Laryngitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Forms of laryngitis: chronic, acute, allergic, hyperplastic

14381 09/02/2019 7 min.

Laryngitis has another name - false croup. But its essence is the same - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. It often occurs in winter and spring. Its causative agents are bacteria and viruses, and it is necessary to apply antibiotics. Most often they get sick with children, but he also does not bypass adults with his attention. Doctors for the treatment of laryngitis prescribe an antibiotic that successfully eliminates infections and prevents complications.

Antibiotics in tablets for laryngitis in adults

This disease occurs along with colds and infectious diseases, rarely occurs on its own. The reasons for its occurrence include: bad habits, hypothermia, the state of the environment and overexertion of the larynx (when singing, screaming or talking loudly). Properly selected antibiotics can speed up recovery, remove inflammation and restore throat function.

The danger of an untreated disease can be complications such as tracheritis and laryngotracheitis. Not in rare cases, pharyngitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the pharynx.

Symptoms of laryngitis in adults are described.

Four groups of antibiotics are prescribed for adults: fluoroquinolones, penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides.

Fluoroquinolones

These antimicrobial drugs, penetrating into the body, inhibit the vital activity of the enzymes of microbial cells that make up the infection and this leads to the gradual elimination of the infection itself.

Moxifloxacin

Moxifloxacin is a broad-spectrum systemic drug. It has a pronounced antibacterial effect on the body. It immediately blocks two enzymes that affect the properties of DNA and leads to the death of the pathogen. This antibiotic successfully eliminates anaerobes, staphylococci, acid-resistant and atypical bacteria. Each tablet contains 400 mg moxifloxacin hydrochloride.

In pharmacies, a package of the drug of five tablets can be purchased for 860 rubles.

A list of antibiotics for otitis in children can be found.

Application. The drug is taken orally one tablet daily. Its use is not associated with food intake. The drug is not chewed, but washed down with plenty of water. The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor. It usually lasts at least a week.

It should not be used by children under the age of 18.

Levofloxacin

Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that blocks the work of enzymes necessary for the synthesis of bacterial DNA. This leads to incompatible consequences for the life of microbes. They not only lose the ability to reproduce, but die completely.

Application. Levofloxacin is prescribed for oral administration, once or twice a day before meals. Sometimes it is allowed to drink in between. The tablet should be swallowed completely without chewing and washed down with a glass of clean water. If necessary, they can prescribe half a tablet, then it can be broken along the dividing strip. The duration of the course depends on the severity of the disease, but not less than 10 days.

The antibiotic is available in tablets. One package contains 10 pieces at a price of 615 rubles.

Penicillins

They consist of a synthetically derived mold fungus that has a detrimental effect on many harmful bacteria. These drugs inhibit the chemical reactions that are necessary for the vital activity of bacterial cells.

Ampicillin

Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic. It has a bactericidal effect. Blocks transpeptidase enzymes in bacterial cell membranes. Effectively eliminates gram-positive and gram-negative harmful microorganisms and their anaerobic counterparts.

Find out how antibiotics are prescribed for tracheitis.

Application. This medicine is well absorbed when taken orally. Complete decomposition and subsequent effect on the body occurs an hour after consumption. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor for each patient individually, based on the severity of the disease, the location of the infection and the nature of the pathogen.

The medicine has a more than modest price. 20 pieces of tablets of 250 mg can be bought for 28 rubles.

Adults should take the drug four times a day, 250-500 mg at a time. For children, one dose is 12.5 - 25 mg per kilogram of body weight. They take the drug every six hours.

Bioparox

Bioparox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It has a bacteriostatic effect on various harmful microorganisms, fungi, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, staphylococci and streptococci. It is able to integrate into the membrane of microorganisms and disrupt their synthesis by introducing fluid into the cells, thereby inhibiting their work, reproduction and migration.

It is used in the form of inhalation. A bottle with this drug can be bought for 485 rubles.

Application. Adults and children over the age of 12 are prescribed four injections into the oral cavity. If it is used for the nose, then it is sprayed twice into each nasal passage.

Children from 2.5 to 11 years old - two injections in the mouth and one in the nose, but also four times a day. For the mouth and nose, the kit comes with appropriate nozzles.

Cephalosporins

These include bactericidal antibiotics that can eliminate especially resistant staphylococci, enterobacteria. They are well tolerated and do not cause allergic reactions.

Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone is an effective medicine for group B, C, G streptococci, staphylococci, meningococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Escherichia and Haemophilus influenzae and various infectious diseases. The drug acts at the cellular level, preventing the membrane of the pathogen from being synthesized. When injected, it is quickly absorbed by the body, and then excreted through the kidneys or intestines after two days, it can be said that there is a rapid treatment.

In pharmacies, it can be purchased in the form of a powder for solution. It is packaged in 1 gram glass vials, the cost of one is on average 45 rubles.

Application. The drug is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. In the first case, half of the vial is dissolved in 2 ml of water for injection. If it is necessary to use the contents of the entire vial, then take 3.5 ml of liquid.

For intravenous use, 0.5 ml of the powder is dissolved in 5 ml of specially formulated water for injection. To dissolve one gram of it take 10 ml. The solution must be injected very slowly. There are cases when the drug must be used in a dropper, then 2 grams of the powder is diluted in 40 ml of a solvent consisting of levulose, sodium chloride solution and glucose. The dropper is placed for half an hour.

The treatment regimen and dosage of the drug is prescribed by a doctor.

Macrolides

These antibiotics are compounds of natural origin and are safe and have the lowest toxicity among analogues.

Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin - inhibits protein synthesis in cells, acts bacteriostatically. A blister with 10 tablets of 250 mg can be purchased for 220 rubles.

Application. The dosage is set for each individual. For adults and children over 12 years of age, a single dose is 0.25 - 1 gram. It is taken twice a day, regardless of the meal.

Drugs for children (which one to buy, which one to treat)

What antibiotics are suitable for children? The structure of a child's larynx is different from that of an adult. They have a large number of blood vessels, so inflammation of this organ is so dangerous. It can cause swelling of the throat, and block the air supply. Therefore, it is important to ensure the correct one in order to prevent its transition to a more acute form of the disease. Antibiotics are prescribed with extreme caution so as not to cause complications. Consider the most commonly used drugs.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin – a bacteria-destroying antibiotic that can eliminate Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some coli (Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella) from the body. Microorganisms that destroy penicillin may be resistant to it. It is prescribed for angina and other respiratory diseases.

16 capsules of the drug, 500 mg each, can be purchased for 35 rubles.

Application

It is taken orally, regardless of the meal. Doses and duration of the course are prescribed by the doctor. Usually adults take 500 mg three times a day. In the acute form of the disease, the dose is increased.

A list of antibiotics for purulent sore throat can be found.

Dosage for children:

up to 2 years at the rate of 20 mg per 1 kg of the child's weight;
from 2 to 5 years, 125 mg;
from 5 to 10 years - 250 mg 3 times.

The course of taking the drug is from 5 to 12 days.

Oxacillin

It is a semi-synthetic penicillin. With its bactericidal action, it inhibits the synthesis of bacteria, especially those that produce the enzyme penicillinase. Eliminates most viruses, fungi, gram-negative bacteria.

It is produced in powder and tablets of 0.25 g. The drug is packaged in glass bottles containing 20 tablets and blisters of 10 pieces. The cost of funds, respectively, 460 and 320 rubles. Powder for the preparation of the solution is sold in glass vials of 10 or 20 ml.

The price of one small bottle is 10 rubles.

Application

The tableted agent is taken orally one hour before a meal or two hours after it is taken. The daily dose of medicine for children from six years old is 1 gram, and for adults - 3 grams.

Injections with this solution are done intramuscularly or intravenously. For children over 6 years old and adults, from 2 to 4 grams of the drug is prescribed. Babies daily dose is calculated by body weight:

newborns - determined from the accounting for 20 - 40 mg per 1 kg of weight;
up to three months - 60 - 80 mg;
up to two years - 1 gram;
from 2 to 6 years - 2 g per kg of body weight.

The solution is administered every 4 to 6 hours during the week. The solvent for the powder is 0.9% sodium chloride solution or water for injection is used.

Cefixime

It is an antimicrobial agent that eliminates many harmful bacteria. In the pharmacy meets in the form of tablets and suspensions. The first type of medicine is presented in blisters. Each of them contains 10 oval pills. Powder in vials of 25 grams can be bought for 640 rubles.

The cost of tablets is 680 rubles.

You will find a list of antibiotics for pharyngitis.

Application (how to take / drink, good and fast treatment)

Tablets. The daily dose for children over 12 years of age and adults should not exceed 400 mg. The duration of the course is a week, sometimes it can reach 10 days. For children under 12 years of age, the dose is determined based on the number of doses of the drug. If once, then 8 mg per kilogram of weight, and if every 12 hours, then 4 mg.
Suspension. For its preparation, the medicine in the vial is diluted in boiled water. Moreover, it must be added gradually to the mark indicated on it. Shake the vial before each use. It is used before and after meals.

Video

This video will tell you about the treatment of laryngitis.

For children from six months to 12 years old, the daily dose is 4 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Usually the course of treatment lasts from three to 14 days. Taking antibiotics for laryngitis is necessary to eliminate / treat the cause of the disease. Dosage and course of treatment should be agreed with the doctor. In parallel, he needs to take drugs that will restore the intestinal microflora after the use of antibiotics. In addition to laryngitis, children can suffer from other throat diseases. Symptoms and treatment of tonsillitis in children are described.

As a rule, laryngitis occurs due to the penetration of a viral infection and exposure to certain factors in the form of hypothermia, inhalation of chemicals and weakened immune function. In most cases, the disease affects only the region of the larynx. But there are situations when the symptoms go to the nasal or oral cavity, as well as to the bronchi. This suggests that a secondary infection has joined. So when should you take antibiotics for laryngitis?

Many patients wonder if antibiotics are needed for such a disease and when to start taking them. It is worth noting that in most cases, laryngitis occurs as a result of the penetration of a viral infection into the body. The disease can develop as a result of a cold or flu.

The disease is characterized by unpleasant symptoms in the form of a sore throat, a barking cough, an increase in temperature to 39-40 degrees, general malaise and loss of voice. Due to swelling of the larynx, respiratory failure may occur.

On average, the disease lasts from seven to ten days, and the symptoms gradually fade away. Upon recovery, the patient's voice returns, the temperature is restored, and the pain sensation disappears.

Laryngitis of viral origin in adults often resolves without adverse effects. It is enough to follow the recommendations of the doctor and carry out the treatment process. But in childhood, everything is much more complicated. Very often, a secondary infection joins viral laryngitis, resulting in tracheitis or bronchitis. In addition to all this, children under three years of age have a high probability of getting sick with false croup. This disease leads to narrowing of the larynx. It is quite difficult to cure this type of disease without taking antibiotics. But doctors have several indications for prescribing antibiotic therapy. These include:

laryngitis of a bacterial nature, which is confirmed by tests;
manifestation of sputum of a purulent or mucopurulent nature;
the appearance of purulent films on the larynx;
complications that arose after laryngitis;
the occurrence of stenosing laryngitis of the second, third and fourth degree;
high fever that lasts more than five days;
protracted course of the disease;
constant exacerbations of chronic laryngitis.

Types of antibacterial agents for laryngitis

What means for the treatment of laryngitis to choose? In practice, it is customary to distinguish three main groups of antibiotics that are used to treat laryngitis:

drugs belonging to the penicillin group. These include Amoxiclav, Amoxillin, Augmentin;
drugs belonging to the group of cephalosporins. These include Ceftriaxone;
drugs included in the macrolide group. Of these, Azithromycin and Sumamed are isolated.

Drugs for treatment are chosen depending on which pathogen has affected the body and what age the patient has.

Effective treatment of laryngitis with antibiotics

Antibiotics for laryngitis are often prescribed in childhood. In adults, the disease passes in a milder form and does not leave complications.

The most effective antibiotics for laryngitis:

Amoxiclav. Broad spectrum antibiotic. Included in the penicillin group. It contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The components of the drug perfectly fight against various pathogens of the bacterial form. Such antibiotics for laryngitis in children are prescribed in the form of a suspension for ten days. Daily intake is up to three times a day. The dosage is calculated based on the age and weight of the patient. Amoxiclav is well tolerated by patients, but in rare cases it can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen.
Sumamed. An antibiotic that is part of the macrolide group. Refers to modern drugs, which allows you to cure the disease in a few days. The drug is available in the form of granules and powder for suspension and in the form of capsules and tablets. It is used in adults and children. Sumamed with laryngitis is recommended to be taken once a day for five days. It is recommended in situations where the penicillin group does not have a positive effect or there is an allergic reaction to the components. In rare situations, it causes side effects, which are expressed in pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and nausea.

Contraindications to the use of antibiotics for laryngitis

Antibiotics for laryngitis are not always prescribed. Experts say that these are simply incompatible things. But many patients at the first manifestations of the disease run to the pharmacy for antibiotics, and therefore do the wrong thing.

Experts say that it is pointless to drink antibacterial agents for a child or an adult with hypothermia. The body is able to cope with the disease on its own. It is possible to treat laryngitis in such situations with the help of warming compresses, rinsing, taking warm drinks, and irrigating the throat.

Since for the most part laryngitis occurs as a result of colds and flu, antibiotics are not prescribed for a viral infection. They simply cannot cope with viruses. Such a process, on the contrary, can harm the patient. First, the immune function loses its ability to fight viruses. Secondly, there is a violation of the microflora in the intestine. And this is even more harmful to health.

Recovery after antibiotic therapy

If the patient was treated with antibiotics for laryngitis, then you need to help the body recover quickly. The thing is that antibacterial drugs lead to the development of detrimental consequences, which affects the digestive system, mucous membranes of the oral cavity and genital organs. Medicines that children and adults drink destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also beneficial microorganisms.

In order to recover faster, the patient is recommended to follow several recommendations in the form of:

transition to a balanced diet. Harmful foods in the form of spicy dishes, marinades, fatty soups, carbonated drinks should be excluded from the diet. The patient needs to eat healthy food in the form of vegetables and fruits, boiled or steamed meat and fish, cereals, cereals. You also need to drink dairy products;
taking drugs that have an astringent or laxative effect. It is desirable that such funds are only of plant origin;
the use of enzymes to facilitate the digestion of food. These include Mezim or Creon;
the use of drugs, which include probiotics and bifidobacteria. These include Normabact, Lineks. These funds will quickly restore the intestinal microflora.
the use of specialized funds for women. Often in the female half of the population there is a violation of the microflora in the vagina. To bring everything back to normal, you need to take antimycotic drugs and suppositories with lactobacilli. A gynecologist will help you choose;
daily intake of mineral water in the form of Essentuki or Borjomi. Their action is aimed at regenerating the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, cleansing the liver and skin;
drinking herbal teas. They improve the activity of the gastric and intestinal organs. You can drink infusions from flax seeds, blueberry leaves or currants;
the use of immunomodulatory drugs to increase immune function. Only a doctor should prescribe them.

With laryngitis of the hypertrophic form, aerosol types of steroid-based agents are prescribed. They can be perfectly combined with antibacterial drugs. As an additional treatment, patients are prescribed physiotherapy in the form of: ultrasound or ultraphoresis.

The treatment process for laryngitis is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process. Antibiotics deal with these problems. But in parallel, it is necessary to activate blood flow in the affected area and normalize metabolic processes in the tissues of the larynx. For such purposes, UHF inductothermy and a therapy technique using impulsive currents are prescribed.

In order for antibiotic therapy to work, you need to not only drink antibiotics, but also adhere to several recommendations in the form of:

taking antitussive drugs in the first two to three days;
the use of mucolytic agents to thin and remove sputum;
carrying out inhalations using a nebulizer with the addition of saline;
applying warm compresses to the throat or hot foot baths. Such procedures can be carried out only when the patient's temperature is not higher than 37.5 degrees;
gargling with a solution of sea salt or infusions of medicinal herbs. Manipulations should be carried out up to ten times a day;
irrigation of the throat with antiseptic solutions;
resorption of tablets with an antibacterial effect.

Also follows:

limit yourself to conversations and be silent for three to four days;
humidify the air in the room;
observe bed rest;
drink milk with honey, mineral water or soda.

So that laryngitis in children does not lead to serious consequences, it is necessary to call a doctor as soon as possible. You should not prescribe antibiotics yourself, as they can harm even more. The entire treatment process must be coordinated with the attending physician.

Laryngitis - an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the larynx. Symptoms may include a dry and sore throat, difficulty breathing, a dry, barking cough, hoarseness, or loss of voice.

There are the following types of this disease:

Acute laryngitis: in the early stages can be treated without antibiotics, lasts 7-10 days, accompanies an infectious disease or occurs as a result of hypothermia, overexertion of the vocal cords.
The chronic form can develop due to constant exposure to harmful factors: smoking, alcohol, polluted and dry air.
False croup (laryngospasm) - narrowing of the glottis, accompanied by a "barking cough", difficulty breathing. It is extremely dangerous for children under 3 years old, if this condition occurs, you must call an ambulance.

Antibiotics are prescribed only by the attending physician. He makes a decision on the need for antibiotic therapy, depending on the stage of the disease, the cause of its occurrence, the individual characteristics of the patient's body. Often this disease occurs against the background of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.

In this case, in parallel with the treatment of the primary disease, symptomatic treatment is recommended: rinsing, irrigation of the pharynx with antiseptic agents, topical preparations, a sparing diet (cold and hot, spicy, sour, solid foods are excluded), warm alkaline drink, inhalations.

If a bacterial nature of the disease is suspected, treatment of laryngitis with antibiotics is indicated. There are various reasons for this situation:

The main disease is caused by pathogens of bacterial infections. In this situation, there is no relief of symptoms during the use of antiviral agents. Laboratory tests will help determine the cause of the disease and decide on the appointment of antimicrobial agents. In most cases, the general practitioner determines whether antibiotics are needed in the treatment of laryngitis based on the results of a complete blood test.
Against the background of a viral infection, bacterial complications develop on the mucous membranes. To confirm the diagnosis and clarify the causative agent, a bacteriological culture is performed from the pharynx. The procedure itself is not complicated: it is required to make a smear from the nose and the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall, but the results of the analysis have to wait, on average, 2 weeks. If it is not possible to delay treatment, physicians must choose which antibiotics to take for adult laryngitis with moderate to severe disease based on symptoms alone.

In the chronic course of the disease, antibiotic treatment is also possible, but before using them, it is necessary to exclude other likely causes of laryngitis, including:

gastroesophageal reflux;
fungal infection;
work with chemicals, industrial hazards (dry and hot air in workshops, work in mines, etc.);
allergy;
smoking.

Types of antibiotics used for laryngitis

As part of antibacterial therapy for the treatment of laryngitis, the following groups of drugs are used:

penicillins:, and ;
macrolides and azalides:(sumamed ® , ), ;
cephalosporins:, cefuroxime ® ;
fluoroquinols:, levoflaxin ® , .

Penicillins

Other

Sumamed ® (azithromycin ®)

- an antibiotic of the macrolide group, has a bacteriostatic effect. Fights certain strains of staphylococci, streptococci, mycoplasmas, chlamydia and other bacteria and intracellular microorganisms. Possible acquired resistance of microbes to the drug.
Available in different dosage forms:

strawberry-flavoured powder for diluting suspension 100 mg;
tablets in two dosages: 125 and 500 mg;
capsules of 250 mg;
for injections - lyophilizate for the preparation of a solution of 500 mg.

The powder is approved for use from 6 months, 125 mg tablets - from 3 years, capsules - from 12. Not recommended for lactating. Do not take at the same time as ergotamine and dihydroergatomine.

Antibiotics for laryngitis in children

It is important to remember that antibiotics should only be prescribed by a doctor. The pediatrician, after evaluating the clinical picture, history, individual characteristics of the patient, must decide whether it is possible to cure laryngitis in your child without antibiotics.

Usually, ABPs are not in a hurry to prescribe a newly ill child, with the exception of acute laryngitis with loss or hoarseness of the voice in a patient under the age of 3 years. Such a precautionary measure is associated with the respiratory system of babies that has not yet strengthened and the risk of developing a false croup in them - a condition in which the glottis narrows, breathing becomes difficult, and a whistle appears on inspiration.

If laryngospasm does occur, it is necessary to call an ambulance, provide cool, humid air in the room, calm the child, if a nebulizer is available, inhalation with ventalin ® or berodual ® can be performed.

In other cases (except for advanced ones - then the antibiotic is prescribed at the discretion of the doctor), laboratory tests are required to prescribe the correct treatment: a general clinical blood test and a bacterial culture from the throat. The latter includes the determination of sensitivity to various drugs. Based on the data obtained, the pediatrician determines which antibiotic is best suited for laryngitis in children in this case.

Antibiotics for laryngitis in a child are prescribed by a pediatrician if:

test results indicate the presence of a bacterial infection;
the disease is combined with bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, etc.;
a child under 3 years old has a barking cough, shortness of breath, and hoarseness of voice, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle and other signs of laryngospasm;
long-term therapy does not give positive dynamics.

In no case should you ignore the appointment of a specialist, since properly selected and justifiably prescribed antimicrobial substances will help stop the inflammatory process and avoid complications.

Not all antibiotics can be given to children. The most common ones allowed are:

Sumamed ® (approved for use from 6 months);
klacid ® -clarithromycin ® in the form of a syrup (suspension), indicated for children over 3 years old,
augmentin ® suspension - for children from 3 months.
Cephalosporin antibiotics are usually administered to children intramuscularly or intravenously, suspensions (Zinnat ®) can be used.

Is it harmful to treat laryngitis of pregnant and lactating mothers with antibiotics?

Antibiotics are not recommended throughout pregnancy, but may be prescribed for severe disease. Before this, the doctor must correlate the expected harm from the drug to the fetus and the risk to the patient in case of refusal to take the drug.

Nursing mothers will have to stop breastfeeding for the period of taking and taking the medicine (until it is completely removed from the body). Some antibacterial agents are allowed for use during feeding (Augmentin ®). If the baby has not been temporarily transferred to the mixture, you need to ensure that the baby does not have thrush, give probiotics to both the mother and the baby.

Rules for taking antibiotics

Strictly observe the frequency and time of taking the medicine recommended by the doctor. This will help maintain the required concentration of the drug in the blood.
Do not arbitrarily interrupt the course of antibiotic therapy and do not change the prescribed dosages.
Carefully study the instructions, pay attention to contraindications, possible side effects.
Follow the recommendations indicated in the instructions on how to take antibiotics for laryngitis: before, during or after meals, than to drink.
Adhere to a sparing diet: exclude fatty, heavy foods and gas-producing foods. Take a course of probiotics. This will prevent the development of dysbacteriosis and digestive problems.
Exclude the intake of alcoholic beverages.
Carry out the prevention of candidiasis with drugs intended for this, for example, nystatin ® or.

How to cure laryngitis without antibiotics?

Treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor and depends on the severity of the patient's condition.

The main ways to treat the disease without antibiotics:

Rinsing with soda, decoctions of herbs (chamomile, calendula). Tinctures are not recommended, as alcohol dries the mucous membrane.
Inhalation with saline or mineral water. Only with a nebulizer. You can't breathe over the steam!
Treatment of the throat with local antiseptics.
Diet. Light fractional nutrition. Plentiful warm (not hot!) drink. Soften the throat with warm milk with 1 teaspoon of honey, the same amount of butter and baking soda on the tip of a knife.
If the voice is gone, gargle with infusion of flax seeds (brew 1 teaspoon for 1 cup of boiling water).

Laryngitis- a disease of the respiratory system, in which the mucous membrane of the larynx is affected. The disease is accompanied by a change in voice, up to its complete loss, cough, respiratory failure. The most severe complication of laryngitis, complete blockage of the upper respiratory tract (laryngeal stenosis), occurs more often in children.

What is the larynx and vocal cords?

The larynx is a respiratory and vocal organ. It is located on the front surface of the neck, the level of the 4th-6th cervical vertebra (in children at the level of the 3rd cervical vertebra, in the elderly it drops to the 7th cervical vertebra). It looks like a tube that opens at one end into the pharynx, and at the other goes into the trachea. In front, the larynx borders on the thyroid gland, behind the pharynx and esophagus, on the sides of it there are large vessels and nerves of the neck (carotid artery, vagus nerve, etc.). The larynx is formed by cartilage, ligaments and muscles, which makes it a mobile organ. When talking, breathing, singing, swallowing, the larynx makes active movements. So, when forming high sounds, exhaling, swallowing, the larynx rises, and when playing low sounds, it falls.

The frame of the larynx is created by cartilages: 3 paired (arytenoid, sphenoid and corniculate) and 3 unpaired (thyroid, epiglottis and cricoid).

All cartilages are interconnected by strong ligaments and joints. The largest and clinically significant of them are: the conical ligament (connects the cricoid and thyroid cartilage) and the thyroid-hyoid ligament (connects the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage).

Two paired joints, the cricothyroid and the cricoarytenoid, help the larynx to perform active movements. So the cricoid joint allows the thyroid cartilage to tilt back and forth, which contributes to the tension or relaxation of the vocal cords. Movements in the cricoarytenoid joints make it possible to narrow and expand the glottis (convergence and divergence of the vocal folds).
In the implementation of the motor activity of the larynx, the main role is played by the muscles of the larynx.

There are the following muscle groups of the larynx: external and internal.

outdoor(sternum-thyroid, thyroid-hyoid) muscles contribute to the raising and lowering of the larynx. Due to the contraction of the internal muscles, the cartilage of the larynx moves, which in turn changes the width of the glottis. Allocate muscles that contribute to the expansion of the glottis and muscles that narrow it. Glottic dilators: a paired posterior cricoarytenoid muscle that drives the arytenoid cartilages along with the vocal folds.

Muscles that narrow the glottis: 1) lateral cricoarytenoid, 2) transverse interarytenoid, 3) arytenoid oblique muscle, 4) cricothyroid muscle, 5) vocal muscle. The internal muscles also include the muscles that raise and lower the epiglottis (thyroid-epiglottic and scoop-epiglottic muscles).

The cavity of the larynx is narrowed in the middle section and expanded upwards and downwards, thus, it is similar in shape to an hourglass. The mucous membrane lining the larynx from the inside is a continuation of the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx. There are sections of the larynx, where under the mucous membrane there is a layer of loose fiber (folds of the vestibule, subglottic space, lingual surface of the epiglottis). If inflammation, edema develops in such places, then this leads to difficulty in breathing (stenosis), up to the complete closure of the airways (obstruction). Between the folds of the vestibule and the vocal folds is the ventricle of the larynx. In this ventricle there is lymphatic tissue, and when it becomes inflamed, “throat angina” develops.

Vocal cords. The term "vocal cords" is used by speech therapists in professional vocabulary more often than vocal folds. However, "vocal cords" are mucosal folds protruding into the laryngeal cavity, containing the vocal cord and vocalis muscle. The muscle bundles in the vocal folds are located in a special way in different mutually opposite directions. Such a unique structure of the vocal folds allows them to vibrate not only with their entire mass, but also with one part, for example, edges, half, third, etc.

Why can the mucous membrane of the larynx become inflamed?

There are a number of reasons that can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. Here are the main ones: infectious, physical, allergic and autoimmune causes.

Infection. The mucosa of the larynx can be affected as primarily after direct contact with the infectious agent in the body and on the mucosa of the larynx. So it can be affected a second time as a result of the spread of infection from foci of a long-term chronic infection (sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, etc.). Getting on the mucous membrane, an infectious agent (bacterium, etc.) releases a number of toxic substances, which violates the integrity of the protective barriers and destroys the cells of the mucous membrane. In response, an inflammatory response is triggered and immune defense cells are recruited to limit the infectious process and eliminate the pathogen. In this case, there is a sharp reddening of the mucous membrane, vasodilation, accumulation of leukocytes, and edema. Laryngitis is more often caused by the action of a non-specific infection (bacteria, viruses, fungi), less often specific (tuberculosis, syphilis, etc.). The most common causative agents of laryngitis:

Viruses: influenza virus, Haemophilus influenza, parainfluenza, microviruses, adenoviruses (1,2,3,4,5), rhinoviruses, coronavirus, coxsackieviruses, measles virus.
Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiela pneumonia, Branhomella cataralis, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus pneumonia, etc.
Fungal infections are more likely to develop in people who are immunocompromised or after long-term antibiotic therapy.

physical reasons. General and local hypothermia, ingestion of irritating food (usually very cold), cold drinks, mouth breathing, occupational hazards (dust, smoke, etc.), excessive voice load (long, loud conversation, singing, screaming) - all this leads to a violation local defense systems, damage to the cellular structures of the mucous membrane and the development of the inflammatory process. In the future, infection may follow.
Allergic causes. Inflammation in the larynx can also occur in the event of an allergic reaction. More often provoking factors for allergies are: various chemical powders that have fallen on the mucous membrane of the larynx, dust, smoke, intake of a number of foods (chocolate, eggs, milk, citrus fruits, etc.). With the development of inflammation as a result of an allergic reaction, edema may develop, which sometimes threatens the life of the patient.
autoimmune causes. In rare cases, inflammation of the larynx can develop as a result of a violation of immune defense mechanisms. When own tissues, and in particular the mucous membrane of the larynx, are attacked by their own immune defense cells. More often, autoimmune laryngitis develops against the background of systemic autoimmune diseases such as: Wegener's granulomatosis, amyloidosis, recurrent polychondritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.
Other reasons. 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 the entry of gastric contents into the esophagus, pharynx, larynx.

Predisposing factors in the development of laryngitis: smoking, alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency, chronic diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver, occupational hazards (dust, smoke, etc.), prolonged voice loads, hypothermia, dry unmoistened air.

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

Symptoms of acute laryngitis:

Voice change. The voice becomes rough, becomes hoarse, hoarse, may lose sonority up to its complete absence (aphonia).
Burning sensation, dryness, sensation of a foreign body in the larynx (rawness), pain is possible during inhalation and exhalation.
Painful cough with expectoration of sputum. Often laryngitis occurs together with other diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, tracheitis, etc.)
General state moderately disturbed, increased body temperature, possible chills.

Symptoms of chronic laryngitis:

Persistent voice disorder. Weakness of voice, hoarseness, loss of sonority of voice. During the day, the voice can change its character, sometimes the patient speaks only in a whisper and with tension.
, burning, itching, pain when swallowing
Cough dry and sputum, a painful cough in the morning is possible, especially in heavy smokers
General state practically not broken

Symptoms of allergic laryngitis:

sudden development, after contact with an allergic agent (dust, smoke, chemical, etc.).
Labored breathing, a sharp lack of air, an attack of suffocation
Persistent cough and the voice usually does not change (acute laryngitis)
In chronic allergic laryngitis, the symptoms are the same as in ordinary chronic laryngitis (voice change, throat irritation, coughing, etc.), but there is an allergic factor that causes the disease (dust, chemicals, smoke, etc.).

Symptoms of hyperplastic (hypertrophic) laryngitis:

Voice disorder. The voice is rough, hoarse, sometimes turning into falsetto, the sonority is reduced up to its complete absence.
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat, soreness, cough.
The disease is mainly found in smokers who produce copious amounts of sputum in the morning and experience a painful cough.
In severe cases, respiratory failure may occur.

What are the symptoms of laryngitis in children?

Acute laryngitis is most common in children aged 1 to 6 years, with boys three times more likely to get sick. During this period, the child is most acutely susceptible to this disease. This is due to the anatomical and immune features of the development of the child's body (narrow glottis, a high percentage of allergic reactions, instability of the immune system).

Laryngitis in children is characterized by a number of features, such as:

As a rule, it develops against the background of SARS or influenza
Severe swelling of the larynx
High chance of developing airway spasm
High risk of developing acute dyspnea with severe complications (respiratory failure)
Swallowing problems, pain when swallowing
Often develops suddenly, during sleep (child in the supine position).
There is an attack of suffocation, the child wakes up from a sharp lack of air, blue lips
The attack is accompanied by convulsive barking cough, the voice is often not changed
The attack can be repeated within 15-20 minutes
Possibly stopping an attack on its own
In most cases, acute laryngitis requires hospitalization of the child.

What is chronic laryngitis?

Chronic laryngitis is a long-term inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. The disease is quite common in various social strata and age groups. But still, men are more likely to suffer from this disease, this is directly related to their working conditions and addiction to bad habits. A variety of factors contribute to the development of chronic laryngitis. First of all, it is during untreated acute laryngitis and other diseases of the respiratory system, unfavorable working conditions (dustiness, gas pollution), overexertion of the vocal apparatus, bad habits (smoking, alcohol), etc.

There are 3 clinical forms of chronic laryngitis: catarrhal (usual), hyperplastic (hypertrophic) and atrophic. In general, these forms of laryngitis have similar symptoms (voice change, cough, discomfort in the throat), but some individual features are distinguished for each of the forms.
For example atrophic laryngitis characterized by excruciating dryness in the throat and larynx, as well as a significant violation of voice formation. As a result of a prolonged inflammatory process in atrophic laryngitis, the vocal cords become thinner, which leads to the impossibility of their complete closure. In addition, a viscous secret accumulates in the larynx, crusts form, which causes a sensation of a foreign body in the throat and frequent coughing fits. With atrophic laryngitis, breathing is difficult. Atrophic laryngitis is the most complex and difficult to treat form of chronic laryngitis.

Another form of chronic laryngitis such as hypertrophic laryngitis, unlike atrophic laryngitis, is characterized by a thickening of the mucous membrane of the larynx. Excessively thickened areas of the larynx in the form of whitish or transparent elevations may increase so much that they interfere with the closure of the vocal cords. Also, with this form of laryngitis, deformation of the vocal folds occurs, which is accompanied by a violation of voice formation (hoarse, rough, deaf voice). This form of laryngitis, like atrophic laryngitis, is accompanied by shortness of breath.
At normal form (catarrhal) laryngitis respiratory failure does not happen. This form is characterized by persistent voice impairment, hoarseness and cough with sputum. The voice during the day can change its character, sometimes there are periods when the patient can only speak in a whisper. With the catarrhal form of laryngitis, the mucous membrane of the larynx looks like with classic inflammation (redness, swelling, slightly thickened).

How to treat laryngitis at home?

Compliance with the regime. First of all, you should follow the voice mode. Talk as little as possible, but it is better to observe complete silence. Under such conditions, the processes of recovery and healing of the mucous membrane of the larynx proceed much faster. Under no circumstances should you speak in whispers. With this type of conversation, the tension and traumatization of the vocal cords is several times greater than with ordinary speech.

Environment. It is necessary to maintain a favorable microclimate in the room. It is necessary to ventilate the room well, maintain the optimum temperature of 20 ° -26 ° C, monitor the level of air humidity (50% - 60%). Since dry air contributes to microdamages of the mucous membrane of the larynx and this aggravates the course of the disease and slows down the recovery processes. Keep the throat warm, for this it is better to wrap a warm scarf around your neck or make warm compresses. Avoiding going outside, especially in cold weather, can make things worse.

Water or drinking mode. The patient needs to drink plenty of fluids in order to quickly remove toxins from the body, as well as in order to reduce the viscosity of sputum and maintain the necessary moisture in the mucous membrane of the larynx. Moistened vocal folds are not so traumatized and processes of restoration of damaged tissue are more likely to take place in them. You should drink up to 2-3 liters of fluid per day. It is better to use liquid in the form of warm herbal teas (chamomile, lemon balm, thyme, sage, etc.), berry fruit drinks. Warm milk with mineral water (Borjomi, Essentuki, etc.) helps well in thinning and removing sputum.

Diet for laryngitis. The patient should exclude excessively cold, hot, spicy, salty foods. All this can injure the mucous membrane of the larynx and reduce the body's resistance. In addition, food that helps to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, mint, etc.) should be excluded from the diet. Particularly strictly this diet should be observed by patients with the so-called "chemical" laryngitis, which occurs as a result of gastric juice entering the larynx. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is unable to properly close the esophagus and prevent stomach contents from entering it. In this case, gastric juice from the esophagus enters the pharynx, and then into the larynx, burning its mucous membrane, thereby causing inflammation (laryngitis).

Eliminate smoking and alcohol. The ingress of smoke on the mucous membrane of the larynx significantly reduces its protective and restorative abilities.

Hot foot baths, mustard plasters for calf muscles help reduce swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and facilitate well-being. This effect is mainly achieved due to the redistribution of blood from the upper body to the lower.

rinses. Another effective way to treat laryngitis at home. Frequent rinsing at least 5-7 times a day reduces swelling, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing processes. Recommended rinse aids:
- Sea salt solution (1-1.5 tsp per 500 ml)
- Soda solution (1 teaspoon per 200 ml),
- Herbal decoctions (chamomile, sage, linden, calamus rhizomes, raspberries, eucalyptus leaves,
- Beetroot juice, fresh potato juice diluted with warm water,
- Warm milk with carrots (boil 1 carrot in 500 ml of milk, then rinse with this milk),
- A decoction of onion peel, etc.

Inhalations An excellent method of treating laryngitis at home. This does not require complex devices and expensive medicines. As an inhaler, an ordinary kettle can be used, to the neck of which a long funnel made of thick paper is attached, through which the healing process takes place. Of course, you can just cover yourself with a towel and breathe over the pan. Breathing through the pores should be at least 10 minutes after the water has boiled. It is important to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible and does not cause pain. In no case do not allow the pores to burn the mucous membrane of the larynx. As solutions for inhalation, you can use:
- Alkaline soda solution
- Mineral water (Borjomi, Essentuki, etc.)
- Herbal decoctions (chamomile, mint, thyme, sage, calamus, etc.)
- A few drops of essential oil added to the water for inhalation (menthol, eucalyptus, etc.)

During treatment, and especially at home, it is important to listen to your body! If you feel significant inconvenience and worsening of symptoms, it is better not to tempt fate and change the treatment method to a more proven one. Or even better, you should contact a specialist for qualified help.

How to treat laryngitis with inhalations?

Inhalation is an effective method in the treatment of laryngitis. When inhaled, the drug naturally enters the affected areas of the larynx, penetrates well into the underlying layers and evenly spreads through the mucous membrane, which significantly increases the therapeutic effect.

Type of inhalation	Medicinal Funds	Method of preparation and use	effects
Steam inhalation	Decoction, infusion of medicinal plants (sage, chamomile flowers, calamus, coltsfoot, linden flowers, freshly chopped needles of juniper, pine, cedar, fir, eucalyptus leaves, etc.)	Prepare an infusion, 1 tbsp. collection pour 200 boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. Then add the required amount of boiling water for inhalation. Make sure that the water is not too hot, so as not to burn the mucous membrane.	Mainly, an anti-inflammatory effect is observed, swelling is removed, pain sensations are reduced, and sputum is discharged. Improved recovery processes. It appears to have an antibacterial effect.
	Aromatic oils (mint, fir, menthol, eucalyptus, etc.)	A few drops of oil in 500 ml of hot water. 10-15 minutes at least 3 times a day.	Aromatic oils increase local immune mechanisms, have an antimicrobial effect, improve metabolic processes, relieve inflammation, and accelerate the recovery of damaged tissue.
	Garlic	Juice from 2 cloves of garlic, pour 500 ml of boiling water. Allow to cool for 7-10 minutes, so as not to burn the mucous membrane. 10-15 minutes 3-5 times a day.	Garlic mainly has an antimicrobial effect, the allicin contained in garlic acts against most known bacteria, fungi and viruses.
	saline solution Mineral water (Essentuki, Borjomi, etc.)	Heat up without bringing to a boil. The duration of inhalation is 10-15 minutes. Daily at least 5 times a day.	Well moisturizes the mucous membrane, helps to thin the viscous secretion and its removal.
Aeroionization inhalations using a nebulizer (a device that sprays the smallest particles of a drug)	Substances that help thin and remove sputum (mucolytics): salgim, pulmozin, lazolvan, ambroxol, astalgin, etc .; Antiseptics, antibiotics, antifungal agents (calendula, propolis, furatsilin, chlorophyllipt, etc.; Antiallergic drugs Slightly alkaline mineral waters (Essentuki, Borjomi) Hormonal preparations (pulmicort, etc.)	Preheat the medicinal substance to room temperature. Turn on the compressor, inhalation time is 7-10 minutes. After the procedure, rinse the nebulizer with hot water or soda solution.	The effect depends on the drug used (expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, wound healing, etc.). It should be noted that the therapeutic effect of inhalations when using nebulizers is higher than from steam inhalations. As well as the risk of side effects is minimized.

Some rules for inhalation:

Duration of the procedure 10-15 no less and no more
It is better to carry out 2 inhalations in the morning and 2 in the evening
After eating, it is better not to inhale, you should wait at least 30-50 minutes
You can not talk during inhalation and another 30 minutes after the procedure
The order of inhalation with drugs: 1) bronchodilator drugs, 2) expectorants (15 after the previous one), 3) after sputum discharge, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs

Folk remedies for the treatment of laryngitis

Mode of application	Ingredients	How to cook?	How to use?
rinses	Red beet juice	Grate the beets and squeeze out the juice. In 200 ml of juice, add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar	Rinse 3-4 times a day
	Raw potatoes or raw cabbage	Grate, squeeze out the juice.	Rinse 4-5 times a day.
		Add 1 tsp to a glass of water. honey, boil for 1 minute. Let cool.	Gargle with a warm solution 2-3 times a day.
Inhalations (decoctions, infusions)	Collection: tricolor violet 5 g, tripartite string 5 g	Grind, mix, pour boiling water (200 ml), leave for 1 hour.	The frequency of inhalations is 3-5 times a day.
	Collection: Elder flowers 15 g, linden 15 g;	Grind, mix, pour 20 g of the collection into 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 40-60 minutes.	For inhalation use 50-100 ml.
	Coltsfoot	Grind dry leaves, 1 tbsp. pour 400 ml of boiling water, leave for 40-60 minutes.	Use for inhalation 50-100 ml of infusion. Can be taken orally 1 tbsp. in a day.
	Collection: sage leaves 1 tbsp, burnet root 2 tbsp, white birch leaves 2 tbsp.	Prepare an infusion of sage and birch leaves, and make a decoction from the burnet root (boil for 20-30 minutes, then let cool for 10-15 minutes)	Mix, heat, inhale 2-3 times a day. Effective in chronic hypertrophic laryngitis.
inside	Milk Garlic	For 1 glass of milk 1-2 cloves of garlic, boil. Cool to room temperature.	Drink in small sips, try to stretch one serving up to 30-40 minutes. You can repeat it 2-3 times a day.
	Anise seeds, cognac, honey	In 200 ml of water, add half a glass of anise seeds, boil for 15 minutes, strain and add cognac (1 tablespoon), honey (2 tablespoons) to the broth. Boil the resulting mixture for 3-5 minutes.	Cooled to room temperature, take 1 teaspoon every 40-60 minutes. Promotes rapid restoration of voice.
	carrots, milk	Boil 100 g of carrots in 500 ml of milk. Strain.	Drink warm, in small sips. Up to 3-4 times a day.
		warm up	Drink in small sips.

Treatment of laryngitis at home

Should antibiotics be used to treat laryngitis?

It is necessary, but only if it is necessary. Modern antibacterial drugs easily cope with most bacteria that cause various diseases, including laryngitis. However, bacteria are not the only cause of laryngitis. And if the question arises whether it is worth taking an antibiotic, one should first of all proceed from the cause of the disease. Dozens of reasons can cause laryngitis, the treatment of which with antibiotics will not give any effect. For example: allergic laryngitis, laryngitis in case of burns with gastric juice, laryngitis from occupational hazards (smoke, dust, etc.), laryngitis as a result of vocal overexertion (screaming, singing, etc.), autoimmune laryngitis, fungal laryngitis, etc.

If you do not want to harm yourself, and even more so your child, antibiotics should be prescribed only by the attending physician and after a series of additional studies. Since there are a number of features that only a doctor knows. Firstly, for effective antibiotic treatment, it is necessary to take material for examination from the mucous membrane of the larynx, determine the causative agent of the disease and determine how sensitive the microorganism is to a particular antibiotic. Often a situation arises when a patient takes an expensive and not entirely harmless drug, but there is no result, or even worse, there is a result, but not entirely positive, the functioning of the liver, kidneys and other organs is disrupted. Unfortunately, most cases of laryngitis have to be treated with antibiotics. But with the right approach to treatment, you can avoid unpleasant consequences and quickly achieve the desired recovery.

Make a bacteriological study, determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to antibiotics (antibiogram)
If after 3 days of antibiotic treatment the temperature does not decrease and the condition does not improve, the antibiotic should be changed or the cause of the disease should be reconsidered
After prolonged use of antibiotics (7-10 or more days), antifungal drugs should be taken so that fungal laryngitis or other fungal diseases (candidiasis, etc.)

The most common and effective treatment regimens with broad-spectrum antibiotics are:

Duration of treatment 7-10 days
Amoxicillin 1 gram 4 times a day, intramuscularly
Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid 1.2 grams 2 times a day intravenously
Cefuroxime 1 gram or Ceftriaxone 1 gram or Cefaclor 1 gram + lidocaine solution 1%-1 ml 2 times a day, intramuscularly
Ciprofloxacin 100 mg / 10 ml - 200 mg with 200 ml of saline intravenously 2 times a day
Metronidazole 200 ml 3 times a day, intravenously

What is allergic laryngitis?

Allergic laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, which is caused by the action of an allergic factor (allergen). Microparticles of various powders, dust, smoke, plant pollen, etc. can act as an allergen. Getting on the mucous membrane, substances cause a chain of allergic reactions, which manifests itself in the form of inflammation (redness, swelling, pain). A number of food products can also provoke a similar inflammation of the larynx (chocolate, eggs, milk, etc.).

Depending on the sensitivity of the body, the amount of the allergic factor and the time of its exposure to the body, acute or chronic allergic laryngitis may develop. In acute allergic laryngitis, emergency care is required. Since this type of laryngitis is accompanied by rapidly increasing swelling of the larynx of varying degrees, leading to difficulty in breathing and often threatening the life of the patient.

Chronic allergic laryngitis develops not so rapidly and brightly, however, it delivers a number of unpleasant symptoms. Usually patients complain of discomfort, soreness in the larynx, cough, violation of voice formation (hoarseness, hoarseness, disappearance of sonority of the voice, etc.). The main feature of chronic laryngitis is that it exists as long as there is an allergic factor. One has only to exclude contact with the allergen, as the patient independently recovers.

How to treat laryngitis during pregnancy?

Treatment of laryngitis during pregnancy has some features. For the most part, it is not possible to use highly effective systemic drugs such as antibiotics, etc. Most of the drugs, when they enter the mother's blood, pass the placental barrier and affect the fetus. Thus, all the emphasis in the treatment of laryngitis must be directed to local therapy and strengthening the general protective mechanisms of the body. Of the local treatment, indispensable methods are inhalations and rinses. They are mainly carried out on the basis of medicinal plants (sage, chamomile, linden, coltsfoot, calamus and many others).

Inhalations based on weakly alkaline mineral waters (Borjomi, Essentuki, etc.) are an excellent means for the discharge of viscous sputum. Rinsing and inhalation procedures should be carried out at least 3-5 times a day. Alternative methods of treatment of laryngitis during pregnancy can be very helpful. After choosing the appropriate method, be sure to consult your doctor. To remove toxins and better discharge of sputum, you need to take a sufficient amount of fluid. Drink more juices, fruit drinks, herbal teas (chamomile, thyme, mint, etc.). Honey, milk will also be good helpers in the treatment. Food should be rich in vitamins and minerals. It is not necessary during the illness to heavily load the digestive tract with heavy food. Since it takes energy, which should be directed to the fight against the disease.

Important in the treatment is the voice mode, as little as possible to talk, and it is better to be silent for a while. Do not go outside, especially during the cold season. Keep your throat warm (wrap a scarf around your neck). The above measures should help with mild to moderate severity of laryngitis. However, laryngitis is a disease that should not be underestimated, and especially during pregnancy. Therefore, at the first symptoms of the disease, you should contact an experienced specialist who will correctly assess the severity of the disease and prescribe an effective treatment without undesirable consequences.

Hyperplastic laryngitis - what is it?

Hyperplastic laryngitis is one of the forms of chronic laryngitis, in which inflammation of the larynx is accompanied by a significant thickening of its mucous membrane. Thickening of the mucous membrane can be both limited and widespread. An example of local hyperplastic laryngitis is the so-called singers' nodules or screamers' nodules in children. On the border of the anterior and middle thirds of the vocal cords, dense cone-shaped elevations are formed. Such seals occur as a result of increased closure of the vocal folds in this particular area during the formation of the voice. Such thickening of the mucosa can increase so much over time that they interfere with the normal closing of the vocal cords.

With hypertrophic laryngitis, the vocal cords become flabby, increase in size, and their free edge thickens. All this leads to significant changes in voice formation. Patients mainly complain of a hoarse, rough, hollow voice, cough, and discomfort in the throat.
In most cases, this form of laryngitis occurs in smokers who produce a significant amount of sputum and experience a painful cough. Often the disease occurs together with diseases such as chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis. The cause of hypertrophic laryngitis can be any of the adverse factors that act for a long time on the mucous membrane of the larynx (see "Why can the mucous membrane of the larynx become inflamed?").

Unfavorable factors reduce local and general immunity, the activity of pathogenic microorganisms increases, which leads to the development of a chronic inflammatory process. The final diagnosis of "hypertrophic laryngitis", the ENT doctor puts on the basis of a patient survey (complaints, medical history, etc.), examination (laryngoscopy), additional instrumental studies (laryngeal tomography, laryngeal fibroscopy, video laryngastroboscopy, etc.), laboratory tests (general blood test, bacteriological examination, and, if necessary, a biopsy of the larynx).

Treatment of hyperplastic laryngitis primarily involves the elimination of the cause of the disease and the rehabilitation of chronic foci of infection. In addition, it is necessary to observe the voice mode (reduce voice load), stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Oil, soda and corticosteroid inhalations can relieve swelling and alleviate the condition. In most cases, hypertrophic laryngitis requires radical treatment, microsurgical intervention with the removal of areas of excessively enlarged mucous membranes.

Available about laryngitis

How is laryngitis in infants?

Infants quite often suffer from acute laryngitis, and moreover, laryngitis can develop in newborn babies under the age of 1 month, despite the fact that babies of this age are more likely to suffer from congenital rather than acquired diseases.

The most common cause of laryngitis in children under 1 year of age is viral infections, especially parainfluenza virus , which is common among the population in the spring and autumn periods. In addition, children who have atopic or allergic reactions may develop allergic laryngitis. Bacteria and fungi rarely cause laryngitis in infants.

The following features of infancy contribute to the development of laryngitis and its complications:

1. Age anatomical feature of the structure of the larynx:

narrow lumen in the larynx, only 4-5 mm;
thin and shortened vocal cords;
anatomically higher location of the larynx, which simplifies the entry of infection and allergens;
a large number of nerve receptors in the muscles of the larynx, that is, their increased excitability;
predisposition to the rapid development of submucosal edema.

2. Features of the immune system:

still unformed immunity;
a tendency to develop atopic (allergic) reactions when meeting new food products and other foreign proteins coming from outside.

Symptoms of acute laryngitis in infants:

the disease develops rapidly, sometimes within a few hours, during or even a week after SARS;
increase in body temperature noted only in half of the cases;
restless child, disturbed sleep, refuses to eat;
child's voice changes, the cry becomes hoarse, rough, in rare cases there is a loss of voice;
laryngitis in infants is almost always accompanied by respiratory failure and hypoxia(due to impaired passage of air through the narrowed larynx), this is manifested noisy breathing may be accompanied by a whistle breathing quickens against this background, one can see cyanosis(cyanosis) of the nasolabial triangle, tremor of the limbs;
cough with laryngitis, the baby always has, paroxysmal, sometimes painful, attacks often develop against the background of a scream, many compare this cough with a barking dog (barking cough).

If the baby has such symptoms, then all parents need to be especially vigilant, since at any time the child may develop stenosis of the larynx (stenosing laryngitis or false croup) to put it simply, suffocation. And worst of all, this condition in most cases develops at night, often unexpectedly.

The development of a false croup can be predisposed by various factors:

5. Eliminate factors affecting the voice(smoking, alcohol, temperature changes and so on).

6. mints, lozenges, chewing gum help improve the condition of the vocal cords.

2. The formation of various tumors, including cancer. Any chronic process contributes to a failure in cell division, their mutation. Therefore, various neoplasms of the larynx can form.

3. Paralysis of the vocal cords resulting in permanent loss of voice. This complication occurs when the nerves of the larynx are involved in the inflammatory process - neuritis. This condition can lead not only to aphonia (loss of voice), but also to respiratory failure and suffocation. If breathing is disturbed, tracheal intubation (tracheostomy) is required - a tube is inserted into the trachea through the skin, while air enters the lungs not through the upper respiratory tract, but through a tracheostomy. After drug treatment, the function of the nerve is gradually restored, and the voice can also be restored, partially or completely. In some cases, surgery is required.

Laryngitis, like any other disease, must be treated in a timely and correct manner, since self-medication and lack of treatment can lead to serious consequences.

Prevention of laryngitis and its consequences, how to prevent the development of chronic and hyperplastic laryngitis?

Restorative mode, increase of protective forces:

healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids;
rejection of bad habits , smoking especially predisposes to the development of laryngitis and its complications, negatively affects the vocal cords;
hardening - this is the most effective method of preventing all diseases, including exacerbations of chronic laryngitis, this is especially important in childhood;
physical activity , Movement is life;
frequent walks in the fresh air, it is especially useful to take a walk near the reservoirs;
normal mode work, sleep and rest;
if possible avoid nervous stress .

Prevention of SARS, influenza and their complications:

avoid contact with sick people and being in public places during the flu period;
vaccination against influenza in the autumn season;
if SARS started , it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner, any flu also needs to be aged.

During laryngitis, it is necessary to eliminate factors that negatively affect the larynx and vocal cords:

smoking;
voice loads;
hot and too cold food or drinks;
food that irritates the larynx;
high and low air temperatures, as well as high and low humidity;
other factors.

For people whose profession requires voice loads(singers, actors, teachers, announcers, sports fans):

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat later, and you will be healthy.

According to statistics, about 10% of the population have suffered from various forms of laryngitis or continue to suffer from it. The disease is an inflammation of the larynx caused by a cold or various ailments of an infectious origin, such as scarlet fever, measles. The disease has pronounced manifestations and is fraught with the development of serious complications, including phlegmon, inflammation in the neck, lung abscess, that is, the formation of pus in it, suffocation, and blood poisoning (sepsis).

The traditional treatment used for laryngitis is designed to eliminate the symptoms, to exclude the possible consequences of the disease.

Causes and symptoms

The condition for the occurrence of various forms of laryngitis is the defeat of the mucous membrane of the larynx, the upper region of the trachea. As a result, inflammatory processes develop. The immediate causes of this may be: severe hypothermia, overexertion, damage to the vocal cords, adverse effects of microorganisms in the presence of acute infections (for example, measles or influenza). The disease can, as a complication, acquire a chronic form, as well as proceed in the acute stage. According to the degree of spread of the inflammatory process, the following types are distinguished:

catarrhal laryngitis. As a rule, inflammation affects the mucous surface of the larynx.
false croup. It occurs in children under 10 years of age, with it the larynx, subglottic region, and the vocal cords become inflamed.
phlegmonous laryngitis. The process of inflammation extends deep into the mucous membrane, cartilage and ligaments of the larynx, as well as muscle tissue.

There are also hypertrophic, atrophic, diphtheria, tuberculous, syphilitic laryngitis.

Symptoms of laryngitis include:

temperature increase (in some cases) up to 37-38°C, sometimes up to 39°C or higher.
hoarseness or lack of voice, dryness, burning sensation in the nasopharynx.
swelling of the larynx, complicating breathing.
pain when swallowing or eating food.
general weakness.

Patients have a strong dry cough accompanied by expectoration of sputum.

The main ways to treat laryngitis are:

medicinal, that is, the use of medicines.
the use of traditional medicine.

Effective drugs

According to the mechanism of action, drugs for laryngitis are divided into immunomodulatory, mucolytic, antibacterial or antiallergic groups. They are also divided into:

symptomatic. Designed to alleviate the patient's condition.
etiotropic. Influence the cause of the disease.

In general, a wide range of medicines are used for laryngitis:

antibiotics (Sumamed, Azithromycin, Amoxicillin).
Antiseptics (Tonsilgon is an excellent herbal remedy).
antihistamines.
corticosteroids (hydrocortisone).
antiviral drugs.
remedies for different intensity of cough (Ambrobene, solution for the inhalation course of Ventalin, the appointment of Ascoril for laryngitis will make sputum less viscous).
antipyretic drugs.
homeopathic remedies (Tonsilgon).

In some cases, one remedy combines several properties, and the drugs themselves are available in various dosage forms:

tablets.
syrups - Ascoril with laryngitis will remove viscous sputum.
solutions.
Aerosols, sprays.
Drops, including the popular Tonsilgon.

Sinekod can be used in pills, drops, syrup.

Special lozenges are also used as adjuvants in treatment.

Tantum Verde with laryngitis can be used as a spray, inhalation solution or rinse.

Most practitioners prescribe antibiotics for laryngitis as an effective treatment for the disease. You should follow the correct regimen, dosage of antibiotics, otherwise the bacterium may become immune to their effects.

Antibiotics of various groups are used. Penicillin includes Amoxicillin, Ecoclave suspension, Amoxiclav, Augmentin and Flemoklav solutab. Cephalosporins are presented in the form of syrups, such as Cefix and Cefadox, or as injections of the drug Ceftriaxone.

In a severe form of the disease, antibiotics of the macrolide group are used, such as Macrapen and Azitox, Sumamed.

The course of antibiotics lasts 6-7 days for adults, usually the same amount (sometimes a little longer) for children.

The use of corticosteroids will quickly help to remove inflammation, drugs based on hydrocortisone are effective here.

Among the antiseptics, the most effective, with practically no contraindications for use, are Povidone iodine, Hexetidine and Benzylimine in the form of sprays and solutions. Hexoral with laryngitis quickly relieves inflammation.

The main indication for the use of antihistamines is swelling of the throat. They are prescribed in tablet form, typical representatives of such drugs are Cetizine and Loratadine.

Antiviral drugs are non-prescription, divided into three subspecies:

vegetable.
homeopathic. They are used mainly for laryngitis in children, represented by drugs Oscillococinum, Tonsilgon and Anaferon.
synthesized, for example, Arbidol.

These drugs are used to prevent the disease from becoming chronic. In case of complications, antibacterial drugs are indicated - for example, Sumamed, a hormonal series - hydrocortisone and its analogues.

Antitussives are divided into drugs for thinning sputum (mucolytics), for dry cough, expectorants. The appointment of lazolvan for laryngitis will soften the cough, improve the condition of the respiratory tract. Medicines can be made on the basis of various herbs. In this case, they have almost no contraindications, they are recommended for adults and children, their use is less irritating to the throat mucosa. These include plantain syrup Gerbion, Alteyka syrup, tableted Mukaltin, and also Gedelix based on medicinal ivy.

The use of aminophylline for laryngitis is justified, this guarantees the removal of spasm. Hydrocortisone also acts at the cellular level: it has a stabilizing effect on the membranes of infiltrates.

Mukalitiki are represented by drugs such as Bromhexine and Ambroxol, and with a dry cough, they take drugs containing Buramirate, for example, Sinekod.

Also an effective cough remedy are 2% saline solutions with the addition of Berodual or Lazolvan, which enhance the effect, for washing and inhalation.

The use of funds - oily Chlorfilipt, the usual Lugol - for lubricating the throat is mainly due to their antibacterial properties. A drug such as Lugol's solution is in demand. It contains free iodine, is used to treat the throat, and is traditionally considered an effective remedy in the treatment of laryngitis.

Useful inhalation. Ventolin with laryngitis is especially effective as a nebulizer filler.

Drops for laryngitis

In the case when the disease spreads throughout the nasopharyngeal cavity, various means are needed in combination with other types of treatment that stop local inflammation. For this purpose, nose drops are used.

Antibiotic-based drops, such as Isofra, as well as vasoconstrictor drops, Nazol and Naphthyzin, are used as treatment.

Isofra is made on the basis of the local antibiotic framycetin, it is used for laryngitis in case of a protracted severe runny nose. The course of treatment lasts 9-10 days (but no more) and should not be interrupted. The drug has no contraindications, side effects, except for quite rare cases of allergies.

Nazol drops are widely used and are quite effective. They have a vasoconstrictive effect, eliminate congestion, inflammation of the nasal mucosa and soften the epithelium. However, the remedy is contraindicated in atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, glaucoma and during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, there are a number of side effects of the drug, the manifestation of which is possible depending on the characteristics of the organism. Among them are dizziness, nausea, sleep disturbance.

Standard Nazol is contraindicated in children, it was created specifically for their treatment, Nazol baby is successfully used.

Naphthyzinum is also a vasoconstrictor. It is used in the treatment of laryngitis, in the chronic or acute course of the disease. Drops help eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa, and also reduce the amount of mucus secreted. Naphthyzine is contraindicated for children under one year old.

Tonsilgon drops are taken inside according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor.

Lollipops for laryngitis

Most of the lozenges used in the treatment of laryngitis contain the substances necessary to fight microbes. They consist of:

several (usually no more than two) antiseptics.
improving the effect of additional components.

Among the latter may be lemon, honey, essential oils of various herbs. These substances have analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect.

They are used for 3-4 days, they also serve to relieve sore throat.

In some cases, the composition of the remedy sometimes includes antibiotics, which increases the antimicrobial effect. Among these, Trachisan containing the antibiotic tyrothricin should be noted.

Other varieties of such lollipops contain powerful antiseptics that affect not only microbes, but also fungi and viruses. Ferveks should be attributed to them. They may also contain local anesthetics such as Antiangin.

In some cases, a good anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by the presence of a natural antiseptic. Such drugs are Geksaliz and Lisobakt. The use of most funds, as follows from the above, has an enhanced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

Folk methods

In the treatment of laryngitis, it will be useful to combine the previously mentioned methods with proven methods described in the specialized literature, as well as the use of traditional medicine. Their use is aimed at combating the symptoms, causes of the disease and has an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, softening effect.

At the initial stage of the disease, at the first sign of fatigue, hoarseness or loss of voice, boil 100 grams of chopped carrots added to 0.5 liters of milk. After straining, drink in small portions. Chamomile baths also have a positive effect. To this end, 400 grams of pharmaceutical dried chamomile flowers should be infused for an hour in 10-12 liters of boiling water (to maintain the temperature, the container can be wrapped in a blanket), strain, add to a bath of water. The procedure takes fifteen minutes.

Another effective remedy using anise is prepared as follows. Its fruits, as well as quince seeds, dried lungwort leaves (20-25 g each), pour 0.5 liters of water, boil with the addition of a tablespoon - 25-30 g - of natural honey for 15 minutes. After straining, drink throughout the day.

Treatment is carried out under the condition of eliminating the causes that led to the onset of the disease. Silence must be observed in order to reduce the load on the vocal cords, larynx. It is also recommended to exclude spicy or salty foods from the diet, since the intake of these types of food irritates the mucous membrane, refusal of alcohol, smoking. Physiotherapeutic procedures help well: various inhalations, warming compresses with the help of herbal solutions.

A decoction of ginger is also useful. Approximately a quarter cup of grated ginger root should be poured with 200 grams of honey and boiled. Add a teaspoon of broth to hot tea and drink, you can drink several glasses in a row. Then wrap yourself in a warm blanket. The procedure is best done before going to bed and repeated several nights in a row.

Popular folk methods do not cancel drug treatment; Sumamed, Hydrocortisone, and other pharmaceutical preparations are shown to relieve complications.