Laryngitis

The condition of irritation, burning, dryness with a painful sensation in the throat, associated with the loss of voice in medicine is called an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the larynx or laryngitis. The process occurs with an increase in temperature, a "barking" cough and pain when swallowing. With the disease, an increase in ligaments, swelling of the mucous membrane of the throat, a hoarse and rough voice are noted.

During the disease, accompanied by a dry and severe cough, the infection spreads through microcracks in the mucous membrane, causing inflammation. The onset of the disease is associated with poor ecology, exposure to excessively hot, cold, dry air flow, the effect of chemical vapors or carbon monoxide on the throat, alcohol consumption. Laryngitis is often an occupational disease of singers, teachers, announcers and in other areas of activity where there is a lot of stress on the vocal cords. The disease occurs as a result of a sore throat, acute respiratory viral infection, flu, whooping cough, etc. There are known cases of the disease in heavy smokers.

Laryngitis: ICD-10

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of the tenth revision introduced coding for types of diseases. According to this classifier, laryngitis ICD 10 is included in the fifth group (diseases of the respiratory system), where code J04 corresponds to acute laryngitis and tracheitis, J05 - acute obstructive laryngitis (croup) and epiglottitis. To identify the infectious agent, additional coding B95-B98 is used. Moreover, acute course of the disease is understood as an edematous, ulcerative, purulent process developing below the folds of the glottis.

The chronic type of the disease is coded J37.0, and for chronic laryngotracheitis the code J37.1 is used.

Is laryngitis contagious?

The appearance of laryngitis is caused by:

• infection (viruses, bacteria);
• professional field of activity (singers, lecturers, etc.);
• bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol in large quantities);
• mechanical causes (damage, excessive load);
• aggressive environments (poisons, chemicals, etc.).

Based on the above classification of causes of throat disease, we can conclude whether laryngitis is contagious or not. If inflammatory processes in the larynx are associated with infection as a result of a disease - flu, acute respiratory viral infection, whooping cough and others, then viruses can be transmitted by airborne droplets. Other factors, including laryngeal cancer, do not cause concern among others regarding infection.

Causes of laryngitis

Laryngitis comes in two forms: acute and chronic.

The acute process is preceded by chronic respiratory diseases - flu, scarlet fever, whooping cough. Overstrain of the vocal cords due to professional affiliation, loud talking or hypothermia of the larynx, damage by toxic vapors - are common causes of laryngitis.

The chronic form involves the mucous membrane of the throat, internal muscles, and submucous tissues. Chronic disease is the result of systematically recurring acute laryngitis, inflammation of the throat or nose. Chronic course of the disease is observed in smokers, alcohol lovers. Patients with allergies are also at risk.

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Infectious laryngitis

Primary or secondary infectious diseases of the larynx occur due to respiratory viral infection of the nasopharynx.

Infectious laryngitis is divided into the following forms:

• influenza - in this case, abscesses and phlegmons are often observed, mainly in the epiglottic or aryepiglottic fold. Streptococci act as the causative agent. The disease differs little in local symptoms from the course of laryngitis. The general condition of the patient is expressed by headache, weakness, pain in the joints and muscle structures, temperature;
• diphtheria (laryngeal croup) - occurs in children under five years of age against the background of frequent infections, vitamin deficiency, etc. The inflammatory reaction begins in a standard way. However, later ulcerative elements appear on the mucous membrane of the larynx, covered with yellowish-green films and containing the pathogen - the diphtheria bacillus. The disease begins like a common cold, which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Viral laryngitis

Damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract by a viral infection provokes viral laryngitis, as a special case of laryngeal disease.

Laryngitis develops as a result of the following diseases:

• measles - along with the characteristic skin rash, the virus spreads to the mucous membrane in the form of disseminated spots, leaving behind superficial erosion. In addition to plaque, patients note hoarseness of the voice, pain with a "barking" cough and the appearance of mucopurulent sputum;
• chickenpox - the skin rash rarely spreads to the larynx, but if it does, ulcers form, accompanied by swelling of the throat;
• scarlet fever - against its background, the appearance of laryngitis often goes unnoticed;
• Whooping cough is a dangerous viral condition characterized by spasmodic coughing fits and changes in the laryngeal tissues. The disease occurs with oxygen deficiency, a heavy load on the vocal folds, and impaired blood circulation in the throat.

Diseases are diagnosed on the basis of a specific bacteriological study by isolating the pathogen from a drop of mucus taken from the wall of the larynx.

Bacterial laryngitis

Viral and bacterial laryngitis are classified as infectious processes. Particularly dangerous forms of the disease should be highlighted:

• anthrax - the causative agent is the bacillus Anthracis, which affects animals and people in various countries of the world. In this form of the disease, swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and pharynx, septic phenomena predominate;
• as a result of glanders - the disease is observed in both animals and humans with manifestations on the skin and mucous membranes. The provocateur is Pseudomonas mallei. The main carrier of the bacillus is considered to be domestic animals (horses, camels, donkeys), in which the presence of the disease is detected by festering ulcers on the mucous membrane of the nose. A person can become infected by getting animal mucus into the respiratory tract, through skin wounds. Transmission of infection from person to person is unlikely.

Treatment of glanders brings results only at an early stage of the disease. Effective antibiotics against this pathological process have not yet been invented.

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How long does laryngitis last?

The disease is not considered dangerous or severe. With appropriate treatment, the duration of the disease does not exceed a week. How long does laryngitis with a laryngeal tumor last? Recovery usually occurs in two weeks. However, the process can lead to serious consequences.

In children, laryngitis is more severe with a dry cough and deterioration of the condition at night. Little patients turn pale, the nasolabial triangle area becomes blue. The mucous membrane of the larynx swells so much that it limits the flow of air into the lungs. There is a high risk of developing false croup. As a result of swelling, oxygen starvation occurs, which can cause a coma. This situation requires an immediate call for emergency medical care.

Symptoms of laryngitis

The acute form of the disease is manifested by a bright red color of the mucous membrane of the larynx, swelling, noticeable enlargement of the vocal cords. Laryngitis can cover the entire surface of the larynx or develop in isolated areas. The process is characterized by a change in voice or its loss, fever, breathing becomes more difficult, a dry cough appears. Sputum separation is observed later. Symptoms of laryngitis in the acute stage are described as dryness, irritation, scratching in the throat. The chronic process is characterized by hoarseness, hoarseness, a feeling of irritation and rapid fatigue when talking, as well as constant coughing.

Laboratory blood test results show an increase in leukocytes, accelerated ESR, which corresponds to an inflammatory process. Discomfort when swallowing often occurs. Patients note breathing problems due to laryngeal edema, narrowing of the glottis due to spasm.

First signs of laryngitis

A runny nose, dry cough, accompanied by hoarseness or lack of voice are the first signs of laryngitis.

Cough with laryngitis

Affecting the mucous membrane, laryngitis in the clinical picture has a feeling of irritation, burning, discomfort in the throat, pain when swallowing and is characterized by a change or complete loss of voice.

Depending on the form of the disease, the cough during laryngitis, which often resembles barking, can have different colors. For example, inflammation of the throat during diphtheria is accompanied by a hissing voice, and the cough and breathing are noisy. The onset of croup can be recognized by stridor breathing.

A dry cough with influenza laryngitis can cause pain behind the breastbone, which indicates damage to the trachea.

Attacks of spasmodic coughing, sudden in nature or following a feeling of sore throat/pressure in the chest, are characteristic of laryngitis in whooping cough. The spasms are followed by a deep whistling inhalation.

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Sputum with laryngitis

The development of the disease causes the appearance of discharge, the nature of which can be used to judge the stage of the disease and the ongoing processes. Thus, yellow or green sputum in laryngitis indicates a bacterial infection, transparent and liquid discharge indicates the presence of a virus. A change in sputum during treatment from a thick greenish tint to light and liquid indicates the attenuation of the disease process.

In order to identify the cause of laryngitis, a smear is taken from the wall of the larynx and sputum. Based on the results of the analysis, it is possible to accurately determine the nature of the lesion and prescribe adequate treatment.

Attack of laryngitis

Often, an attack of laryngitis occurs spontaneously, even without previous symptoms. By the nature of the manifestation, the disease is often confused with a common cold: runny nose, hoarse voice. A sharp deterioration in the condition is characterized by a dry cough, a state of shortness of breath. Particularly severe attacks with wheezing last for several hours, exacerbation occurs more often at night.

It should be remembered that laryngitis can be caused by an allergic reaction, which manifests itself as a terrible cough bordering on suffocation.

Oddly enough, all these conditions are easily treated if you see a doctor in a timely manner.

Acute laryngitis

Acute laryngitis accompanies a viral infection, but can also manifest itself as an independent disease due to strain on the vocal cords, inhalation of dust, harmful substances, smoking and alcohol abuse.

The pathogenic process is often caused by streptococci, staphylococci, etc. The sudden development of acute laryngitis is influenced by hypothermia, ulcerative manifestations on the vocal cords, and the presence of polyps.

An acute illness begins with a dry cough, scratching of the throat and pain when swallowing. Later, sputum is released. The voice becomes rough, becomes soundless and disappears altogether. The illness often causes a fever and headache.

The most dangerous is laryngitis resulting from acute inflammation of the subglottic space with pronounced stenosis. The larynx swells, which is fraught with asphyxia. This condition is called false croup. A distinctive feature of false croup from true croup is the presence of a film formation on the vocal cords. True croup is a consequence of diphtheria.

Chronic laryngitis

A hoarse voice, a cough due to a cold, problems with the stomach and esophagus, strain on the vocal cords, exposure to adverse environmental factors on the larynx - all these are the causes of chronic laryngitis.

Under the influence of cigarette smoke, which contains a lot of harmful substances, and with alcohol abuse, a chronic form of the disease develops.

Hot or, on the contrary, cold drinks, harmful substances also irritate the mucous membrane of the throat. Frequent or untreated colds, chronic lesions in the upper respiratory tract are a favorable background for the development of dystrophic changes in the larynx.

The chronic form of the disease is divided into:

• catarrhal, in which the primary factor is a violation of local blood circulation;
• hypertrophic - characterized by the presence of nodules, changes in the mucous membrane. Impaired glandular function is revealed by viscous mucus in the larynx;
• atrophic - a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. The mucous membrane is rough, covered with a viscous substance that forms dry crusts that are difficult to remove when coughing. Thinning of the mucous membrane is observed.

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Allergic laryngitis

The impact of various allergens of industrial (chemicals, gases, dyes) or natural origin (dust, microbes) on the human body causes swelling of the mucous membrane. The painful manifestation begins with difficulty in swallowing, breathing and leads to a state of suffocation, hoarseness. Food, medications can also cause an attack.

Allergic laryngitis is distinguished by acute and chronic course. The acute process is often sudden, develops with a dry cough of the "barking" type and shortness of breath. Attacks gradually subside and stop, but can remind of themselves after several months.

Allergic chronic diseases develop mainly in schoolchildren against the background of chronic sinusitis. Such laryngitis can be catarrhal and polypous. In the first variant, the disease is concentrated in the area of the vocal cords, in the second, polyps are distinguished from the medial side. The clinical manifestation does not differ from the acute process.

Diagnosis is made on the basis of laryngoscopy and allergy testing.

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Catarrhal laryngitis

Acute inflammation of the larynx includes catarrhal laryngitis, in which the activation of pathogenic microflora is caused by endogenous factors:

• decreased immune response;
• allergic reactions;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• puberty period (voice breaking);
• atrophic processes in the mucous membrane under the influence of age-related changes.

Catarrhal laryngitis occurs against the background of general infection of the body with streptococci, coronavirus, parainfluenza, fungal flora, rhinoviruses. Mixed flora is also encountered.

Acute catarrhal process is characterized by hoarseness, discomfort in the throat, temperature rises rarely. Dry cough turns into expectoration of sputum. Voice disorders are expressed in varying degrees, which is due to the nature of the swelling of the larynx.

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Hyperplastic laryngitis

Chronic throat disease is the result of untreated acute processes or a structural feature of an individual human organism (changes in the bronchi, lungs, pharynx and nose). Chronic hyperplastic laryngitis develops against the background of bad habits - smoking, regular alcohol consumption. Problems with the kidneys, liver, metabolic disorders, heart function and gastrointestinal tract also affect the occurrence of this type of disease.

Children are susceptible to hyperplastic laryngitis due to scarlet fever, whooping cough, measles. Gynecological diseases, reflex-vascular causes often provoke this type of laryngitis.

The process is accompanied by continuous vascular congestion, clogging of the mucous glands and irreversible changes in the laryngeal epithelium. Mature men are often susceptible to the disease. The disease is considered a precancerous condition.

The clinical picture shows inflammation and plugs in the throat, the mucous membrane is edematous and there is a loss of voice. The vocal cords have a bumpy and uneven surface due to a sharp increase and disruption of their occlusal function.

Atrophic laryngitis

The most severe form of chronic inflammatory process of the larynx is considered to be atrophic laryngitis, which entails progressive sclerosis of the mucous membrane. Sputum becomes viscous, difficult to separate, forming dense crusts when drying. It is these dry formations that cause terrible discomfort to the patient and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

Symptoms are manifested on the mucous membrane by dryness, shine, blood vessels and lymphoid granules are released through it. The condition is caused by a decrease/disappearance of pharyngeal reflexes, which is associated with damage to nerve endings.

The disease can be caused by a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, chronic colitis provokes atrophic processes in the nasopharynx. Therefore, treatment of the digestive system will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the throat without local action.

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Chronic hyperplastic laryngitis

As a result of a long-term pathological process, chronic hyperplastic laryngitis occurs, which is a consequence of acute laryngitis or develops independently.

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Stenosing laryngitis

False croup syndrome is an inflammatory process that affects the trachea and bronchi, called stenosing laryngitis. Young children are susceptible to the disease in the initial stage of ARVI or its complications, when a bacterial factor joins in.

Croup is observed in children with allergic diathesis and is characterized by wave-like attacks. Difficulty breathing and spasms are caused by narrowing of the larynx as a result of its swelling.

The stenotic form manifests itself acutely, mainly at night. Often the attack is preceded by the usual symptoms of laryngitis - dry cough, hoarseness, wheezing, sore throat.

The severity of the disease is assessed according to four degrees of stenosis:

• short-term or mild difficulty breathing, attacks are rare, breathing is noisy, hoarse voice, "barking" cough. No respiratory failure;
• the cough intensifies, attacks of suffocation of a wave-like type appear. Breathing can be heard at a distance. Pallor, deterioration of the general condition, cyanosis of the lips/extremities are observed;
• constant breathing problems, sweating is pronounced, symptoms of cardiovascular failure appear. Due to lack of oxygen, adynamia and pale skin develop;
• characterized by suffocation.

Hypertrophic laryngitis

Complaints of patients with a history of epithelial hyperplasia with submucous structures, as well as infiltration inside the muscular layer of the larynx, describe hypertrophic laryngitis. The vocal cords thicken uniformly along their entire length, the edge may be rounded or represent separate nodules/tubercles. A bumpy gray surface is found on the back wall of the throat, sometimes reddish areas appear.

The clinical manifestation of the disease has symptoms similar to those of common laryngitis. Voice changes vary from mild hoarseness, mainly after awakening, to continuous hoarseness.

The following factors can influence the aggravation of the process: weather conditions, endocrine factors, inflammation, stressful conditions, and in women – the presence of menstruation, menopause, pregnancy.

Chronic hypertrophic laryngitis

An isolated phenomenon or consequence of catarrhal inflammation of the throat mucosa - chronic hypertrophic laryngitis has a pronounced swelling of the vocal cords in the clinical picture.

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Obstructive laryngitis

False croup or obstructive laryngitis is characterized by inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, narrowing of the laryngeal lumen, a “barking” cough, and shortness of breath.

The disease can be provoked by physiological features of the structure of the pharynx in children or damage to the upper respiratory tract by the influenza virus, measles, etc.

Weakness of the respiratory muscles, swelling of the larynx cause laryngospasms. Breathing problems begin in the middle of the night due to changes in the lymph and blood circulation of the throat, which affect the decrease in drainage activity of the respiratory system. Breathing fluctuates from noisy to hoarse, gurgling sound. It should be noted that increasing stenosis provokes a decrease in breathing noise as a result of a decrease in respiratory volume.

Purulent laryngitis

Phlegmonous laryngitis corresponds to purulent inflammation of the submucosal tissue. The course of the disease is determined by a sharp pain in the throat (especially when swallowing), and breathing problems. A dry cough appears, which develops into mucous expectoration, and then into purulent discharge.

Purulent laryngitis is a rare disease caused by infections against the background of weakened body defenses. Carriers of the pathogenic virus penetrate the mucous membrane when its integrity is damaged, most often as a result of a respiratory disease. The process is often accompanied by fever and a reaction from the lymph nodes, which enlarge and become inflamed.

Phlegmonous laryngitis

Phlegmonous laryngitis caused by streptococcal, staphylococcal, pneumococcal microflora spreads to the submucosal layer, muscles, ligaments of the larynx, and sometimes penetrates the perichondrium/cartilage. The purulent process occurs among middle-aged men and children, as a complication after scarlet fever or measles.

The causes include mechanical factors (burn, foreign body), viral factors (typhus, diphtheria, sepsis, blood diseases, etc.). The phlegmonous form can develop as a result of laryngeal tonsillitis. Purulent laryngitis accompanies tuberculosis, syphilis, laryngeal cancer.

Severe sore throat, dry cough of a "barking" nature, difficulty breathing - all these are signs of a phlegmonous course of the disease. A distinctive feature of the disease is the scarlet color of the mucous membrane with grayish-dirty areas and thick purulent discharge. The course of the disease occurs with inflammation of the lymph nodes and swelling of the larynx.

Tuberculous laryngitis

When infection gets into the mucous membrane of the throat from the lungs, it causes tuberculous laryngitis, which is characterized by tuberculous nodular thickenings in the tissues of the larynx. The disease can affect the epiglottis and laryngeal cartilage. Secondary damage to the larynx can lead to the destruction of cartilaginous structures.

Patients observe sputum mixed with blood and persistent cough. The condition is described as general weakness.

Laryngitis and pharyngitis

Laryngitis and pharyngitis can be complications of the flu. A common symptom of these pathological processes is a sore throat. Inflammation of the pharynx (closer to the digestive tract) is usually called pharyngitis, and of the larynx (closer to the respiratory organs) - laryngitis. These diseases can occur simultaneously.

Pharyngitis is characterized by a sore throat, dry throat, and laryngitis is manifested by voice changes - hoarseness, hoarseness, coarsening, and also causes swelling of the larynx. With laryngitis, a state of suffocation may occur due to narrowing of the glottis as a result of the inflammatory process.

An ENT specialist should differentiate the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Laryngitis and bronchitis

The exacerbation of a dry, rough cough with bronchitis occurs at night, as the disease progresses, sputum appears and the cough becomes wet. Bronchitis is characterized by harsh breathing with buzzing, whistling dry wheezing.

Laryngitis and bronchitis are similar not only in the ending, but also in the paroxysmal cough with possible loss of voice. The infection that caused inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx descends lower and affects the bronchi. The cold season increases the risk of the disease.

The nature of the sputum will indicate the stage of the disease. Green or yellow discharge indicates the presence of a bacterial infection in the bronchi, transparent or light color of liquid sputum will indicate a viral infection or allergic reaction. The presence of clots with an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of cottage cheese, may be the result of a fungal infection.

Shortness of breath and wheezing that does not go away, against the background of a general weak condition, indicate the transition of bronchitis to an infectious-allergic form.

Laryngitis and tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammatory disease of the tonsils, often the palatine tonsils. Pathogenic processes in the upper respiratory tract are caused by pathogenic microflora and decreased immunity. Frequently recurring diseases become chronic and cause tissue restructuring of the mucous membrane. Aggravation of painful changes leads to a disruption of the self-cleansing ability of the tonsils and the accumulation of exfoliated epithelial particles and leukocytes in them, which is an excellent environment for the reproduction of viruses.

The cause of the disease lies in pathogens - bacteria, viruses, fungi. The most interesting thing is that laryngitis and tonsillitis against the background of dysbacteriosis can indicate the presence of helminths in the body. Protozoa "travel" with the bloodstream, choosing the most secluded places for themselves. Parasite larvae settle perfectly on the lungs, penetrate the lymph nodes of the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses, causing purulent inflammation.

In turn, damage to the tonsils affects the development of disorders of the cardiovascular, endocrine systems, kidneys and connective tissues.

Subglottic laryngitis

False croup is an acute course of laryngitis with a concentration in the subglottic region. The looseness of the tissue of this zone in young children is especially susceptible to infections. The process is provoked by a larynx narrowed due to edema, labile nerve and vascular reflexes. In a horizontal position, swelling increases, so attacks occur at night.

Subglottic laryngitis is initially characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, runny nose, cough and temperature around 37°C. During the day, the patient's condition is satisfactory, but at night, attacks of suffocation with a "barking" cough and cyanosis of the skin resume. The duration of the exacerbation is from several minutes to thirty minutes, after which the cough subsides, severe sweating occurs. Resumption of the attack is possible after several days.

Nodular laryngitis

The condition of constant hoarseness, which intensifies during periods of vocal strain, is differentiated as nodular laryngitis.

The appearance of vocal cord nodules in children and adults is caused, first of all, by overstraining the vocal apparatus - loud screaming, incorrect singing style, squealing, singing in conditions that irritate the mucous membrane, etc. The presence of nodules is found mostly in people with voice-speech professions: singers, announcers, lecturers, tour guides.

When working under increased load, the vessels of the vocal cords are exposed to the liquid component of plasma and proteins. The latter coagulate outside the vascular tissue, forming a homogeneous translucent seal, which causes hoarseness and narrowing of the glottis.

This type of laryngitis is easy to diagnose and treat.

Edematous laryngitis

Edematous laryngitis is divided into primary (idiopathic type) and secondary. Idiopathic condition (usually causeless) develops against the background of allergic reactions when exposed to medications, food or as a result of angioedema (Quincke's edema). Secondary laryngeal edema can be inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

Edema of non-inflammatory nature is found in metabolic disorders, allergies, diseases of internal organs. The disease is also caused by kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular problems, difficulty in lymph drainage. Non-inflammatory edema is expressed by swelling, smoothing the contours of the larynx.

Inflammatory edematous laryngitis in adults affects the vestibule of the larynx, in children - the subglottic space. The main cause of the disease is infection or weakened immunity due to diabetes, uremia, vitamin deficiency, etc. The edema affects the loose submucosal layer of the epiglottis, the subglottic space.

Forms of laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is caused by an infectious lesion, while chronic disease occurs as a result of repeated infection.

The following forms of laryngitis are distinguished:

• acute catarrhal - the inflammatory focus spreads to the mucous membrane, submucosa and muscles of the larynx;
• acute phlegmonous - a purulent disease penetrates into muscle structures, ligaments, sometimes into the perichondral zone and cartilage;
• chronic – the process covers the mucous membrane, submucous layer and intramuscular structures. It can be of catarrhal, atrophic and hypertrophic type.

The catarrhal process occurs with hoarseness, sore throat and periodic cough. It is considered a mild form of the disease.

The hypertrophic condition is described by a strong hoarse voice, coughing and discomfort in the throat. Small growths similar to nodules appear on the ligaments.

The atrophic variety of laryngitis is associated with thinning of the mucous membrane, which causes dry mouth, a painful cough and a hoarse voice. Often, peeling crusts with blood streaks are observed. Experts associate this form of the disease with the intake of spicy, hot food, which harms not only the larynx, but also the back of the throat.

Doctors distinguish professional laryngitis as a separate group. The vocal cords of teachers and announcers often suffer from excessive strain.

The diphtheritic manifestation of the disease develops as a result of infection that has descended from the tonsils.

Tuberculosis of the lungs often leads to tuberculous thickenings in the tissues of the larynx, as well as damage to the cartilage.

Laryngitis can be a type of complication of syphilis, often leading to incurable hoarseness.

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Complications of laryngitis

The danger of laryngitis is due to swelling, which narrows the glottis and can cause suffocation.

Stenosis with severe edema, abscess formation (addition of secondary infection) of the epiglottis and infiltration are the main complications of laryngitis. Untimely treatment leads to the development of chronic processes.

Representatives of professions associated with speech stress should be extremely careful after an illness. It is important for them to observe the voice regime, use special medications that reduce discomfort.

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Consequences of laryngitis

The consequences of laryngitis are a long-term loss of voice, shortness of breath, and even asphyxia. The chronic form of the disease disrupts innervation, blood circulation, and secretion in the tissues of the larynx. This pathology can lead to the transformation of inflamed mucosal cells into a cancerous tumor.

Until recently, chronic laryngitis was found mainly in men, especially those who abuse smoking and alcohol. The new lifestyle and environmental degradation have increased the number of women with chronic laryngitis.

The diagnosis can only be confirmed using modern examination methods. Many patients get used to a constant hoarse voice and are in no hurry to seek medical help, which results in serious consequences of laryngitis in the form of cancer.

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Diagnosis of laryngitis

During a medical examination, the condition of the patient's vocal cords is checked, dysphonia (weakness, hoarseness of the voice) is assessed, and the symptoms are clarified. The doctor examines the vocal cords using mirrors, a reflector, or a headlamp, making a conclusion about the nature of the inflammation and swelling. The presence of hemorrhage on the mucous membrane (red dots) indicates a hemorrhagic form of laryngitis.

Diagnosis of laryngitis includes detection of inflammation of the lymph nodes, nose, mouth and throat, which allows establishing the relationship between laryngitis and other pathological processes.

For additional research, the following are used:

• laryngoscopy - the larynx is examined in detail using a flexible endoscope. A tissue sample is taken for biopsy to rule out cancer;
• Video laryngostroboscopy - a test of vocal cord movement.

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What is the difference between pharyngitis and laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a condition of inflammation of the lining of the larynx as a result of infection or vocal strain.

Pharyngitis is a lesion of the back wall of the pharynx when a virus descends from the nasopharynx as a result of an acute respiratory viral infection.

The localization of the pathological process, symptoms - this is what distinguishes pharyngitis from laryngitis. Firstly, the location of laryngitis is the larynx, and pharyngitis is the pharynx. Secondly, with laryngitis, there is a change or loss of voice, a "barking" cough, a slight fever. Thirdly, pharyngitis is described by dryness, scratching, sore throat, pain when swallowing and fever.

Treatment of diseases will be different: in case of laryngitis, it is recommended not to strain the vocal cords, warm drinks, warming up, compresses, inhalations; in case of pharyngitis, gargling with eucalyptus or salt with iodine, inhalations are irreplaceable, and instillation of vegetable oils into the nose will help to avoid discomfort due to dryness.

Treatment of laryngitis

Acute laryngitis requires eliminating the underlying cause of the disease. The patient must remain silent and avoid eating spicy, hot, or mucous membrane-irritating food. Smoking and alcohol are excluded. Warm drinks, throat compresses, inhalations, and gargles are recommended. Vegetable oil in the form of drops of one gram for a week helps with crust formation.

According to the doctor's prescription, laryngitis can be treated with antibiotics of the penicillin group to relieve inflammation. It is better to use medications in the form of a spray or inhaler.

A mustard plaster on the chest/neck, hot foot baths, drinking plenty of milk (warm), and taking phlegm-thinning medications (such as mucaltin) will help ease the condition of a child with false croup. It is important to call emergency medical care in a timely manner. Before it arrives, ensure that the room is ventilated and there is sufficient air humidity.

Treatment of chronic laryngitis is a laborious and lengthy process based on the use of alkaline and oil solutions for inhalation. In some cases, surgical intervention is indicated to eliminate foci of hyperplasia, which helps reduce the risk of cancer.

At the same time, therapeutic effects are carried out on the nasal sinuses to ensure free breathing.

Prevention of laryngitis

Methods of gradual hardening are the best prevention of laryngitis. To preserve the protective properties of the body, it is necessary to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. It is useful to systematically cleanse the mucous membrane of the throat and nose from accumulated dirt, dust, chemical particles. For this purpose, you can buy an inhaler at the pharmacy.

Standard rules of personal hygiene help to avoid infection: washing hands with soap, using wet wipes or cleaning solutions. Do not touch your nose and mouth with dirty hands when in public places. Regular walks, physical exercise and adequate sleep strengthen the immune system.

In cold weather, keep your feet warm and avoid talking in the cold. Keep your living space free of dust.

If your work is related to hazardous substances, dust – use a respirator. People with professional loads on the vocal cords are recommended to adhere to the vocal regime, not to overexert themselves, use softening substances (oils are possible).

If laryngitis cannot be prevented, you should immediately seek medical help to avoid complications and unpleasant consequences.