Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx whose main symptom is hoarseness of varying intensity. It can be acute when it is caused by a viral infection like a common cold, or chronic, caused by the excessive use of the voice, serious infections, allergic reactions and inhalation of irritating agents, such as cigarette smoke. The main types of laryngitis are:
- Acute laryngitis: it is usually related to a viral respiratory infection and lasts up to 7 days. But it can also be related to diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, rubella and chicken pox. In order to identify the disease, the otorhinolaryngologist will be able to examine the individual's throat and larynx with a laryngoscope and may order blood tests if he suspects any other disease.
- Chronic laryngitis: it is one that lasts for weeks and is closely linked to smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, but it can also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux, sarcoidosis, polychondritis, autoimmune diseases and cancer of the larynx and, therefore, it is necessary to investigate thoroughly your cause to start the proper treatment.
- Reflux laryngitis: it is an inflammation of the larynx caused by constant reflux, ie the rise of gastric contents through the larynx, which is very common in babies and in bedridden individuals. In this case, the treatment should be aimed at facilitating digestion as a way of preventing reflux. Some precautions such as not lying down after eating and having the head of the bed higher than the feet.
Symptoms of laryngitis
The symptoms of laryngitis are:
- Cough;
- Hoarseness;
- Sore throat;
- Pain when swallowing;
- Pain when speaking.
- These pains can also occur in the background of the guarantee and, therefore, the individual may be a sensation of pain inside the ear;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Loss of voice, voice failing;
- There may be a fever.
The symptoms of infant laryngitis are similar to the symptoms of viral laryngitis, although in children the greatest sign of inflammation of the larynx is the presence of a dry cough, similar to a dog's bark, usually at night. Hoarseness and fever are also quite common in children with laryngitis.
To identify the symptoms of laryngitis, the doctor must observe the signs and symptoms of the disease and evaluate the throat and the larynx using a small device called a laryngoscope or with the use of a small mirror in the throat area, so that it is possible to observe inflammation area.
However, when dealing with chronic laryngitis, the doctor may order other tests in order to identify the microorganism that causes the disease for better treatment. Tests that can also be used to diagnose laryngitis may include sputum examination, radiography and thyroid examination.
Treatment for laryngitis
Treatment for laryngitis depends on the symptoms, but resting your voice and inhaling heated steam will relieve discomfort and help heal inflamed areas. The main strategy used in the treatment of laryngitis is the inhalation of humidified air, such as the inhalation of steam from eucalyptus tea, which allows the patient to improve in a few days.
Generally, the doctor recommends corticosteroid medications in spray form, and oral antibiotic administration is advised when the infection is caused by bacteria. Patients with laryngitis should drink plenty of fluids, rest, do not force their voices, avoid inhaling smoke or dust and reduce their activities, avoiding efforts.
Laryngitis can also be allergic and in this case it must be treated with the ingestion of antihistamines and with simple care, such as avoiding contact with substances that cause allergy in the individual.
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