In a laryngitis, the vocal cords and the mucous membrane of the larynx are inflamed. How the disease develops and what helps you find out here.
What is a laryngitis?
A laryngitis is characterized in that both the vocal cords and the laryngeal mucous membranes are inflamed. It usually develops from previous respiratory infections, such as a cold . First and foremost, acute laryngitis causes hoarseness, but it can also lead to complete loss of voice. If the symptoms persist for weeks, chronic laryngitis has developed. Depending on the pathogen, laryngitis may be contagious.
Why is it so difficult for me to talk about laryngitis?
The larynx is connected to both the vocal cords and vocal cords and is so involved that we can even make sounds. With laryngitis, the larynx can no longer perform its task, which is why we either become hoarse or lose our voice completely.
Symptoms of laryngitis
In addition to hoarseness , laryngitis can cause the following symptoms:
- Coughing : barking and rough, often as a dry, irritating cough
- sore throat
- difficulties swallowing
- language problems
- Strong throat clearing
- Feeling of the lump in the throat
- Maybe fever
- Shortness of breath (in rare cases with severe mucosal swelling)
- Pain behind the breastbone (in these cases the trachea is also inflamed)
As a rule, laryngitis heals without consequences within days if the patient is gentle on his voice. Hoarseness, sore throat and Co. are not gone even after two weeks, but the ENT specialist should be consulted. The laryngitis could become chronic – or the symptoms may not come from a laryngitis, but from a so-called laryngeal carcinoma, a malignant tumor.
Children with laryngitis: Krupphusten
In children, it comes through a viral laryngitis often also for Krupphusten . This usually produces spasmodic, dry coughing fits in the night, wheezing when breathing and in the worst case shortness of breath when the child panics. It is important to stay calm and also to calm the child. In most cases, the complaints stop in a timely manner, when the offspring get fresh air and the room air is humidified. In case of onset of respiratory distress but the emergency doctor should be called immediately.
What causes a laryngitis?
In most cases laryngitis can be traced back to an infection with viruses, but sometimes bacteria are the trigger. Persons in particular who are in great need of their voice – singers or teachers, for example – are at risk. There are also risk factors that increase the likelihood of illness. These include:
- cigarette smoke
- Dry air
- dust
- Chemical vapors
- Other diseases, eg. As a chronic nasal congestion, sinusitis or reflux in which heaped gastric juice flows into the esophagus
Treatment of laryngitis
Most patients go to the doctor for laryngitis because of general cold symptoms, so that laryngitis is often more of a coincidence. The cause of the illness can only be treated if bacteria are the trigger – in this case the doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Even decongestants can be used. Otherwise, it helps to treat only throat and voice to spare, so that the mucous membranes can sleep in peace. To speed up the healing of the inflammation, the following tips help:
- Drink a lot – at least two, better three liters. Especially water and warm herbal tea.
- Ensure a humid indoor climate – and avoid dry heating air. It helps z. B. a room humidifier.
- Protect your voice – speak as little as possible, preferably not at all.
- Smoking should be avoided.
- Spicy foods and alcohol should also be avoided.