the high likelihood of bronchospasm.

To treat laryngitis in a child under 2 years of age, the following measures may be indicated:

  1. Maintaining high air humidity in the room where the patient is located.
  2. During coughing attacks, distracting hot foot baths. Note: Doctors rate the effectiveness of this measure differently. For example, E.O. Komarovsky, a famous pediatrician, is convinced of the pointlessness of foot baths. A G.N. Uzhegov, a popular herbalist with extensive ENT practice, advises relieving coughing in this way, starting from birth. He recommends avoiding immersing your feet more than mid-calf and using water no hotter than 38°.
  3. From 1 month you can use ampicillin; Streptomycin and penicillin are prescribed to children from birth, as are some cephalosporins.
  4. Hydrocortisone to relieve swelling and prevent suffocation is used in childhood, starting from birth, taking into account dose adjustment.

How to prevent laryngitis?

Prevention of laryngitis must be carried out in two main areas: preservation of the vocal cords and general hardening of the body. As part of the first measure, it is important to avoid talking in the cold, giving lectures without a microphone, which requires significant vocal effort.

Hardening must be carried out comprehensively and gradually. Sunbathing, rubbing with cold water, and staying in the fresh air have a beneficial effect on the immune system.

Qualified help is extremely important for laryngitis. In childhood, bronchospasm can easily lead to consequences such as the death of the child. Even in a less tragic scenario, inflammation of the larynx can cause loss of voice, as well as infection of neighboring organs and tissues.

Source: http://uhonos.ru/gorlo/bolezni-gorla/laringit/

Laryngitis symptoms and treatment

Laryngitis is one of the most common diseases of the respiratory system. The disease affects the vocal cords and causes inflammation of the larynx, which causes wheezing and a “barking” cough. Treatment of laryngitis is carried out based on whether it is an independent disease or a symptom of whooping cough, scarlet fever or ARVI.

Laryngitis: specifics of the course of the disease

Laryngitis is an acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, which affects the entire throat or its individual parts (subglottic cavity, epiglottic mucosa). The development of the disease is provoked by seasonal illnesses, polluted air, and characteristics of professional activity (frequent talking or singing).

The disease develops from a slight malaise. The temperature may remain normal or rise slightly. Other common symptoms include:

  • hoarseness of voice;
  • development of aphonia (whispering);
  • painful cough;
  • redness and swelling of the larynx.

In children, laryngitis can develop suddenly (swelling of the mucous membrane impedes the flow of air). The child's breathing is accompanied by extraneous noise. An extreme case is a violation of brain activity.

Classification of the disease: briefly about each type

Depending on the speed of progression and severity of the main symptoms, there are 2 main forms of laryngitis.

Acute inflammation. Causes: viral effects, complications of a cold or scarlet fever. Characteristic

sudden onset, rapid development and sharp deterioration in general condition. The incubation period ranges from several hours to a day. Features of the flow are shown in the photo below.

Chronic form. Lack of help and a frivolous attitude towards health lead to the development of this type. There is no incubation period. Symptoms are identical to the acute form. The person gradually loses the sonority of his voice. Features are shown in the photo below.

Features of drug treatment

To avoid the dangerous consequences of laryngitis, it is recommended to treat the disease with medication. Treatment methods for adults and children are largely identical. The main condition for a quick recovery is compliance with all prescribed recommendations. The course of drug treatment depends on the symptoms.

  1. If you feel itching, local agents are prescribed to relieve inflammation and eliminate microbes (Ingalipt spray or Strepsils lozenges).
  2. To reduce the severity of dry cough, codeine-containing drugs (Sinekod) are prescribed.
  3. If a dry cough does not occur for a long time, expectorant medications are prescribed. The peculiarity of such medicines is their natural composition. Prospan – contains ivy extract, Alteyka – marshmallow extract.
  4. In case of severe swelling of the laryngeal mucosa, antiallergic drugs are prescribed. These include Loratadine, Cetrin.

If there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection, then Bioparox (local application) may be prescribed.

If no effect of the drug is observed, systemic antibacterial treatment is prescribed. The patient is prescribed protected penicillins (Augmentin, Amoxiclav) and regular inhalations.

More about traditional therapy

Drug treatment includes several effective options. The first is oral irrigation. Treatment is carried out in a hospital setting. The duration of the course is 4-5 days with 2-3 irrigations. Dosage – 50 ml of medicine in one dose. Most often, saline solution or tincture of iodine (5 drops) is used.

Physiotherapy is prescribed to stimulate the healing effect. When atrophy of the neuromuscular system occurs due to laryngitis, electrophoresis of the collar zone is prescribed. It is necessary to conduct sessions. In cases of severe pain, such treatment is carried out using novocaine.

Inhalations are also popular in therapy. This treatment is most often performed on an outpatient basis:

  • 4% gentamicin solution for injection;
  • 0.5% dioxidine, 5 ml per dose (for disinfection);
  • Lazolvan with saline solution in a 1:1 ratio;
  • Fluimucil for removing phlegm.

Some features of treating children

For a child, first of all, inhalation is prescribed with a special device (nebulizer). Rotokan or Lazolvan can be used as a solution. Pulmicorta (from 6 months) is suitable for treating the chronic form.

The choice and dosage of medications is determined by the pediatrician, taking into account the age and weight of the children. Among the most common remedies:

  • Zodak and Cetrin (syrup from a year, and tablets from 6 years) or Claritin (from 2 years);
  • antipyretics - Panadol, Paracetamol and Ibufen;
  • lollipops and records (only from 5 years old) - Strepsils, Stopangin and Grammidin.

To relieve swelling of the mucous membrane, children can be given Clarisens, Fenistil. After taking these antihistamines, your child will sleep more peacefully. Additionally, expectorants and antitussives are prescribed, such as Gerbion, Stoptusin. If the cough is wet, it is worth using preparations based on marshmallow.

Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF) and inhalations with infusions of medicinal herbs are useful for both adults and young patients.

It is not recommended to give expectorants to children. When the larynx is inflamed, the passage for air narrows. The action of expectorants is based on stimulating the production of sputum, and this can lead to blockage of the larynx (causing pain).

We are looking for help among folk recipes

Despite the wide range of medications on pharmacy shelves, treatment of laryngitis using traditional methods is still popular today. This is an inexpensive and yet effective way to get rid of the disease. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting such therapy.

The main method of treatment is decoctions, syrups made from herbs, vegetables or citrus fruits.

  1. Mix half a glass of lemon juice and a glass of honey. Drink 1 tsp orally. every 10 minutes. An alternative to lemon juice is cranberry juice.
  2. Mix honey and plantain herb juice in equal parts and keep in a steam bath for a quarter of an hour. Drink 1 tbsp. during the day.
  3. Milk-carrot decoction. Boil 200 g of vegetables in 0.5 liters of milk. After straining, drink 1 glass 3 times a day.

The following recipes are suitable for thinning mucus and expectoration.

  1. Pour 2 tbsp. oregano with boiling water. Take a third of a glass during the day.
  2. Cut a small hole inside the radish and fill it with honey. After 2-3 hours, juice will begin to stand out. You need to drink it 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.

To treat a throat with laryngitis, you can regularly gargle with onion peels (repeat every 5 hours). Brew 1-2 tbsp. l. husks with boiling water, leave, strain and begin the procedure.

To reduce vocal tension, adults can drink warm beer in small sips, and children can eat eggnog (sugar whipped with yolk). To improve immunity, you need to eat a few cloves of garlic. To treat the chronic form, it is recommended to gargle with cypress or sage essential oil.

Until recovery, you should refrain from smoking and eating hot and spicy foods.

Useful tips for treatment at home

The principle of action of traditional treatment is to warm up the diseased area and moisturize the sore throat. Antiseptics and recipes that increase human immunity work well.

  • The most effective of folk inhalations is breathing with your mouth over a saucepan. In this case, you need to cover your head with a towel or scarf. The procedure must be repeated 2-3 times a day. Inhalations are done using potatoes or herbal decoctions. Potatoes need to be boiled, drained and inhaled until the vegetable cools. The herbal decoction is boiled for about 10 minutes and also inhaled until it cools (chamomile, St. John's wort, eucalyptus and sage are used).
  • A neck compress will relieve discomfort. You need to dilute water and medical alcohol (1:1), moisten the cotton wool, squeeze it hard and apply it to the neck. Place dry cotton wool or a bandage on top, wrap it in cellophane and tie a scarf. Leave until cool.
  • Another popular remedy is foot baths. Apply with the addition of mustard or soda for 15 minutes. After the procedure, you need to dry your feet well, put on socks and lie down under a blanket. Baths help strengthen the immune system.

It is advisable to use all the presented methods for treating children. But before starting therapy, consultation with a pediatrician is required.

To summarize: rules of prevention

There is no specialized prevention of laryngitis. Protection against its occurrence involves gradually hardening the body and increasing its resistance with the help of vitamin and mineral complexes. A contrast shower is ideal for these purposes. You can start hardening by wiping with a terry towel dipped in cold water. To maintain the antiviral activity of the immune system, complexes with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are useful.

It is also important for prevention:

  • to refuse from bad habits;
  • observe basic hygiene rules (during an epidemic, use respirators and masks, wash your hands);
  • regularly carry out wet cleaning in the house;
  • talk less in the cold;
  • add warm milk to your diet, and drink herbal tinctures instead of black tea.

A doctor of the highest category talks about all the features of such an ailment as laryngitis. Here you will find out all the details and tips for effective treatment:

Source: http://domalekar.ru/laringit-simptomy-i-lechenie.html

Laryngitis in adults - symptoms and treatment, what it is, photos, first signs of laryngitis

Laryngitis is a clinical syndrome of damage to the larynx caused by inflammatory changes in the mucous membrane due to the development of an infection of viral or bacterial etiology or other causes, manifesting itself in an acute or chronic form. Development is promoted by hypothermia, breathing through the mouth, dusty air, overstrain of the larynx, smoking and drinking alcohol.

The course of the disease depends on a number of conditions (age, body resistance, adequacy of therapy, etc.). How to treat laryngitis, what are the symptoms and first signs in adults, as well as the main methods of prevention - we will talk in more detail in this article.

What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a disease of the respiratory system that affects the mucous membrane of the larynx. In adults, the disease is accompanied by a change in voice, up to its complete loss, coughing, and breathing problems. It can occur independently or be a continuation of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx, nasopharynx or nasal cavity in cases of acute respiratory diseases.

The fact is that when we talk, our vocal cords begin to vibrate, which is why sound appears. But with this disease, the vocal cords swell and completely lose this unique property. At the same time, the airways also narrow, it becomes a little difficult to breathe; another characteristic of the disease may be the so-called barking cough.

It is important to realize in time that silence is golden in the literal sense of the word. It’s better to talk in a whisper for a few days than to suffer for many weeks later.

Types of disease

There are two forms of laryngitis: acute, which lasts only a few days, and chronic, which lasts for weeks or months.

Acute laryngitis

Acute laryngitis relatively rarely develops as an independent disease. Usually it is a symptom of ARVI (influenza, adenoviral infection, parainfluenza), in which the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx, and sometimes the lower respiratory tract (bronchi, lungs) is also involved in the inflammatory process. Acute laryngitis can result from excessive strain on the vocal cords, such as shouting, greeting, singing, or giving speeches.

Chronic laryngitis in adults

The chronic form follows from an acute manifestation in the absence of treatment or becomes the result of infection from chronic sources of the pathogen (inflammatory diseases in the nasopharynx). It is often diagnosed in smokers, since tobacco smoke negatively affects the condition of the epithelial layer and leads to its depletion, as a result of which the mucous membrane becomes susceptible to the effects of negative factors.

The outcome of chronic laryngitis in adults depends on its form. With hypertrophic and atrophic chronic laryngitis, complete recovery does not occur. Prevention is aimed at eliminating causative factors.

Sometimes, due to the similarity of the clinical picture, this pathology is confused with pharyngitis, however, how to treat laryngitis in an adult and what to do with pharyngitis are very different. Therefore, you should not take any medications until your doctor makes an accurate diagnosis.

Also distinguished:

  • Catarrhal laryngitis - the patient has a sore throat, hoarseness, a feeling of rawness in the throat, an intermittent cough, dry and poorly expressed. The course is favorable and easy. Characteristic symptoms of laryngitis in adults: most often, patients complain of dysphonia, hoarseness, soreness, rawness and dryness in the throat at normal or subfebrile temperature. Sometimes a dry cough occurs, which is subsequently accompanied by expectoration of sputum.
  • The atrophic type of laryngitis is characterized by a decrease in the thickness of the mucous membrane. Given this feature, discharge with traces of blood is often noted in the cough. A characteristic sign is the formation of yellow-green or dirty brown crusts on the mucous membrane.
  • Allergic laryngitis occurs in a patient with an allergic reaction (allergic rhinitis, pharyngitis and others).
  • Hypertrophic laryngitis, in contrast to atrophic laryngitis, is characterized by thickening of the laryngeal mucosa. Excessively thickened areas of the larynx, in the form of whitish or transparent elevations, can become so large that they interfere with the closure of the vocal cords.
  • In the case of diphtheria, the development of the disease occurs due to the spread of infection into the larynx from the tonsils. The mucous membrane becomes covered with a white membrane, which can detach and cause blockage of the airways at the level of the vocal cords. A similar membrane can also form during streptococcal infection.

Causes of occurrence in adults

The causative agents of laryngitis are divided into two groups:

  • viruses (influenza virus, parainfluenza, measles and others);
  • bacteria (the causative agent of scarlet fever, diphtheria, whooping cough, streptococci, staphylococci, mycobacteria, treponema and others).

The main causes of laryngitis:

  • General and local hypothermia, eating irritating food (usually very cold), cold drinking, mouth breathing, excessive vocal stress (long, loud conversation, singing, screaming) - all this leads to disruption of local defense systems, damage to the cellular structures of the mucous membrane and the development of inflammatory process. In the future, infection may occur.
  • Contacts with patients with whooping cough, chicken pox, influenza or other acute respiratory viral infections. The incubation period for laryngitis of infectious origin can range from several hours to several days, depending on the pathogen.
  • The spread of infections from the paranasal sinuses during sinusitis, the oral cavity and other nearby areas.
  • Inhalation of various irritants - air contaminated with dust, soot, chemicals.
  • Constant or one-time strong tension of the vocal cords - prolonged loud conversation, as well as screaming, especially in the case of unfavorable conditions indicated in the previous paragraph.
  • Damage to the surface of the mucous membrane of the larynx - surgical intervention, mechanical (fish bone, attempt to swallow poorly chewed food, crackers).
  • Alcohol abuse, smoking.
  • Laryngitis can develop if stomach contents enter the larynx (gastroesophageal reflux). This condition can develop in case of weakness of the esophageal sphincters, which normally prevent gastric contents from entering the esophagus, pharynx, and larynx.

Symptoms of laryngitis

Signs of inflammation of the larynx in adults can be suspected independently. The following symptoms may indicate the development of laryngitis:

  • The appearance of a dry cough;
  • Hoarseness of voice;
  • Sore and sore throat;
  • Severe pain when swallowing;
  • General malaise;
  • Increase in body temperature;
  • Increased number of leukocytes in the blood.

Laryngitis in adults usually lasts from several days to 2 weeks. Usually, after 2-3 days, body temperature normalizes and overall health improves. Then the voice is restored and gradually the dry cough turns into a wet one and stops.

Throat in the photo with laryngitis

In the first seven to ten days, the disease has an acute course. If the inflammatory process lasts longer, then doctors diagnose chronic laryngitis.

  • First, a person’s general health deteriorates, headache and weakness appear.
  • Performance drops sharply, constant drowsiness occurs.
  • At the same time, the temperature may rise, but this does not always happen, and the thermometer rarely rises above subfebrile levels. Typically, the temperature during laryngitis ranges from 37.0° to 37.5°.
  • there is a sore throat that gets worse when swallowing, coughing and trying to talk;
  • dry cough in the form of attacks with scanty sputum;
  • runny nose and nasal congestion.
  • hoarse voice;
  • severe sore throat;
  • cough;
  • swelling and hyperemia of the mucous membrane.

Complications

The most common complication of laryngitis is chronic bronchitis and tonsillitis. Often in the acute phase there is a danger of developing laryngeal edema and the occurrence of false croup. In this condition, the person begins to choke, the skin turns pale, and the nasolabial triangle becomes blue. If a person in this condition is not given immediate assistance, he may die.

Chronic laryngitis can also lead to complications such as:

  • benign tumor formation in the larynx;
  • proliferation of polyps, formation of cysts or granulomas;
  • development of laryngeal cancer;
  • laryngeal stenosis;
  • impaired mobility of the larynx.

Diagnostics

Determination of symptoms and treatment of laryngitis in adults should be under the supervision of a physician.

During the diagnostic process, the doctor initially examines the medical history, conducts a physical examination and interviews the patient about the nature of the onset and development of the disease. A thorough examination of the sound of the voice, as well as the vocal cords, helps to select the right approach to treating the disease.

In addition to a general medical examination, the doctor may also use additional research methods, especially in case of chronic laryngitis or protracted acute laryngitis:

  • laryngoscopy;
  • blood analysis;
  • fluorography of a difficult cell;
  • bacteriological examination of swabs, smears from the larynx, etc.

A person who does not have a medical education can diagnose laryngitis on his own, but the likelihood of an error is very high. Although the pathology has characteristic symptoms, in some cases it can take a “blurred” course. Some signs may be completely absent.

You should contact an otolaryngologist if:

  • Your symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks;
  • You have sudden severe pain (especially radiating to the ear), difficulty swallowing, or coughing up blood;
  • Suspect another disease;
  • There is a suspicion that laryngitis may become chronic.

Treatment of laryngitis in adults

Treatment of laryngitis involves following a gentle regimen (the patient requires rest) and eliminating factors that can increase inflammation (quitting smoking, spicy, cold and hot foods).

General treatment plan:

  • elimination of possible causes - reducing stress on the larynx and vocal cords (silence);
  • exclusion of foods that irritate the mucous membrane - carbonated drinks, salty, spicy foods;
  • complete cessation of smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, including beer and alcoholic cocktails;
  • plenty of warm drinks - teas, infusions, decoctions, milk, jelly, juices.

If laryngitis has developed, treatment in adults can be carried out by prescribing the following drugs for local and systemic therapy:

  • external medications for basic treatment: aerosols - Camphomen, Ingalipt, Tera-Flu; lozenges and absorbable tablets - Isla, Strepsils, Neo-Angin;
  • providing expectoration: Mucaltin, Prospan, Gedelix, Eucabal, Gerbion;
  • medications that can alleviate cough: Cofex, Sinekod;
  • antiallergic drugs (antihistamines): Loratadine, Zodak, Suprastin;
  • antibacterial antibiotic: Bioparox spray;
  • targeted antibiotics: Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Oxacillin and cephalosporins;
  • antiviral drugs: Fusafungin, Fenspiride;
  • improving immune defense and strengthening the body - compositions based on radiola, aralia, pantocrine, eleutherococcus.

Antibacterial drugs (antibiotics) are prescribed for laryngitis only if the bacterial nature of the pathology is confirmed. To do this, a bacterial culture is performed and the causative agent of the infection is identified. If this is not done, treatment may be ineffective due to the lack of sensitivity of some strains of bacteria to certain types of antibiotics.

The use of physiotherapeutic methods of treatment gives good results. The following procedures may be prescribed to adult patients:

How to treat acute laryngitis?

In adults, treatment of acute laryngitis should primarily be aimed at eliminating the problem that provoked the disease.

  • Local antibacterial drugs are used in the form of lozenges, aerosols, sprays, such as Strepsils, Hexoral, Tantum Verde, etc.
  • For severe sore throat, NSAIDs are prescribed - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Nimesil, Nise, Nurofen. They effectively eliminate all symptoms associated with inflammation - pain, voice disturbance, etc.
  • To stimulate the activity of metabolic processes and increase the activity of the immune system, adaptogens are prescribed (tinctures of Eleutherococcus, pantocrine, ginseng, rosea radiola).
  • An excellent remedy for laryngitis is lubricating the throat with Lugol's solution. This remedy helps protect the mucous membrane of the larynx from the effects of pathogenic flora. On the 3-4th day of illness, you can replace the lubrication with Lugol's solution with sea buckthorn oil. This substance promotes rapid restoration of the mucous membrane.

To ensure complete rest of the larynx, a person is not recommended to talk for about a week. If this is not possible, you need to speak as quietly and softly as possible.

Until the mucous membrane of the larynx is restored, the doctor must prescribe a strict diet, during which only gentle food should be consumed. However, it should not be too cold or hot.

An exact list of medications and recommendations for their use, as well as the advisability of inhalations, is given to the patient by the attending physician. Subject to compliance with the prescribed therapy, the patient returns to normal within 10 days.

How to treat chronic laryngitis in adults?

It is almost impossible to completely get rid of the chronic form of laryngitis, but it is possible to achieve remission and reduce its manifestations to a minimum. It is worth noting that with a particularly pronounced inflammatory process and the development of complications, hospital treatment may be required. When treating exacerbations of chronic laryngitis, special attention should be paid to the treatment of chronic infections that contribute to this exacerbation.

Its course for too long can disrupt vocal function and completely change the patient’s voice. And people suffering from chronic laryngitis are at risk for laryngeal cancer. Therefore, this disease must be treated comprehensively and until complete recovery.

For adults, laryngitis therapy will consist of the following procedures:

  • Taking medications and vitamins;
  • Alkaline and antibiotic inhalations;
  • Physiotherapy;
  • Traditional medicine methods.

Non-drug methods are of great importance in the treatment of chronic inflammation of the larynx:

  • to give up smoking;
  • voice rest;
  • gentle nutrition (warm, soft, neutral-tasting food, exclusion of spicy, hot and cold foods, carbonated drinks);
  • drink plenty of fluids (alkaline mineral waters (Naftusya, Borjomi), warm milk with honey);
  • prevention of hypothermia;
  • ventilate the room in which the patient lives for 10 minutes every hour;
  • adequate microclimate (temperature and humidity) in the room.

Inhalations

Inhalation is effective for laryngitis. It is better if it is an ultrasonic inhaler, and the patient will breathe with an infusion of medicinal herbs, such as chamomile.

Inhalation therapy can be using steam inhalations with herbs (chamomile, oregano, sage and others), potato steam, alkaline inhalations. This can be inhalation using a nebulizer (with mineral water or medications prescribed by a doctor). Inhalations are carried out from 3 to 7 times a day.

But know that steam inhalations cannot be performed in the following cases:

  • at elevated temperatures,
  • with purulent processes in the nasopharynx,
  • intolerance to drugs used for inhalation,
  • adults with exacerbation of bronchial asthma and other breathing disorders,
  • tendency to nosebleeds,

Nutrition

Proper therapy means an integrated approach to treating the disease; drug treatment cannot be used exclusively. It is important to follow a certain diet. For laryngitis, adults are strictly prohibited from consuming:

  • all alcoholic drinks;
  • sparkling water;
  • seeds, nuts;
  • garlic, pepper, mustard, onion, horseradish;
  • seasonings, spices, herbs.

Food should be liquid or pureed, not too hot and not cold. It is advisable to exclude fried and fatty foods, and steam meat and fish.

Vegetable oils, which can be dropped a few drops into the nose or lubricated with them in the throat, will help in the fight against inflammation and irritation of the larynx. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices will be of great benefit in the treatment of laryngitis, but they should be eaten in pureed form.

Drinking for laryngitis should be warm (not hot) and quite plentiful. All products should be taken in small sips. Borjomi, milk and sage will help cope with the disease.

Folk remedies

Before using folk remedies for laryngitis, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

  1. At the first manifestations of laryngitis, it is advisable to drink more warm drinks. Tea should be decaffeinated, as caffeine has a dehydrating effect.
  2. Two teaspoons of calamus are poured into a glass of boiling water, infused for 5 hours, used for gargling. 3 teaspoons of chopped onion peel are poured into 0.5 liters of water, allowed to boil and infused for 4 hours, filtered and used for gargling.
  3. To treat laryngitis at home, gargling with blueberry decoctions, beet juice and homemade apple cider vinegar solution are excellent. In case of false croup, the child is recommended to take hot foot baths (the duration of the procedure is 3-5 minutes).
  4. Gogol-mogol. To prepare, beat two yolks with a tablespoon of sugar, then add a tablespoon of melted butter and mix thoroughly. It is believed that using this remedy for 4-5 days twice a day helps restore your voice.
  5. For laryngitis, adults are recommended to use the following recipe: boil 3 finely chopped carrots in 1 liter of milk until tender; the broth can be rinsed and taken orally.
  6. Add egg white to 100 ml of vegetable oil and mix thoroughly. Drink in small sips throughout the day.
  7. Vitamin teas from linden, rowan, black elderberry, which can be drunk twice a day. Frozen viburnum is irreplaceable, which is also added to tea or eaten in its pure form.
  8. Another good folk remedy is tea with ginger and honey - the root is grated on a fine grater and added to tea, about 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger per 200 ml of boiling water, we eat honey, but only as a taste, do not add it to boiling water.

When treating, and especially at home, it is important to listen to your body! If you feel significant discomfort and worsening laryngitis symptoms, it is better not to tempt fate and change the treatment method to a more proven one.

Prevention of laryngitis

Prevention of laryngitis in adults involves preventing factors leading to the development of the disease.

  • Remember that even some drugs can cause drying out of the mucous membrane, so read the instructions before drinking.
  • Timely treatment of colds and chronic bacterial outbreaks.
  • If an acute respiratory infection or acute respiratory viral infection occurs, adherence to the regime (home regimen, warm plenty of fluids, sparing the voice - speak quietly or whisper, do not be nervous, do not walk, avoid physical activity).
  • Fight against bad habits (smoking, alcohol).
  • You should also not forget about simple things, such as wet cleaning of premises: dust is the primary thing that can irritate absolutely any mucous membrane.
  • Sports activities.

Laryngitis is not a serious disease, but advanced cases sometimes require surgical intervention. To prevent this, it must be treated promptly and completely. To do this, we recommend that you contact an otolaryngologist at the first sign.

Discussion: 2 comments

I work as educators and what I take for myself and recommend to children is Homeovox, a natural remedy that helps restore your voice very quickly!

And I have a problem with drafts at work. My hot colleagues always open the windows, but I am sensitive and any draft is always a problem for me. Just a week ago they decided to ventilate it and it blew through me. I left work with a sore throat, and in the morning without a voice. Grammidin lozenges with a red scarf saved me. After two days, thank God my voice returned.

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