Inflammation of the larynx: symptoms and treatment. What diagnostics are needed? Symptoms and treatment of inflammation of the pharynx Prevention of throat diseases

Most often the reasonoropharyngeal diseasesare various infections. Their most popular consequences are tonsillitis (more scientifically - acute tonsillitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis. The article contains recommendations from doctors on how not to harm yourself with these diseases, but, on the contrary, to help the body get healthier faster.

Sore throat causes inflammation of the tonsils. In addition to a sore throat, she is accompanied by aches throughout the body, weakness and a high temperature of 38 degrees.

A person wakes up in the morning relatively cheerful, but by the evening he usually becomes limp. The disease has many varieties: catarrhal (red throat), follicular (purulent follicles on the tonsils), lacunar (pus in the lacunae), aphthous (rash on the tonsils in the form of white or pinkish ulcers), herpetic (rash on the tonsils in the form of blisters).

Laryngitis is inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa. Symptoms are soreness and redness, a slightly elevated (about 37.5° C) temperature and - a distinctive feature - hoarse, heavy breathing and a hoarse voice. The patient's condition is worse in the morning, immediately after waking up.

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Accompanied by redness, soreness, the same as with laryngitis, a slightly elevated temperature, and often a dry, painful cough.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Warm rinses and grandma's recipes will not help. Untreated diseases can lead to all sorts of complications. But standard recommendations for diseases of the oropharynx are the same for everyone.

Inflammation of the oropharynx. Dos and don'ts during treatment

At inflammation of the oropharynx it is forbidden:
1. Strain your throat.
That is, talk long and loudly. Communication should be kept to a minimum. Listen more. Shorten your answers. As the signalmen say, switch to information receiving mode.

2. Eat salty, chocolate, spicy and even healthy citrus fruits. All of these foods irritate the oropharynx. You should also avoid hard foods: crackers, cookies. It is best to eat porridge, light broths, and baked vegetables.

3. Drink excessively hot drinks.
They will not warm the throat, but will only further injure the mucous membrane.

4. At elevated temperatures, drink a lot of milk.
Protein dishes in such a situation can increase intoxication of the body.

5. Gargle with water, baking soda and iodine.
This disinfectant solution will only be beneficial for purulent sore throat. In other cases, it will only irritate the throat mucosa.

6. Walk.
Inflammation of the oropharynx requires bed rest and, ideally, cessation of communication for 5 to 10 days.

7. Self-prescribe antibiotics.
8. Postpone calling a doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by a headache, high fever, vomiting or rash.

For inflammation of the oropharynx, you can and should:
1. Relieve pain using local remedies - special lozenges or sprays.
2. Take complex vitamins to strengthen your immune system.
3. Ventilate the room. This will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better at night.
4. Drink warm drinks with vitamin C and honey as often as possible (if you are not allergic to the latter).
It has a healing and disinfecting effect. It will be useful to include extracts of hawthorn and rose hips in the composition of such drinks.

Catad_tema Laryngitis and pharyngitis - articles

Inflammatory diseases of the oropharynx. Modern ideas about etiopathogenesis and adequate treatment

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. A.Yu. Ovchinnikov, Ph.D. V.A. Gabedava
First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Moscow

Inflammatory diseases of the pharynx are widespread among the population and are registered in all age groups, which causes a significant number of days of disability. Painful changes in the pharynx can be manifestations of either an independent pathological process or a symptom of a disease in the body.

The pharynx is one of the initial sections of the respiratory tract and performs vital functions. It ensures the passage of air into the lungs and back, while the air stream, passing through the pharynx and in contact with its mucous membrane, continues to be moistened, warmed and cleared of suspended particles. The absence of pathological changes in the pharynx guarantees the separation of the movement of air and the food bolus and provides a protective function due to reflex muscle contraction, the occurrence of coughing and vomiting when the receptors of the mucous membrane are irritated by foreign bodies, chemical or thermal factors. The pharyngeal cavity serves as a resonator for the voice. In the area of ​​the soft palate and the root of the tongue there are receptors involved in the formation of taste sensitivity.

There is no doubt about the enormous role of the lymphadenoid ring of the pharynx, which is part of the body’s unified immune system and is its outpost. Lymphoid pharyngeal tissue plays an important role in the formation of both regional and general protective reactions of the body. Currently, a large amount of research material has been accumulated on the receptor function of the tonsils and their neuro-reflex connections with internal organs, in particular with the heart (tonsillocardiac reflex) and with the central nervous system (reticular formation of the midbrain and the hypothalamus, controlled by autonomic functions). The mucous membrane of the pharynx, and especially its posterior and lateral walls, has a rich sensory innervation. Therefore, pathological processes in the pharyngeal structures are accompanied by symptoms that are quite painful for the patient - pain, sensations of dryness, foreign body, discomfort, soreness. The anatomical feature of the pharynx, such as the presence in the immediate vicinity of spaces filled with loose connective tissue, is also of great clinical importance. With various injuries and inflammatory diseases of the pharynx, they may become infected, and in the future the development of such serious complications as purulent mediastinitis, sepsis and life-threatening massive bleeding due to arrosion of large vessels of the neck.

The problem of chronic tonsillitis is of great importance and relevance, due to its wide distribution (from 2.84 to 35%). There is a trend towards an increase in the number of patients with chronic tonsillitis, with the highest incidence occurring in the age group of 16-20 years.

Despite the significant variety of treatment methods, medical tactics for chronic tonsillitis have not been fully determined. To date, there are still no exact criteria on the basis of which it would be possible to determine when the tonsils from an organ that carries useful functions in the body turn into a source of infection or contribute to the occurrence of diseases of other organs and systems. Accordingly, making a decision on conservative or surgical treatment remains quite subjective. At the same time, modern ideas about the role of the palatine tonsils in the body dictate the need to treat them as sparingly as possible.

Already in the 20s of the twentieth century, some opinions were expressed that “surgical removal of the tonsil, especially total removal, as practiced by many doctors, is completely unacceptable. A diseased tonsil should be treated, not removed.” Data from recent studies proving the unconditional protective role of the palatine tonsils in the body indicate the need to significantly limit radical surgical treatment of patients with chronic tonsillitis. Currently, there is information both about the participation of the palatine tonsils in the formation of regional immunity of the oral cavity, and about their influence on systemic immunity. It is known that the tonsils take part in the formation of antiviral immunity and serve as a barrier to the spread of respiratory viruses from their primary location (nasal cavity and nasopharynx) throughout the body. Interferon, obtained from lymphocytes of the tonsils, has a wide spectrum of antiviral action, suppressing the cytopathic effect and reproduction of representatives of different groups of viruses - adenovirus type 1, vesicular stomatitis viruses, parainfluenza 2, Coxsackie B1, OV-40. The role of interferon produced in the tonsils in the formation of antiviral immunity is evidenced by the increased incidence of certain viral infections in individuals with removed tonsils. There are indications that tonsillectomy is associated with an increased risk of poliomyelitis in children. The risk of developing polio in children undergoing tonsillectomy is 3 times greater than in non-operated children, and the risk of developing the bulbar form of polio is 11 times higher. B. Folczinsky believes that tonsillectomy, in all likelihood, contributes to the development of polio in children who were healthy carriers of the virus before the operation.

In addition to the need for a gentle approach to the palatine tonsils, the risk associated with its implementation also speaks in favor of limiting the use of tonsillectomy: bleeding, pulmonary complications, deep cervical infections, intracranial complications, mediastinal abscess, air embolism, subluxation of the 1st cervical vertebra, anaphylactic reactions to anesthesia, etc. According to P. Krishna and D. Lee, bleeding after tonsillectomy was observed in 3.3% of patients with normal coagulogram values; in patients with changes in the coagulogram, bleeding was observed in 8.7% of cases. S. A. Theilgaard noted the occurrence of bleeding in the postoperative period after tonsillectomy in 8.5% of patients, and in 2.8% of patients the bleeding that occurred required their return to the operating room. S. Maini observed secondary bleeding after tonsillectomy in 9.5% of patients. According to other authors, the incidence of tonsillectomy-related bleeding varies from 1 to 5.2%. Tonsillectomy is especially dangerous if the internal carotid artery is abnormally located. This location often goes undiagnosed and can be fatal. Complications of tonsillectomy also include pulmonary embolism, jugular vein thrombosis, acute liver failure, meningococcal septicemia, subcutaneous emphysema of the neck, and necrotizing fasciitis. According to D. J. Blum, the mortality rate associated with tonsillectomy is 0.006%. I. Kaygusuz showed that in 25% of cases, tonsillectomy is accompanied by bacteremia, which explains the risk of various suppurative and septic complications and, as an example, described the development of an abscess in the peritonsillar tissue after tonsillectomy. M. Rivas Lacarte observed various complications in 1.89% of cases after tonsillectomy performed in an inpatient setting, and in 2.17% after outpatient tonsillectomy. D. A. Randall and M. E. Hoffer, among the possible complications after tonsillectomy, note bleeding, aspiration complications, pulmonary edema, and reactions to anesthesia.

The need to limit the use of tonsillectomy is also due to the fact that, on the one hand, being far from a safe method, it does not always lead to the desired result. Scottish Tonsillectomy Audit 1992/1993. revealed a positive result in 97% of cases, however, according to a survey of patients, 75% confirmed satisfaction with the results of the operation after 6 months, and only 45% of patients after a year. According to an audit of tonsillectomies conducted in England and Wales in 1997, 8% of patients reported no improvement after tonsillectomy.

Already in the 20s of the twentieth century, some opinions were expressed that “surgical removal of the tonsil, especially total removal, as practiced by many doctors, is completely unacceptable.

A.V. Chernysh believes that tonsillectomy does not contribute to the restoration of the immune status either immediately after the operation or in the longer term, and associates this with the peculiarity of the distribution of HLA antigens.

Speaking about the effectiveness of tonsillectomy, it is necessary to dwell on the significance of unremoved tonsil remnants. R. Boies Lawrence found remnants of lymphoid tissue in 31% of patients. In the presence of remnants of lymphoid tissue in the tonsil niches, tonsillectomy is ineffective.

Tonsillectomy is especially dangerous if the internal carotid artery is abnormally located. This location often goes undiagnosed and can be fatal.

The decision to perform a tonsillectomy remains not only quite subjective, but also (in some cases) unfounded. M. Ikram, having conducted a histological examination of removed tonsils from 200 patients, noted that the tonsils of 7.5% of patients had a normal morphological picture. Only 10% of patients had clear morphological signs of chronic tonsillitis, in other cases there were signs of lymphoid tissue hyperplasia. Despite compelling evidence suggesting limited use of tonsillectomy, it continues to be widely used in clinical practice. More than 390 thousand operations are performed annually in the United States. Obviously, such a widespread use of tonsillectomy, despite the obvious need to limit it, is associated with the lack of sufficiently effective methods for sanitation of the palatine tonsils. This is confirmed by the many proposed methods of conservative treatment.

As is known, an important factor in the pathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis is a violation of the emptying of tonsil lacunae from pathological contents. The difficulty in the outflow of crypt contents is often explained not only by their anatomical features (length, branching, tortuosity), but also by those changes that occurred as a result of the existing pathological process (intralacunar adhesions, narrowing of the lacuna as a result of protrusion of its wall by a hypertrophied lymphoid follicle). Narrowing, and sometimes complete obliteration of the mouth, leads to a flask-shaped expansion of the lacuna, and its epithelial cover becomes thinner or completely disappears. The epithelium subject to dystrophy does not provide sufficient barrier function. A long-term inflammatory process leads to disruption of tissue and vascular permeability, which plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of both chronic tonsillitis and metatonsillar diseases. Protein breakdown products, bacterial toxins and antigens, immune complexes penetrate into the blood through a broken lymphoepithelial barrier, causing intoxication and sensitization of the body.

To help resolve this problem, gentle surgical interventions on the palatine tonsils are intended, which ideally should not only improve the drainage of the lacuna, but also reduce the absorption of toxins and antigens from the lumen of the lacuna. Regardless of the surgical technique used, all organ-preserving operations on the palatine tonsils can be divided into three groups:

Methods of isolated conservative treatment of chronic tonsillitis do not always provide stable compensation for the disease. A clear disadvantage of conservative treatment methods is the need for lengthy repeated courses. Despite the apparent safety, local conservative treatment is not without possible complications: pharyngitis, allergic reactions, microtraumas of the palatine tonsils, etc. Known methods of conservative treatment of chronic tonsillitis do not eliminate such a link in the pathogenesis of the disease as a violation of the emptying of tonsil lacunae from pathological contents, which contributes to the maintenance of inflammatory process, sensitization and intoxication of the body. In this regard, since the beginning of the twentieth century. The concept of gentle surgical treatment began to be developed. Gentle operations on the palatine tonsils (regardless of the physical characteristics of the instrument used for the impact) either come down to the destruction of areas of lymphoid tissue affected by the inflammatory process, or are aimed at improving the drainage function of the lacunae of the tonsils to prevent the accumulation of detritus in them.

The above gives reason to believe that the need for adequate treatment of pharynx pathology in order to improve the quality of life, reduce the number of days of disability and prevent possible complications is beyond doubt. Inflammatory processes in the pharynx can be caused by various microorganisms. A predisposing factor to the development of the disease is almost always a decrease in immunity, including local immunity, caused by the action of unfavorable physical and chemical factors on the pharyngeal mucosa. However, the use of systemic drugs, primarily antibiotics, in a number of inflammatory diseases of the pharynx is inappropriate and sometimes downright harmful. This is explained by the fact that, in addition to bacterial agents, etiological factors such as viruses, fungi and other groups of microorganisms play a major role in pharyngeal pathology. It is a well-known fact that the unjustified widespread use of systemic antibiotics leads to the growth of pathogen strains resistant to the bulk of the antibacterial drugs used. It is also necessary to take into account the risk of possible side effects and immunodeficiency during therapy with systemic antibiotics.

In this regard, local treatment of pathological changes in the pharynx is relevant. Currently, a doctor has in his arsenal a significant number of drugs that act on the mucous membrane of the pharynx by irrigation, rinsing, lubricating, inhalation, and also by resorption. Most often these are over-the-counter products, due to the safety of their ingredients. These dosage forms contain active antiseptic substances (most often phenol derivatives) in combination with a soothing or softening base, microelements, and flavoring additives. But, despite such diversity, the emergence of new types of medicines always arouses a certain interest on the part of doctors and patients.

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs deserve special attention, which primarily include fusafungin -Bioparox. The drug is a local antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties. In vitro, the drug has an antimicrobial effect on the following microorganisms, which suggests a similar effect in vivo: group A streptococci (group A Streptococci), pneumococcus (Pneumococci), staphylococci (Staphylococci), some strains of Neisseria, some anaerobes, fungi Candida genus (Candida albicans) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Thus, the spectrum of antimicrobial activity of Bioparox is adapted to microorganisms that most often cause infections of the upper respiratory tract and, in particular, the oropharynx. In addition, over the entire long period of its use in medicine, the emergence of new strains of bacteria resistant to it has not been noted. In addition to its antibacterial properties, fusafungin has its own anti-inflammatory effect, which has been demonstrated in experimental studies. It enhances phagocytosis of macrophages and inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators.

The drug is indicated for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, including the oropharynx. You should pay attention to the new form of the drug, the appearance of which is due to the following circumstances. In the early 90s. last century, a world convention was signed to ban freon. At that time, most companies producing aerosol preparations used freon as a propellant gas, including the manufacturer of Bioparox. After the ban on freon in Bioparox, norflurane began to be used as a propellant gas, which has proven its safety and is used today as a propellant gas in most inhaled drugs for the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma, COPD, etc.

The results of a number of studies have shown that the active substance of the drug - fusafungin - is soluble in the propellant (norflurane) and does not require large amounts of isopropyl myristate as a solvent to dissolve it. In order to reduce the number of patient complaints regarding sensitivity to essential oil, the content of isopropyl myristate in the fusafungine solution (from 4.4 to 0.1 ml), ethanol and aromatic additive in the new form of Bioparox was significantly reduced, and the amount of propellant gas was almost halved - from 15 ml of norflurane in the previously presented form to 9.41 ml in the new form. Thus, in the new Bioparox the amount of excipients is minimized, which suggests high tolerability and a decrease in the number of complaints about negative sensations and side effects.

The qualitative composition of the drug remained unchanged: fusafungin - medicinal substance, isopropyl myristate - solvent and valve lubricant, anhydrous ethanol - solvent, saccharin - sweetener, flavor additive to give a pleasant smell.

The estimated volume of solution in the can is 10 ml, which equals 400 inhalations of 25 μl, each of which contains 125 μg of fusafungine. The therapeutic dose of the drug is 4 inhalations, the inhaler contains 100 doses (400 inhalations = 100 doses). The changes also affected the dosage regimen:

The unjustifiably widespread use of systemic antibiotics leads to the growth of pathogen strains resistant to the bulk of the antibacterial drugs used. It is also necessary to take into account the risk of possible side effects and immunodeficiency during therapy with systemic antibiotics.

The design of the nozzles has also changed. The throat and nose attachments that were previously available are better adapted. In addition, an additional, third nose nozzle has been created, which will help treat runny nose and nasal congestion in young children. It is shorter in length and smaller in diameter than the adult nozzle. The end of the nozzle is specially rounded for ease and safety of use.

In the new Bioparox, the amount of excipients is minimized, which suggests high tolerability and a reduction in the number of complaints about negative sensations and side effects.

The arsenal of existing drugs is currently quite large, and to choose a specific treatment regimen, it is advisable to take the advice of a qualified doctor. Particular care should be taken when prescribing systemic antibacterial drugs. Excessive and unjustified use of this method of treatment not only does not contribute to recovery, but also provokes a number of negative side effects. The place of use of systemic antibiotics for inflammatory diseases of the pharynx should be clearly defined. Chronic tonsillitis without exacerbation and pharyngitis of any severity are not indications for the use of systemic antibiotic therapy. Even with catarrhal tonsillitis, in our opinion, one should refrain from using systemic antibacterial agents. Such treatment is justified only in cases of aggravated inflammatory diseases of the pharynx. These conditions include lacunar, follicular and phlegmonous tonsillitis, as well as tonsillogenic phlegmon and abscesses.

Chronic pharyngitis is a disease of a completely different nature. This pathological condition rarely occurs in isolation from painful manifestations from other organs and systems of the body. The causes that cause and maintain chronic pharyngitis may be diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastro-pharyngeal syndrome), diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus), pathology of the cardiovascular system, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, renal pathology, chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, pathology nervous system and many other diseases. Chronic pharyngitis can also occur due to certain unfavorable occupational factors: work in hot shops, chemical plants, with increased dust and gas contamination in working or household premises. Chronic pharyngitis often occurs in smokers. Pathomorphologically, chronic pharyngitis is not so much an inflammatory disease as it represents changes in the mucous membrane of a degenerative, dystrophic nature. The success of the treatment measures largely depends on the correct determination of the classification form of pharyngitis. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that when chronic pharyngitis is combined with pathology of other organs and systems of the body, treatment should be comprehensive, including normalization of the condition of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall and aimed at eliminating the disease that caused the formation of chronic pharyngitis. Thus, in some cases, not only an otolaryngologist, but also a doctor of another specialty (gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, etc.) should take part in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis. Local treatment depends on the clinical form of chronic pharyngitis. For hypertrophic pharyngitis, treatment is aimed at eliminating excessively enlarged areas of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall. This can be done using laser coagulation, cryodestruction or cauterization with silver nitrate. Subatrophic and atrophic pharyngitis is treated with vitamins A, biostimulants, as well as anticholinesterase drugs, which can be administered into the back wall of the pharynx by injection or by electrophoresis. The therapeutic effect of these drugs (for example, proserin) is based on the ability to improve the nervous trophism of tissues, stimulate the secretion of mucous glands and increase the tone of the muscles of the pharynx, as a result of which blood circulation in this area improves.

Antonio Leeuwenhoek - that was the name of the Delft merchant - is considered the founder of microscopy. It was he who discovered the slipper ciliates, and it was he who first described blood cells and the variety of forms of bacteria.

But then, back in the 17th century, he was incredibly surprised when he first discovered microscopic “little animals” in a decoction of pepper. And he was completely shocked by the discovery that hundreds of such animals lived in his mouth.

Since the time of Antonio Leeuwenhoek, science has made a colossal leap forward, including microbiology. Now it is difficult to surprise someone with the message that thousands of microorganisms live in their mouth. But does every patient think about the harm these microorganisms bring to health?

Meanwhile, we know that infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx (pharyngitis, glossitis, stomatitis and gingivitis) are among the most common reasons for patients to visit local physicians, family doctors and otolaryngologists, which indicates the widespread prevalence of this problem.

The main cause of the development of inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, etc.) is a viral infection (rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, influenza, etc.).

When the oropharynx is affected, adenovirus and rhinovirus infections are most common. The body reacts to the introduction of an infectious agent and disruption of the integrity of the mucous membranes by developing an inflammatory process, which involves a number of protective mechanisms: changes in the permeability of the vascular wall, increased blood flow, increased activity of macrophages and polymorphonuclear cellular elements, release of inflammatory mediators, free oxygen radicals. Macrophages play a major role in the defense mechanism by causing an increase in T-lymphocyte levels through the release of cytokines. Various diseases accompanied by a decrease in local and general body resistance (primary and acquired immunodeficiency conditions, cystic fibrosis, endocrine diseases, etc.). A decrease in local immunity can be caused by local hypothermia of the oropharynx with cold food, drinks or cold air, as well as exposure to various irritating agents (tobacco or other smoke with systematic exposure, dust in the air, the presence of irritating chemicals in the air). When the paranasal sinuses become inflamed, infected secretions can enter the pharynx and stimulate infectious inflammatory processes in it.

With a decrease in immunity, the so-called “transit flora” can acquire the status of “pathogenic”. The “transit flora” includes streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, gram-negative diplococci and other microflora that are usually sown normally in a healthy person.

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is divided into acute and chronic. Acute pharyngitis is an infectious inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and palatine tonsils. With favorable development, acute pharyngitis may resolve spontaneously, without medical intervention. But most often acute pharyngitis is accompanied by the development of inflammatory and sometimes purulent processes in adjacent tissues. The main complaints of patients with acute damage to the mucous membrane of the oropharynx are unpleasant sensations - burning, tingling, dryness, pain when swallowing; headache localized in the occipital region. Children often experience difficulty breathing and nasal sounds. In adults, this disease occurs without a sharp deterioration in the general condition, and in children it can occur with a sharp increase in temperature up to 39°C. Especially in cases where inflammation spreads to the larynx and trachea. Acute pharyngitis is characterized by enlargement and tenderness of the cervical and occipital lymph nodes. When examining the patient, hyperemia of the posterior wall of the pharynx and palatine arches, individual inflamed lymphoid granules are detected, but there are no signs of inflammation of the tonsils characteristic of tonsillitis.

Chronic pharyngitis, unlike acute pharyngitis, as a rule, is of a bacterial nature, less often fungal. This is a polyetiological disease characterized by the presence of inflammatory and degenerative changes in the pharyngeal mucosa. Chronic pharyngitis is characterized by complaints of dryness, soreness, soreness and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, often a dry cough and the formation of viscous sputum, and fever. A significant deterioration in general condition is rare in patients with chronic pharyngitis. When making a diagnosis, the pharyngoscopy picture is taken into account. The development of chronic pharyngitis is associated with the harmful effects of irritating factors such as alcohol, nicotine, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and various adverse industrial and climatic influences. The formation of the disease is facilitated by pathological conditions of the nasal cavity, leading to impaired nasal breathing - deviated nasal septum, vasomotor and hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, adenoids. The cause of chronic pharyngitis can be recurrent respiratory tract infections, leading to persistent damage to the mucociliary barrier and significant inhibition of the mechanisms of local and general immunity. Atrophic pharyngitis is a consequence of progressive atrophy of the pharyngeal mucosa in elderly people.

Gingitis and periodontitis

An imbalance in the oral defense system can cause inflammation of the gum mucosa - gingivitis. When inflammation spreads from the gum margin to the tissue surrounding the teeth, gingivitis turns into periodontitis, which can subsequently lead to inflammation of the bone tissue, loosening and tooth loss. In patients over 15 years of age, in 50% of cases, the cause of tooth loss is periodontopathies. With gingivitis, the gums become inflamed, swelling occurs, and its contour changes. Due to swelling, the gingival groove between the teeth deepens, and a so-called gingival pocket is formed. As a result, redness of the gingival margin, swelling and bleeding of the gums occur, it becomes sensitive and painful, and there are difficulties in chewing and swallowing. Gingivitis can be either acute or chronic. Chronic gingivitis is more common in adults.

Stomatitis

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity include stomatitis - inflammation of the oral mucosa. According to clinical manifestations, stomatitis is divided into catarrhal, ulcerative and aphthous. The most common cause of stomatitis is poor oral hygiene, dental disease, dental plaque, oral dysbacteriosis, as well as gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, duodenitis, colitis, etc.). Aphthous stomatitis is characterized by a connection with allergic reactions, viral infections, and rheumatism. Depending on the severity and form of the disease, patients complain of pain in the oral cavity and pharynx, severe pain when chewing, and swallowing articulation. Sometimes there is an increase in body temperature up to 37.5°C, an increase in regional lymph nodes, malaise, and headache. Upon examination, defects in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and tongue are determined.

Treatment: general principles

Therapeutic tactics for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx include the prescription of drugs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunocorrective effects, local antiseptics, decongestants and hyposensitizing drugs. In the complex of therapeutic measures, an important role is played by drugs that have a combined effect.

What exactly is the treatment?

So, a specialist treating a patient with an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity and pharynx has the main mission: choosing the most effective drug. The speed and effectiveness of the therapy depends on this choice.

Scientific information

Causes of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity

1. Traumatic inflammation. Trauma can be mechanical, chemical or physical, acute or long-term.
2. Infectious inflammatory processes (viral, bacterial, fungal infections).
3. Allergic reactions accompanied by swelling and inflammation of the oral mucosa.
4. Inflammation of the mucous membrane in systemic diseases: hypo- and avitaminosis, endocrine diseases, diseases of the blood system, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

HEXETIDINE

Broad-spectrum antiseptic against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Bactericide for anaerobic bacteria. Bacteriostatic for most bacterial strains at a concentration of 100 mg/ml. Fungicide against fungi of the genus Blastomycetes, Trichophyton, Histoplasma, Microsporum. Inhibits the growth and reproduction of more than 40 strains of fungi of the genus Candida. Weak analgesic.

An undeniable advantage of hexetidine, in addition to its wide spectrum of action, is a high degree of adhesion to the mucous membrane of the oropharynx. At the same time, in the absence of absorption, hexetidine has a long-lasting effect (active concentrations of hexetidine on the mucous membranes persist for hours after a single use).

CHOLINE SALICYLATE

A powerful analgesic and antipyretic, a derivative of salicylic acid. It blocks the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, due to which it has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Inhibits the activation of macrophages and neutrophils, exhibiting an anti-edematous effect. It has antipyretic and analgesic effects. Indispensable in the treatment of diseases of the oropharynx, accompanied by an increase in local temperature, severe inflammation, swelling and pain. It is well absorbed from the mucous membrane and has a quick effect.

CHLOROBUTANOL

A fast-acting local anesthetic, a reliable tool in the arsenal of dentists and otolaryngologists. It has additional properties: antibacterial and antifungal effects. Helps enhance the analgesic effect in combination with hexetidine and choline salicylate.

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Diseases of the oropharynx

The most common cause of oropharyngeal disease is various infections. Their most popular consequences are tonsillitis (more scientifically - acute tonsillitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis. The article contains recommendations from doctors on how not to harm yourself with these diseases, but, on the contrary, to help the body get healthier faster.

Sore throat causes inflammation of the tonsils. In addition to a sore throat, she is accompanied by aches throughout the body, weakness and a high temperature of 38 degrees.

A person wakes up in the morning relatively cheerful, but by the evening he usually “loses.” The disease has many varieties: catarrhal (red throat), follicular (purulent follicles on the tonsils), lacunar (pus in the lacunae), aphthous (rash on the tonsils in the form of white or pinkish ulcers), herpetic (rash on the tonsils in the form of blisters).

Laryngitis is inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa. Symptoms are soreness and redness, a slightly elevated (about 37.5° C) temperature and - a distinctive feature - hoarse, heavy breathing and a hoarse voice. The patient's condition is worse in the morning, immediately after waking up.

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. It is accompanied by redness, soreness, the same as with laryngitis, a slightly elevated temperature, and often a dry, painful cough.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Warm rinses and grandma's recipes will not help. Untreated diseases can lead to all sorts of complications. But standard recommendations for diseases of the oropharynx are the same for everyone.

Inflammation of the oropharynx. Dos and don'ts during treatment

If you have inflammation of the oropharynx, you should not:

That is, talk long and loudly. Communication should be kept to a minimum. Listen more. Shorten your answers. As the signalmen say, switch to information receiving mode.

2. Eat salty, chocolate, spicy and even healthy citrus fruits. All of these foods irritate the oropharynx. You should also avoid hard foods: crackers, cookies. It is best to eat porridge, light broths, and baked vegetables.

3. Drink excessively hot drinks.

They will not warm the throat, but will only further injure the mucous membrane.

4. At elevated temperatures, drink a lot of milk.

Protein dishes in such a situation can increase intoxication of the body.

5. Gargle with water, baking soda and iodine.

This disinfectant solution will only be beneficial for purulent sore throat. In other cases, it will only irritate the throat mucosa.

Inflammation of the oropharynx requires bed rest and, ideally, cessation of communication above.

7. Self-prescribe antibiotics.

8. Postpone calling a doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by a headache, high fever, vomiting or rash.

For inflammation of the oropharynx, you can and should:

1. Relieve pain using local remedies - special lozenges or sprays.

2. Take complex vitamins to strengthen your immune system.

3. Ventilate the room. This will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better at night.

4. Drink warm drinks with vitamin C and honey as often as possible (if you are not allergic to the latter).

It has a healing and disinfecting effect. It will be useful to include extracts of hawthorn and rose hips in the composition of such drinks.

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The most common throat diseases: symptoms and treatment

Each of us at least once in our lives has encountered such an unpleasant symptom as a sore throat. Some people immediately begin treatment and take antibiotics, while others simply ignore the discomfort and wait for other symptoms of the disease to appear or for everything to go away on its own.

The causes of a sore throat can be different; in order to prevent serious consequences, you need to have an idea of ​​what diseases of the throat and larynx exist, what their signs and symptoms are, and what needs to be done for a speedy recovery.

The most common diseases of the throat and larynx with descriptions

Types of diseases of the throat and larynx can be divided into several groups:

• Viral and bacterial are the most common diseases today, the causative agents of which are bacteria and viruses.
• Fungal diseases are diseases that appear as a result of very active reproduction of mold and yeast-like fungi. Most often they are expressed through sore throat, laryngitis or pharyngitis. With fungal infections there is always a coating of cheesy mass, severe sore throat, but without fever. Usually, mycosis occurs as a result of decreased immunity, vitamin deficiency, courses of antibiotic therapy or treatment with hormonal medications. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract can also lead to the appearance of mycosis.
• Tumor diseases are diseases of the larynx and throat that can be caused by tumor processes in the body. The tumor is primary, when it first forms in the larynx, and secondary, when it manifests itself as metastases from cancer of other organs. In this case, patients may feel a “lump in the throat,” the presence of a foreign body, and difficulty swallowing food. The voice may also change, becoming hoarse and hoarse.
• Externally caused diseases are diseases caused by an allergy to irritating substances in the environment or a reaction to very dry air.

ARVI and flu - the throat may feel dry, sore and painful when swallowing, hoarseness, sneezing, cough, runny nose, body aches. The temperature often does not rise above 38 0C. Taking antibiotics in this case is completely ineffective, since these drugs are designed to fight bacteria, not viruses.

For acute respiratory viral infections, it is worth taking antiviral drugs and/or immunomodulators. To relieve the symptoms of ARVI, gargle with chamomile and sage decoctions, which relieve inflammation well. And also purchase sprays with a mild analgesic effect or lozenges with eucalyptus and sage.

Support your immune system with vitamin C and drink plenty of warm, but not hot, liquids. Compotes with rose hips, honey, and herbal teas are well suited for these purposes.

Adenoiditis is a disease that occurs as a consequence of a viral infection that affects the pharyngeal tonsil. Symptoms include severe headaches, sore throat, breathing problems, and purulent runny nose. If the disease is not diagnosed in time, it can develop into otitis media, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.

To treat adenoiditis, rinsing the nasopharynx with antiseptic solutions and laser exposure are used. In severe cases, it may lead to surgery.

Throat diseases and larynx diseases

Infectious mononucleosis, or herpes virus type IV, has similar symptoms, and a sore throat can be combined with loss of energy, headache, nausea, and fever. Then signs appear like a sore throat, the cervical lymph nodes become swollen, nasal breathing becomes difficult, and the timbre of the voice changes. The palatine and nasopharyngeal tonsils become covered with plaque. Sometimes a yellowish tint of the skin and a rash may appear.

It is transmitted by airborne droplets, more often in closed groups, for example, kindergartens, and remains in the body throughout life; with a decrease in immunity, a relapse of the disease can occur. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment, and only he can assess the advisability of taking antibiotics.

Sore throat is one of the most common ailments. Most often it occurs due to streptococcus, less often mycoplasma, chlamydia, gonococcus or tuberculosis bacillus.

The onset of the disease is most often manifested by high fever and very severe sore throat. The larynx is red and inflamed, the tonsils are coated with white. Often accompanied by joint pain and migraine.

Keep in mind that antibiotic treatment cannot be avoided for this disease, otherwise there can be very serious complications. If you suspect you have a sore throat, seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. Among the medications prescribed, broad-spectrum antibiotics or based on bacterial culture, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.

If you have a sore throat, you should stay in bed; it is recommended to eat pureed soft food and drink plenty of warm liquids. If you want to get better quickly and relieve inflammation, then use rinses with decoctions of sage, linden, chamomile, solutions of miramistin and furatsilin.

You can also use stronger agents, for example, a 1% solution of iodinol, a solution of hydrogen peroxide, a solution of potassium permanganate, a solution of boric acid, and calendula tincture. This will help quickly relieve sore throat and cleanse the mucous membrane.

It is effective to use inhalations with herbal decoctions, such as chamomile, eucalyptus, Siberian elderberry, and marigold flowers. And for enlarged lymph nodes, compresses with alcohol, menovazine, novocaine and menthol will be very useful.

Chronic diseases of the larynx and throat

Chronic tonsillitis is a chronic inflammation of the tonsils. Both adults and children suffer from it, and the cause is most often repeated sore throats, acute respiratory infections or diseases such as scarlet fever, diphtheria and measles. When nasal breathing is persistently impaired, immunity is low, sinusitis, rhinitis and sinusitis occur very often, then the risk of developing chronic tonsillitis is high.

During an exacerbation of the disease, the same treatment is prescribed as for angina. But in order to completely get rid of this scourge, it is necessary to cure, first of all, the ailments that contribute to the appearance of chronic tonsillitis.

• Scarlet fever - the disease begins with severe inflammation and redness of the throat. The temperature rises and the child may refuse to eat. The difference between scarlet fever and ARVI will be a gray-yellow coating on the tongue at the beginning of the disease; on the second or third day of the disease, the coating disappears and the tip of the tongue becomes crimson. Within two days, a pink rash appears on the body, which then turns red and acquires a burgundy hue. Most often, the disease is treated at home with antibiotics and bed rest. Remember that within 7-10 days a sick child can infect others, so you should limit his contact with other people.
• Diphtheria is a disease that can come in different forms. There are diphtheria of the larynx, croup and pharynx. In most cases, the onset of the disease is expressed by swelling of the larynx and nasopharynx, sore throat, runny nose, headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Diphtheria is often confused with tonsillitis, as they have a number of common symptoms, such as fever, headache, pain when swallowing, red tonsils or yellowish pustules in follicular tonsillitis.
• The main difference between a sore throat and diphtheria is that in the first case the pain when swallowing is very strong, and in the second the pain is much weaker. With diphtheria, there is a very strong enlargement of the lymph nodes, up to swelling of the neck. With a sore throat, after a couple of days the temperature subsides, and the pain in the throat and larynx goes away, but during diphtheria the temperature constantly rises and the patient’s condition becomes worse and worse.
• Today, diphtheria is much less common, but requires its exclusion when making an accurate diagnosis. Treatment of diphtheria is possible only with the help of antitoxic anti-diphtheria serum and antibiotics; sometimes the administration of corticosteroid drugs is required. In any case, only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment; self-medication in this case is unacceptable.

Rare diseases that cause a sore throat

Epiglottitis is a very rare disease, most often found in children under 4 years of age. It is very dangerous because it can lead to obstruction of the airways. The disease manifests itself as pain in the larynx and throat, fever, drooling and nasal congestion; a characteristic feature is hyperemia and swelling of the epiglottis.

Lips and fingertips may turn blue. To breathe, the patient has to stretch his neck, open his mouth and stick out his tongue. The disease is caused by Haemophilus influenzae, which causes meningitis and pneumonia.

The disease can be diagnosed and treated only in a hospital setting. And the sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the better for the patient, since the disease develops rapidly and can be fatal.

Frequent illnesses with sore throat

Pharyngitis is a disease that is accompanied by a feeling of dryness in the throat, dry cough, stabbing pain in the larynx, and soreness. During swallowing and when trying to open your mouth wide, the pain intensifies. There may be discomfort, similar to a lump in the throat. The mucous membrane in the throat is red and inflamed, there may be plaque and pus may be released.

Pharyngitis as an independent disease is very rare; more often it appears in combination with inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract in an acute form. Pharyngitis can be catarrhal, atrophic and hypertrophic. In the latter form, the need to splutter and cough is especially acute. In the morning, these processes may even be accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

When treating the disease, exclude hot, spicy, sour foods, and drink plenty of liquids with vitamin content, for example, fruit drinks and compotes. You can rinse your mouth with iodinol, alkaline solutions, lubricate the mucous membrane with a solution of Lugol with glycerin, a solution of collargol and protargol.

But remember that these are only additional methods of treatment, and you cannot avoid visiting a doctor, because the chronic form of pharyngitis appears very easily without proper treatment, and getting rid of it is not so easy.

Laryngitis is inflammation of the vocal cords and larynx. The main sign of laryngitis is a hoarse voice or lack of voice and a barking cough. The patient may feel a scratching pain in the throat, and later phlegm may appear when coughing.

For young children, in whom it occurs most often, it is most dangerous. The structural features of a child's larynx are such that in a supine position, especially at night, there is a high chance of swelling of the larynx, and this can greatly complicate the child's breathing.

In this situation, medical intervention and an ambulance call are required. Before the doctors arrive, you should lift the child upright and provide him with a warm, moist environment to relieve the spasm; a bath with a hot shower is quite suitable for these purposes.

Chronic laryngitis can be caused not only by bacteria, but also by external factors, for example, vocal strain, exposure to harmful substances, or smoking.

In the absence of high temperature, inhalation with mineral water or the drug “Berodual” helps to alleviate the condition. Applying a warm compress to the throat and drinking warm herbal infusions and teas may help. And it is very important, if possible, not to strain your vocal cords; it is better to remain silent for a couple of days. And also do not forget to humidify the air in the room; if you do not have a humidifier, then use a wet towel.

If an adult falls ill, doctors strongly recommend refraining from drinking alcohol and smoking during illness.

Laryngeal edema is not an independent disease, and most often develops against the background of laryngeal sore throat, phlegmonous laryngitis, and purulent processes in the larynx. It can be either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Edema of the larynx can occur as an allergic reaction to cosmetics, medications or food.

Prevention of throat diseases

It is not yet possible to completely protect yourself from such diseases, but there are ways to minimize the risks of their occurrence. To do this you need to follow a number of simple rules:

• Do not smoke, as this addiction turns the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and throat into the weakest and most vulnerable places in the body.
• Make your menu healthy and varied, giving preference to healthy and nutritious foods.
• Don't forget to humidify the indoor air, especially during the heating season. Dry air especially irritates the throat and provokes the formation of microtraumas, which is an open road for pathogenic bacteria.
• Wash your and your children's hands often. It has been proven that most microorganisms harmful to us come to us due to unwashed hands.
• Take vitamins. It is better to immediately take complexes for better functioning of the immune system or immunomodulators.
• Dress appropriately for the weather to avoid exposure to hypothermia. In itself, it does not cause the development of colds, but it provokes vasoconstriction and disruption of the protective barrier of the mucous membranes in the body. And always remember, self-medication can be dangerous. Don't put off visiting your doctor for too long. And be healthy!

Oropharyngeal cancer

The oropharynx connects the pharynx (from the soft palate) and the larynx. At this site the respiratory and digestive tracts intersect. It is the soft palate that separates the oropharynx from the nasopharynx.

A malignant neoplasm characterized by a high growth rate is oropharyngeal cancer. The aggressiveness of the tumor is confirmed by histological analysis and clinical features in the form of rapid metastasis to regional lymph nodes and distant organs.

Oncological process, in most cases, is registered after the age of 40 years. Mostly, the neoplasm is located on the palatine tonsils (73%), but damage to the posterior pharyngeal wall (16%) and soft palate (11%) occurs. Due to the hidden initial period, the disease is often diagnosed at stages 3–4, and in half of the cases metastases are detected in the lymph nodes.

Causes of oropharyngeal cancer

The occurrence of a malignant focus in the oropharynx can be a primary process or secondary, as a result of malignancy of a benign formation. Malignancy of cells can be observed due to the influence of provoking factors, for example:

• smoking, chewing tobacco;
• alcohol abuse;
• low-quality, inconveniently installed dentures.

In addition, it is worth noting the conditions and background pathology that increase the risk of tissue degeneration into malignant ones:

• inflammatory processes (sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis);
• leukoplakia, erythroplakia of the pharynx;
• papillomas;
• immunodeficiency.

Symptoms

The initial period (1-3 months) does not have any noticeable symptoms. The tumor grows over time, begins to feel like a foreign body, and pain occurs when swallowing and choking.

Depending on the location of the tumor, a nasal voice is disturbing, liquid food is thrown into the nasopharynx and appetite decreases. When the surface of the tumor is injured by a food bolus, an admixture of blood is noted in the saliva.

The tumor can grow into the lumen of the oropharynx or deep into the tissues.

Signs of oropharyngeal cancer by stage

The classification of malignant diseases (TNM) into stages is based on criteria such as tumor size (T), involvement of surrounding lymph nodes (N) and the presence of distant metastases (M). According to this division, the volume of surgical intervention and the rationality of prescribing courses of radiation and chemotherapy are determined.

At the first stage, oropharyngeal cancer may not appear at all, since the lesion is small in size and there is no damage to the lymph nodes and other organs.

In the second stage, a person may feel a sore throat, as if something is “itching” on the back of the throat or on the soft palate. Lymph nodes may be enlarged in size or undergo malignancy on one side.

As for the third stage, a person is bothered by the feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, choking, nasal voice and pain. In addition, there is oncological involvement of regional lymph nodes on both sides. They enlarge, become painful when palpated and adhere to the surrounding tissues.

Common symptoms of cancer intoxication include headache, weakness, loss of appetite and body weight. At this stage, cancer may grow deep into the tissues, involving the neurovascular bundle and possible bleeding.

At the fourth stage, the malignant focus spreads both to neighboring tissues and organs and to distant structures. When the nasopharynx is affected, germination into the Eustachian tube is noted with the development of acute, possibly purulent, otitis, as a result of which hearing loss develops.

By disrupting ventilation in the paranasal sinuses, the tumor provokes the development of sinusitis. If the cancer process spreads to the cranial cavity, symptoms of a brain tumor are observed. In addition, at the fourth stage, the neoplasm undergoes decay, which predisposes to bleeding. In addition to local damage, metastasis occurs with the formation of distant malignant foci.

Diagnostics

Sometimes oropharyngeal cancer is discovered during an examination by an ENT doctor or at a dentist's appointment. To confirm the malignant origin, a histological examination is performed under pharyngoscopy control.

To assess the extent of the process, rhinoscopy, otoscopy, laryngoscopy, tomography and lymph node biopsy are performed.

Treatment of oropharyngeal cancer

The main method of treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. If cancer grows into the larynx, partial removal of the pharynx and complete removal of the larynx are performed, followed by the formation of a tracheostomy, esophagostomy and orthostomy. After 3 months, pharynx plastic surgery is performed and the natural passage of food is restored.

At stages 1-2, only surgical treatment is used. Starting from stage 3, a combination with radiation and chemotherapy is recommended, including if the tumor is inoperable.

Prognosis and survival

At stages 1-2, the prognosis is relatively favorable and patient survival reaches 70-95% (depending on age and the presence of concomitant diseases). If oropharyngeal cancer is diagnosed at stages 3-4, survival rate ranges from 20% to 60% when combined treatment is taken into account.

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The diagnosis was made: stage 3 oropharyngeal cancer, t2 n1 MO, condition after chemotherapy, class group 2. My husband has cancer, what to expect?

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The information on the site is presented for informational purposes only! It is not recommended to use the described methods and recipes for treating cancer on your own and without consulting a doctor!

Inflammation of the larynx is a pathological process that occurs as a result of the spread of a fungal, bacterial or viral infection.

The disease, which is also called laryngitis, can occur in isolation, and can also be one of the manifestations of damage to the respiratory system.

What is the larynx?

The most important are the arytenoid cartilages, which regulate the position of the vocal cords. The organ performs respiratory, protective and voice-forming functions. It regulates oxygen supply by warming incoming air before it reaches the lungs.

The main function of the larynx is to protect against the entry of foreign objects. The epiglottic cartilage prevents foreign bodies from entering the lungs.

Inflammation of the cartilage of the larynx can be caused by:

• bacterial infections (staphylococcus, streptococcus, measles);
• various viruses;
• fungi (against the background of damaged immunity);
• allergens (indoor dust, flower pollen, animal hair, some products).

The disease can be caused by eating too cold food, prolonged exposure to the cold, smoking, improper structure of the nasal septum, foreign body entry, or working in hazardous industries.

Types of inflammation of the larynx

Diseases of the pharynx and larynx can take acute and chronic forms. Let's look at them in more detail.

Acute laryngitis

Acute diseases of the larynx accompany diseases such as influenza, scarlet fever, diphtheria, Staphylococcus aureus. The disease often develops in people who have a weakened immune system as a result of previous illnesses or as a result of long-term use of antibiotics.

The acute form is often found in preschool children. This is due to the structural features of the respiratory organs and larynx in a child (insufficiently wide gap), undeveloped immunity, and a higher tendency than in adults to allergic reactions. The development of the disease in children is often preceded by influenza or ARVI.

In children 2-6 years old, a rather rare disease occurs - inflammation of the epiglottis. The disease is characterized by rapid development: the child experiences shortness of breath. preventing free breathing, severe sore throat, chills, drooling, slurred speech.

Inflammation of the back wall of the larynx (pharyngitis) is usually caused by viral diseases. Patients experience pain, a sore and scratchy feeling in the throat. Treatment with antibiotics in this case is not justified.

Chronic laryngitis

In most cases, to a chronic form of the disease. Other provoking factors include prolonged exposure to unfavorable conditions (working in dusty or gas-filled rooms), alcohol and smoking abuse, and increased stress on the vocal cords associated with professional activities.

A fungal infection of the throat can cause candidiasis, which is also called “thrush”. The disease is characterized by the appearance of a cheesy coating on the tongue, dryness and irritation in the mouth, redness and swelling of the mucous membranes.
Source: website

How to determine the presence of inflammation in the larynx based on the main symptoms?

Signs of the disease manifest themselves depending on the cause that provoked the pathology. Adults and children experience coughing, pain and a burning sensation in the throat.

Other symptoms include:

• hoarseness and change in voice timbre;
• dry mouth;
• increased salivation;
• severe pain when swallowing food;
• red larynx;
• accumulation of mucous secretions in the throat;
• increased body temperature;
• general weakness and malaise.

Chronic laryngitis is characterized by severe wheezing and complete loss of voice, severe coughing when trying to get rid of accumulated mucus, enlarged lymph nodes, and swelling of the mucous membranes.

Without proper treatment, the mucus can change its color from clear to yellowish. Over time, purulent discharge appears, and the patient's throat muscles hurt.

In some forms of laryngitis, such as those caused by the herpes virus, patients notice the appearance of blisters on the back of the throat. As the disease progresses, they can spread to the epiglottis and the surface of the tongue. When opened, the blisters leave behind painful sores covered with plaque.

In children, laryngitis manifests itself as a barking cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, poor sleep, irritability and increased nervous agitation. The child's condition usually worsens at night when he is lying down.

When should you see a doctor? Which one do you need?

If the inflammation is mild, it can be treated at home. But, if the symptoms of the disease do not go away within two weeks after their onset, you should definitely seek medical help. Treatment of laryngeal disease is carried out. In children, this disease is treated by a pediatrician.

Medical attention is required immediately if the patient has severe difficulty breathing, there is bloody discharge in the mucus, and the body temperature is significantly increased.

What diagnostics will be needed?

Before treating the larynx, it is necessary to establish the cause that caused the pain and inflammation. This will require modern diagnostic methods. First of all, pay attention to the patient’s complaints and general examination data. At the next stage of diagnosis, a general blood test and laryngoscopy are prescribed.

Laryngoscopy allows you to determine the condition of the larynx and vocal cords, and identify areas of inflammation and swelling. At the diagnostic stage, it is important to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms, such as tracheitis, diphtheria, allergic lesions, since they require different treatment.

It is possible to prescribe video laryngoscopy, during which it is possible to determine the vibration of the vocal cords.

In order to check the body for the presence of a malignant tumor, tissue is taken for a biopsy.

Treatment: how to relieve inflammation?

The treatment process for inflammation of the larynx is complex and includes drug therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises for the larynx. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent the formation of laryngospasm.

Treatment of laryngeal inflammation syndrome with laryngitis includes:

• carrying out inhalations;
• drug therapy to relieve pain and inflammation in the throat (sprays, solutions, tablets);
• antibiotics for bacterial origin of the disease;

• topical medications to relieve pain and soreness;
• antipyretics;
• vitamins and drugs to improve immunity.

The selection of all pharmaceuticals should be carried out exclusively by the attending otolaryngologist, taking into account the type of laryngitis and the patient’s condition. Incorrect treatment can cause complications or allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema and others).

Inhalation treatment

Inhalation is one of the most effective methods of treating inflammation of the larynx. To implement it, the following are used:

• decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants (chamomile, calamus, sage, eucalyptus leaves);
• aroma oils;
• and softening phlegm;
• mineral waters (Borjomi, Essentuki);
• antiseptics (Furacilin,).

Carrying out inhalations allows you to relieve swelling and eliminate soreness in the throat, moisturize the mucous membranes and remove remaining phlegm from the body. For treatment, both steam and nebulizer inhalations are prescribed, which have an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

Proper execution of the procedure is of great importance. The duration of inhalation should not exceed 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to carry out 1-2 procedures in the morning and evening, no earlier than half an hour after eating. It is not recommended to talk during the procedure and immediately after it.

Steam inhalations are contraindicated if the patient is prone to nosebleeds, has a high body temperature, has purulent discharge, or has attacks of bronchial asthma.

Antibiotics in treatment

This group of medications is prescribed only in cases where laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment with Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime, and Metronidazole gives good results. The duration of treatment is 7-10 days; if there is no positive dynamics, the drug should be replaced.

Long-term antibiotic treatment must necessarily include the use of antifungal drugs to avoid throat candidiasis.

Treatment of allergic laryngitis involves eliminating the allergen from the patient’s life. In most cases, limiting the patient’s contact with the allergen leads to a rapid recovery of the patient.

Antiseptics in treatment

Various aerosols and sprays are used to treat the throat. Effective drugs include Ingalipt, Tantum Verde, Hexoral, Lugol. Contraindications should be taken into account when using these medications. For example, Lugol is not recommended for children under five years of age and patients with allergies to iodine.

Antiseptic solutions Miramistin and Furacilin are used to gargle for infectious laryngitis. Ready-made alcoholic tinctures of medicinal herbs, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, are also effective.

Physiotherapy

Among the effective physiotherapeutic agents, the following should be highlighted:

• magnetic therapy;
• electrophoresis with hydrocortisone;
• UHF therapy;
• laser exposure.

The listed physiotherapy procedures refer to additional methods of treatment and should not replace primary therapy.

For patients with chronic inflammation of the larynx, sanatorium-resort treatment in places with a humid and warm climate is indicated. These include the resorts of Crimea, Sochi, Anapa.

How to treat at home?

Inflammation of the larynx can be successfully treated at home, subject to the following general rules:

• minimize conversations, and even better, remain silent, this will contribute to the rapid recovery and healing of mucous membranes;
• maintain a favorable indoor climate (regular ventilation, maintaining air humidity levels of at least 50-60%, maintaining room temperature at 20-24 C);
• drinking 2-3 liters of liquid per day (herbal teas, fruit drinks, warm milk with mineral waters);

• exclusion of hot, spicy, cold and salty foods, alcoholic beverages, coffee, chocolate, inclusion in the menu of liquid cereals, soups with vegetable broths, dairy products, non-acidic fruits;
• holding hot foot baths.

The throat area must be kept warm. To do this, wrap it in a scarf or shawl made of natural fabric. Warming compresses or mustard plasters are applied to the area of ​​the calves and chest.

It is worth noting

One of the most effective home treatment methods is rinsing. For medicinal decoctions, decoctions of chamomile, calendula, sage, plantain, and oak bark are used.

To relieve inflammation and swelling at home, use a soda solution. To prepare it, stir a tablespoon of soda in a glass of warm water. It is necessary to gargle for 5-7 days several times a day.

Voice restoration

• a milk-egg mixture made from a glass of milk and one egg yolk, which is drunk or gargled with it;
• infusion of viburnum berries with the addition of honey to take before meals;
• a mixture of finely chopped aloe leaf and honey, taken in equal proportions, must be kept in the mouth until it is completely dissolved;
• Mix a tablespoon of honey with 30 ml of cognac and add one yolk to the mixture; with this remedy you can regain your lost voice in an extremely short time.

Prevention of the disease includes hardening procedures, following the rules of a healthy diet, giving up bad habits, walking in the fresh air, especially near bodies of water. Infectious and viral diseases should be identified and treated in a timely manner, preventing their complications.

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