Laryngitis as a common cold

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, which is one of the most common manifestations of various colds and infectious diseases (influenza, measles, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, rhinitis, adenovirus infection, etc.). Most often, laryngitis occurs during epidemics of such infections, that is, at the end of autumn or early spring. At the same time, laryngitis can also occur as an independent disease. It is unlikely that there will be people who have never experienced symptoms of laryngitis.

There are two forms of laryngitis: acute and chronic. While acute laryngitis develops against the background of colds, chronic laryngitis can be caused by such causes:

• Overexertion of vocal cords
• Smoking and alcohol abuse
• Inhalation of dust or toxic gases
• Repeated episodes of acute laryngitis
• Frequent consumption of spicy food, irritating the laryngeal mucosa.

Symptoms of laryngitis include:

• Sore throat (especially when swallowing)
• Sore throat
• Dryness in throat
• Dry cough (also called barking)
• Labored breathing
• Headache
• Hypothy and loss of voice
• Laryngitis is often accompanied by a runny nose, fever, decreased appetite.

In adults, laryngitis usually proceeds in a lighter form than in children. At the same time, adults are more likely to develop chronic laryngitis. Chronic laryngitis is characterized by periodic exacerbations, with the mucous membrane of the larynx gradually disintegrating and developing tissue dystrophy. For the chronic form of the disease is also characterized by rapid fatigue of the vocal cords, a persistent cough.

When viewed from patients, redness of the larynx and edema of the vocal cords are observed. With neglected forms of laryngitis, the laryngeal mucosa can be thickened.

Symptomatic laryngitis is similar in many ways to pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx), but the hallmark of the first disease is hoarseness and loss of voice. If the inflammation of the larynx is accompanied by inflammation of the pharynx, the disease is called laryngopharyngitis .

The treatment of laryngitis is aimed at relieving the symptoms of the disease and preventing the progression of the infection:

• First of all, it is recommended to take antiviral drugs or antibiotics (depending on the cause of inflammation), antipyretic (at a temperature above 38C), expectorant medicines and syrups.
• During treatment, one should adhere to the home regime and drink a sufficient amount of liquid.
• Remove the puffiness of the larynx can help rinse with a solution of drinking soda or a decoction of chamomile.
• To prevent further irritation of the larynx, it is recommended to strain the vocal cords as little as possible , in any case not to shout, not to use spicy dishes and alcohol. It is recommended warm drink and soft food.
• The patient should be in a room with clean and moist air to prevent the effects of dust and dryness on the laryngeal mucosa.
• In the absence of elevated temperature, warm compresses on the neck, foot baths and steam inhalations are recommended.
• In the most difficult cases of chronic laryngitis, surgical removal or cauterization of damaged skin areas may be required.

If the treatment is started on time, the symptoms of laryngitis usually go away after 5-7 days. Otherwise, the acute form of the disease can go into the chronic.

The most effective ways of preventing laryngitis include:

• Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle
• Strengthening the body's immunity
• Proper nutrition
• Rejection of bad habits
• Avoiding overstrain of the vocal cords (especially when it is related to professional activity)
• Avoiding irritation of the laryngeal mucosa.