Treatment of laryngitis: drug therapy, vocal relaxation, diet

Treatment of laryngitis in adults and children

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, most often caused by viruses. Acute laryngitis is accompanied by swelling of the vocal cords, while the gap between them narrows. This leads to dysphonia (hoarseness) and/or aphonia (loss of voice). As a rule, the symptoms pass within a week, but the disease threatens complications and the transition to chronic laryngitis.

Laryngitis in a child: causes and symptoms

Usually inflammation affects the larynx in infectious diseases: pharyngitis, tonsillitis, influenza, SARS, cowpox, rubella. Pathology can develop when the vocal chords are overstretched, for example, this is how laryngitis occurs in babies with prolonged crying/screaming. Contribute to the disease of hypothermia, a decrease in immunity.

Laryngitis in a child as an independent disease is rare. It is often combined with tracheitis (laryngotracheitis) and is accompanied by cough and fever. Allergic laryngitis is a special type of disease, the body's reaction to the ingress of a certain substance (allergen), which is accompanied by dangerous swelling of the larynx. The condition requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx:

• tingling, scratching sensation
• pain when swallowing
• dysphonia
• dry cough
• headache
• increase in body temperature to subfebrile indicators.

Treatment of laryngitis in children

Since the main symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx (wheezing, hoarseness, coughing) are characteristic of many pathologies, a doctor should diagnose the disease and decide how to treat laryngitis. After the examination and identification of the causative agent of the disease, the doctor will prescribe the necessary drugs, recommend a gentle diet that excludes spicy, hot and cold foods, complete rest (you can not talk and strain the vocal cords), drinking in large quantities. A good effect in the treatment of laryngitis is observed from sprays, lozenges, warm rinses, inhalations. It is also necessary to humidify the air in the child's room.

In the case of a bacterial infection, treatment of laryngitis in children is carried out with the use of antibiotics, the specific drug and the scheme of its administration should be prescribed by a doctor. If acute stenosing laryngitis (false croup) is suspected, hospitalization and inpatient treatment are required. Medicines are shown that relieve spasm of the glottis and swelling of the larynx. Antiviral drugs are prescribed, and when bacterial flora is detected, antibiotics are added. To normalize breathing, respiratory tract sanitation is carried out with the use of enzymes and mucolytics. In severe cases, hormonal therapy (inhalation or injection) is indicated.

How to quickly cure laryngitis:

1. If you have a sore throat, go to the clinic.
2. Follow the regimen prescribed by the doctor.
3. Do not smoke, give up alcohol and carbonated drinks.
4. Follow a diet.
5. Moisturize the air in the room.
6. Don't shout, don't sing, try not to talk.
7. Take the drugs prescribed by the doctor.

Read about how to treat laryngitis in adults on our website Dobrobut.com.

Prevention of laryngitis

To prevent inflammation and swelling of the larynx, you should:

1. Do not smoke, as tobacco smoke dries out the mucous membrane and irritates the vocal folds.
2. Avoid passive smoking.
3. Do not drink alcohol.
4. Limit the use of drinks that contain caffeine.
5. Drink enough liquid.
6. Limit spicy food to reduce the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
7. Eat properly - the diet should contain enough fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, E and C.
8. Minimize the possibility of infection with infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract: wash your hands often, avoid contact with sick people, take drugs that increase immunity.
9. Vaccinate children against infectious diseases and flu in a timely manner.

A healthy lifestyle and timely treatment of infectious diseases will help to avoid the development of laryngitis.

It is very important to get vaccinated against influenza every year in the fall before the start of the epidemiological season, because laryngitis can be one of the manifestations of this infection.

Flu vaccines that correspond to the strains of the current year usually appear on our network in October - early November, and it is important for you to get your protection against this dangerous infection as soon as possible.