Chronic laryngitis: symptoms and treatment in adults

Chronic laryngitis is the inflammatory process of the larynx mucosa, which lasts more than three weeks. This disease is sometimes called the occupational disease of people who because of the profession often have to talk a lot, raise their voices, they include teachers, guides and a number of other specialties. However, in fact, this disease can occur in anyone, it is worth knowing about the symptoms and treatment of chronic laryngitis in adults.

Treatment of chronic form of laryngitis must be dealt with, as some varieties of the disease without therapy can lead to serious consequences. There may even be a degeneration of the cells of the mucous tissue into a malignant tumor, which is extremely dangerous to health.

Forms of chronic laryngitis

There are several forms of this disease, which differ slightly in symptomatology and flow. All of them are quite dangerous, some can move from one form to another.

1. Chronic catarrhal laryngitis. In this case, there is a thickening of the mucous membrane of the throat, the vocal cords begin to close not completely, so that the voice starts to tire quickly, it sounds very hoarse and muffled by ear.
2. Chronic atrophic laryngitis. With this form of the disease there is a pronounced feeling of dryness in the throat, there is an unproductive cough, sometimes wet with an extremely difficult sputum discharge. At the same time on the mucosa, when viewed, you can find blood crusts that can go away when you cough.
3. Chronic hypertrophic laryngitis. This form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of pronounced edema, which can spread to the tissues of the entire larynx. In this case, nodules are formed on the tissues, the occurrence of which can lead to a complete loss of voice.

The latter form is also sometimes called chronic hyperplastic laryngitis. Regardless of the type of disease, it is necessary to begin treatment as soon as possible, otherwise it can lead to various complications.

Important! The doctor can determine the exact form of laryngitis - an otolaryngologist after a full examination.

The ICD-10 code for different types of this disease begins with the number J37.In the registry, the inflammatory process in the throat is called chronic laryngitis and tracheitis. Usually this information is required only by doctors.

During an exacerbation of a laryngitis symptoms at any form of disease will amplify. Exacerbation can last up to two weeks, it all depends on the treatment and external factors that affect the course of the disease.

Causes of

The acute form of this inflammatory process usually occurs against the background of colds, however, the causes of chronic laryngitis are often different. In general, the following factors that lead to its emergence stand out:

• Frequent acute laryngitis. Other infectious inflammatory diseases that occur in the nasopharynx include rhinitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and other pathologies.
• GERD, a disease in which the acid content of the stomach is thrown into the esophagus, creating a mild burn of the mucosa that promotes the multiplication of harmful organisms. Also, a high probability of developing chronic laryngitis is present with an unhealthy microflora of the oral cavity, which can occur due to diseases of the teeth and gums.
• Constant voltage of the vocal cords and larynx, excessive stress on the voice device. Therefore, this disease is often called the occupational disease of teachers, guides and other similar specialties.
• Constant contact with irritants and allergens. The development of a chronic form is promoted by too dry air, a constant stay in a dusty, polluted room. This also includes permanent temperature changes in the place of residence or work.
• Smoking, alcohol abuse. These factors also affect the occurrence of laryngitis. They can worsen the course of the acute form and lead it to a chronic course.

It is also worth noting that the probability of transition from acute to chronic forms increases with reduced immunity, low resistance to immunity, in the presence of bad habits.

Symptoms of

The main sign of this inflammatory process in the throat is strong pain sensations, perspiration. In this case, there are usually changes in the voice, it becomes more muffled, hoarse, it is extremely difficult to talk for a long period of time. With a chronic edematous polypous laryngitis, the voice can almost completely disappear.

With this disease, there may be a cough, at first it is dry, with a sensation of a foreign body. He can go to the wet one, sputum usually clears his throat with difficulty. Depending on the shape of the laryngitis, there may be blood clots that arise when the crusts leave the mucous in the process of coughing.

During an exacerbation of the disease, there may be a fever, a strong general weakness. It is worth noting that for the diagnosis of chronic form the symptoms should not pass for three weeks or longer.

Important! It is correct to diagnose only external symptoms is impossible, you need an examination of the otolaryngologist and some tests.

Prevention of

The prevention of laryngitis is the timely and correct treatment of colds and inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, in the nasopharynx. In addition, when working on specialties that require constant speech, one must be able to give ligaments and larynx rest.

Also avoid dust, permanent residence in a place that is too dry. With catarrhal diseases and sore throats, irritating products must be avoided, and dehydration should be avoided.

How to cure chronic laryngitis forever

Treatment of this disease requires a comprehensive approach, it is worth preparing for the fact that it can take a lot of time, laryngitis can recur. In a number of cases, it is necessary to change a little way of life and throw bad habits.

Completely get rid of the chronic form of laryngitis is almost impossible, but you can achieve remission and reduce its manifestations to a minimum. It should be noted that with a particularly pronounced inflammatory process and the development of complications, treatment in a hospital may be required.

Treatment at home

First of all, you need to give rest to a speech device, during an exacerbation you should avoid speaking, drink enough fluids. If the inflammatory process is accompanied by a fever, it is better to go to bed rest. The following groups of drugs can be used for treatment:

1. Anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs for the throat. They can be produced in various forms, usually using tablets or lozenges for resorption, they include Ingalipt, Grandaxin and their analogues.
2. Curing agents. Usually, syrups based on natural ingredients are used: Althea syrup, Herbion and their analogues.
3. Antibiotics or antiviral drugs. They can be prescribed only by the attending physician, they are required if the inflammatory process was caused by a particular pathogen.

Depending on the nature of the course of the disease, other drugs, local antibacterial drugs, vitamin complexes can be prescribed. The main thing is to undergo treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

Treatment with folk remedies

Among folk remedies, there are several that help to alleviate the course of the disease. First of all it is inhalations based on essential oils, it is advised to choose mint oil, eucalyptus, cedar. In a cup of hot water you need to drop a couple of drops of oil and breathe over the steam. You can also use special aromatic lamps.

To remove sore throat and improve cough, recommend honey. It can be eaten simply, diluted in water or milk. If the pain in the throat is extremely strong, it is advised to dilute one spoon in warmed milk and add a little bit of butter to the drink.