Treatment of laryngotracheitis should begin when the first signs appear - delay can provoke suffocation. The risk of asphyxia in comparison with children is much lower, but this does not mean at all that the disease will heal itself.
In most cases, laryngotracheitis occurs against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza or adenovirus as a complication of diseases.
Factors contributing to this are:
- harmful working conditions (hard physical labor, dusty air, cold, constant drafts);
- frequent hypothermia;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- untreated infectious diseases of the nasopharynx and pharynx;
- dental caries, removable dentures;
- poor nutrition;
- unfavorable living conditions.
Laryngitis often develops first and spreads to the trachea without treatment.
Laryngitis is initially of viral origin, but when bacteria attach, it can be complicated by bronchitis and pneumonia.
In addition, bacterial inflammation can descend from the nasopharynx or tonsils with angina or sinusitis, leading to laryngotracheitis.
Symptomatic laryngotracheitis in adults is manifested by:
- sore throat;
- discomfort when swallowing;
- hoarseness and rudeness of the voice;
- malaise;
- body aches;
- decreased appetite;
- subfebrile hyperthermia;
- dry cough.
Without treatment, the disease leads to complications. They are associated with malignant transformation of mucosal cells during chronic tissue inflammation or the spread of infection through the respiratory tract. As a result, otitis media, sinusitis, meningitis, or pneumonia may occur.
Separately, the risk of asphyxia should be highlighted. Stenosing laryngotracheitis goes through several stages, the symptoms of which will help to suspect pathology in a timely manner and begin treatment:
- dysphonic stage is manifested by hoarseness, "barking" cough and increased hyperthermia. The general condition worsens, irritability appears;
- the stenotic stage is characterized by a narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, due to which the inhalation is lengthened, breathing becomes difficult, and the voice gradually loses its sonority. The vocal cords become less mobile due to edema, so the cough is aphonic. Signs of respiratory failure are increasing - shortness of breath increases, and earlobes, lips and fingertips become bluish;
- asphyxia - manifested by a person's inhibition, superficial irregular breathing, bradycardia and severe respiratory failure. Due to severe hypoxia of the brain, cardiac and respiratory arrest occurs.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of the disease can be done by an otolaryngologist, pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist, depending on the first signs and severity of the disease. In order for the doctor to correctly establish the pathology, it is necessary to tell in detail why the condition worsened, and how the symptoms changed.
Then it is carried out:
- auscultation of the lungs, in which hard noisy breathing with dry wheezing is heard. This indicates the presence of inflammation of the airways and narrowing of the larynx;
- pharyngo-, laryngoscopy, the picture of which is represented by hyperemia of the mucous membrane, edema of tissues and mucopurulent discharge on the surface. This is how laryngitis and laryngotracheitis are manifested;
- X-ray examination of the lungs and paranasal sinuses to detect pneumonia or sinusitis;
- laboratory examination (blood test - general, PCR, ELISA, urine analysis, bacterial culture of mucous discharge or sputum).
When laryngotracheitis is confirmed, treatment is tailored according to the severity of the condition. In the chronic course of laryngotracheitis, a biopsy may be required during endoscopic examination. The results of histology will help to confirm or deny the malignant process.
First aid for the development of suffocation
Worsening of the condition usually occurs at night, when the narrowed lumen of the larynx is additionally blocked by an accumulation of sputum.
The threat of asphyxia (suffocation) can persist for two days, so you need to be extremely careful about your condition.
What to do if you have difficulty breathing:
- call an ambulance;
- open the window to provide oxygen access;
- calm down, try to make your breathing even;
- with hyperthermia above 38 degrees, you need to take antipyretic drugs without aspirin, for example, Nimesil or Ibuprofen;
- take antihistamines that reduce tissue swelling (Diazolin, Suprastin). It is better to inject them intramuscularly for a faster effect;
- drip the nose with vasoconstrictor drops or spray (Xymelin, Otrivin, Lazorin, Evkazolin);
- inhalations with hormonal agents (Pulmicort);
- plentiful drink (milk with soda, still mineral water). If the condition has improved significantly before the arrival of the ambulance, it is still not a reason to refuse hospitalization.
Laryngotracheitis treatment
It is necessary to start treating laryngitis at the initial stage, which will prevent the development of laryngotracheitis. To cure laryngitis, you must:
- plentiful alkaline drink;
- gargling with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic solutions. For this, Furacilin, Chlorfillipt, Rotokan, Givalex or Stopangin are suitable;
- vitamin therapy;
- antihistamines (Claritin, Cetrin).
If at this stage it is not possible to stop the inflammatory process, the infection descends lower to the trachea. Now let's look at how to treat laryngotracheitis:
| Drug group | Action | Names | Way of introduction | Duration of the course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiviral agents | Eliminate viruses, increase immunity |
|
| Usually 5 days, but may be extended. |
| Antibacterial drugs | Eliminate Bacteria, Reduce Inflammation |
|
| 7-10 days |
| Antihistamines | Reduce tissue swelling and mucus production |
|
| 5-10 days. |
| Antipyretic drugs | Reduce hyperthermia, inflammation and pain |
|
| 1-3 times a day for 3 days. |
| Vasoconstrictor nasal drops | It constricts the blood vessels at the injection site, reduces tissue swelling and mucus production, which makes nasal breathing easier. | Evkazolin, Lazorin, Otrivin, Xymelin. | Sprays, nose drops | 3-5 days. |
| Mucolytic and expectorant drugs | Thinner up phlegm and make it easier to remove |
|
| 1-2 weeks |
| Antitussives (for a painful dry cough) | Reduce irritation of the bronchi and inhibit the cough reflex. | Sinekod, Codeine, Bronholitin, Herbion. | Oral solutions | 7-10 days |
The use of expectorants in parallel with medications that block cough should be avoided.
If laryngotracheitis is of allergic origin, therapy is based on taking antihistamines and inhalation with hormonal drugs.
Treatment of laryngotracheitis in adults is carried out taking into account general recommendations:
- compliance with bed rest;
- plentifully alkaline drinks (still mineral water, warm milk with soda);
- good nutrition (fresh vegetables, fruits);
- limiting the use of hot, spicy and salty foods, as well as cold drinks that irritate the mucous membranes;
- limiting physical activity and stress;
- healthy sleep;
- regular airing of the room, wet cleaning;
- humidifying the air in the room;
- vitamin therapy;
- lack of contact with sick people;
- gentle voice mode (do not shout, do not talk loudly in the cold);
- dress for the weather before going out for a walk;
- quitting smoking and alcohol.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of colds, including laryngotracheitis, is aimed at strengthening immunity and eliminating provoking factors. Prevention includes:
- hardening of the body;
- proper nutrition;
- limiting contact with sick people;
- if possible, reduce the frequency of visits to places with a large crowd of people during an epidemic;
- timely treatment of chronic diseases;
- regular sanitation of infectious foci (tonsillitis);
- Spa treatment.
Despite the milder course of laryngotracheitis in adults compared to children, infection prevention will not hurt. Moreover, strengthening the immune system will help not only avoid colds, but also improve overall health.
