The author - Chuklin Olga, general practitioner, internist. Work experience since 2003.
Laryngitis called disease where inflammation occurs laryngeal mucosa. Inflammation may relate to the mucous membranes of the vocal cords, epiglottis, infraglottic cavity.
Laryngitis is characterized by pharyngitis that for sore throat inflammation is localized only on the mucous membranes of the throat, there is no voice changes are not changed when laryngoscopy the vocal cords.
Causes
The following main causes of acute laryngitis in adults:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- exposure to allergens;
- excessively prolonged inhalation of polluted air, especially in industrial plants;
- fungal infections;
- intense pressure on the vocal cords.
Among viral infections most commonly cause laryngitis:
- adenovirus;
- influenza virus;
- virus parainfluenza;
- rhinovirus;
- respiratory syncytial virus.
The source of bacterial inflammation in adults is most often centers of a chronic infection. The sources of such diseases can act:
- caries teeth;
- sinusitis;
- chronic tonsillitis;
- chronic pharyngitis;
- adenoiditis;
- Chronical bronchitis.
Also, there are a number of factors that contribute to the development of acute laryngitis:
- hypothermia;
- breath of mouth on the street in the cold season;
- eating cold food;
- smoking;
- deviated septum;
- constant intense stress on the vocal cords.
Kinds
According to the severity of mucosal inflammation are distinguished:
- diffuse (diffuse) laryngitis;
- limited (local) laryngitis.
To diffuse acute laryngitis is characterized by the development of inflammation of the mucous membranes of all parts of the larynx. And any one region (epiglottis, vocal cords, infraglottic region) for a limited acute laryngitis characterized by the development of inflammation of mucous membranes.
Adrift all laryngitis in adults divided into acute and chronic.
Acute laryngitis in adults lasts no more than two weeks, and chronic laryngitis lasts for more than three weeks, and proceeds with periods of remissions and exacerbations of inflammatory process.
Symptoms of acute laryngitis
For acute viral laryngitis typical onset of the disease - the appearance of signs of intoxication, which are manifested by the following symptoms:
- general weakness;
- headache;
- chills;
- muscle pain;
- increase in body temperature.
Also, the patient had signs of inflammation of the nasopharynx:
- inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose - copious mucous discharge from the nose;
- inflammation of mucous throat - hyperemia and graininess posterior pharyngeal wall.
For the manifestations of acute laryngitis is characterized by the presence of these symptoms:
- pain and sore throat;
- dry cough;
- hoarseness or no (Athos);
- paroxysmal barking cough;
- a feeling of dryness in the throat.
Later, after a few days, the cough becomes productive (wet), the patient begins to stand out phlegm.
With the development of bacterial inflammation of the centers of a chronic infection develop all the symptoms characteristic for acute laryngitis, but there may be no increase in temperature, or it increases slightly.
On examination of the mucous membranes of the larynx can be found:
- congestion of the mucous membranes (focal or diffuse);
- swelling of the mucous membranes of the larynx.
Diagnostics
If signs of illness should contact a physician otolaryngologist.
acute inflammation of the larynx diagnosis is made after a survey of the patient, examination.
Inspect the larynx by indirect and direct laryngoscopy.
Indirect laryngoscopy is conducted with the help of mirrors, and the line with the help of an endoscopic apparatus.
At laryngoscopy can be found:
- redness of the throat;
- mucous discharge;
- laryngeal edema walls, epiglottis, vocal cords;
- may be minor hemorrhagic changes (submucosal hemorrhage).
What analyzes to hand
From general assays for acute inflammation of the larynx is carried CBC - it can be detected nonspecific signs of inflammation (increase in the number of leukocytes, increasing the settling rate erythrocytes ESR).
For the allergic nature of the inflammatory process is characterized by increasing the number of eosinophils in the general analysis of blood.
Difdiagnostiki performed with such terrible diseases as diphtheria. But diphtheria patient developed all the symptoms gradually, while in acute laryngitis viral or bacterial disease develops quickly. Also, when a diphtheria primarily develops defeat of the tonsils, gradually spread to adjacent organs.
In addition, we must distinguish between a viral, bacterial and allergic inflammation. The main difference between an allergic acute laryngitis is that it takes place with no signs of intoxication. In order to distinguish between viral and bacterial laryngitis, it is necessary to conduct bacteriological examination of mucous discharge and identify the causative agent.
Treatment of acute laryngitis
Self-treatment of the disease is unacceptable, it can lead to chronic inflammation or spread to nearby organs infections.
acute inflammation of the larynx Treatment is carried out in an outpatient setting under the supervision of otolaryngologist.
There are general guidelines for the treatment of:
If there are signs of intoxication mandatory compliance with bed rest during all the intoxication;
- drinking plenty of fluids;
- voice calm;
- providing fresh air (ventilation of rooms);
- to give up smoking;
- abstinence from alcohol;
- exclusion of products with an irritant action (acute, hot food);
- maintenance of normal air humidity.
In the treatment of acute laryngitis main role for causal therapy to the pathogen.
For the treatment of viral infections, some physicians prescribe antivirals, but it should be noted that the effectiveness of these medicines is proved:
- Arbidol;
- Anaferon;
- Kagocel;
- Ingavirin.
If proven bacterial infection, antibiotics are appointed:
- Flemoxin Solutab (amoxicillin);
- Hemomitsin (azithromycin);
- Clarithromycin.
At body temperature of 38.5 degrees or more, antipyretics:
- Paracetamol;
- ibuprofen;
- Aspirin.
Apply local antiseptic agents:
- Geksoral;
- Ingalipt;
- kameton;
- Stopangin.
With frequent attacks of dry cough in the early days of the disease allowed the use of antitussives, only in consultation with a physician:
- Sinekod (butamirata citrate);
- Libeksin (prenoxdiazine);
- Codelac (codeine).
In the transition to a productive cough apply tools thinning and facilitate sputum:
- ACC (acetyl);
- Ambrogeksal (Ambroxol);
- Karbotsistein.
If there is an allergic component antihistamines are used:
- Claritin;
- tavegil;
- suprastin;
- Zyrtec.
Conducted inhalation using a nebulizer, used for this purpose:
- Saline;
- Mineral water;
- Ambrobene, Lasolvan and other drugs ambroxol with water-based.
At the expressed inflammatory hormones used for inhalation:
- Pulmicort;
- Hydrocortisone.
Appointed and physiotherapy treatment:
- UHF;
- electrophoresis drugs;
- UFO.
treatment is usually carried out over one to two weeks.
complications
The most frequent complications of acute laryngitis are:
- the transition of the disease in chronic form;
- spread of infection to surrounding organs with the development of bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia.
prevention
Mer specific prophylaxis of acute laryngitis does not exist.
There are general measures of prevention:
- increased immunity (hardening, maintaining a healthy lifestyle);
- timely treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases;
- to give up smoking;
- abstinence from alcohol;
- reducing the burden on the vocal cords;
- prevent infection by viral infections;
- readjustment of the mouth (dental treatment).
Summary
| Disease | acute laryngitis |
| Key symptoms |
|
| What doctor treats | Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) |
| What analyzes to hand | General blood analysis (KLA) |
| What can be confused | Diphtheria |
| How many days is treated | 1-2 weeks of outpatient |
