Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, whose main symptom is a hoarseness of varying intensity, can be acute when caused by a viral infection such as a cold, or chronic, caused by excessive use of the voice, serious infections, allergies reactions and inhalation of irritants, such as cigarette smoke.The main types of laryngitis are:
Symptoms of laryngitis include:
- Symptoms of childhood laryngitis are similar to symptoms of viral laryngitis.
- Although in children the biggest sign of inflammation of the larynx is the presence of dry cough.
- Similar to a dog bark.
- Usually at night.
- Hoarseness and fever are also quite common in children with laryngitis.
To identify symptoms of laryngitis, your doctor should look at the signs and symptoms of the disease and evaluate your throat and larynx using a small device called a laryngoscope or using a small mirror in the throat area so that you can observe inflammation of this area.
However, when treating chronic laryngitis, your doctor may order more tests to identify the microorganism responsible for the disease for better treatment. Tests that may also be used to diagnose laryngitis may include sputum examination, x-ray, and thyroid examination.
Treatment of laryngitis depends on symptoms, but resting your voice and inhaling hot steam will relieve discomfort and help cure inflamed areas. The main strategy used in the treatment of laryngitis is the inhalation of humidified air, such as inhalation of eucalyptus tea vapour, which allows the patient to improve in a few days.
In general, your doctor recommends corticosteroids in the form of spray and oral antibiotics when the infection is caused by bacteria. Patients with laryngitis should drink plenty of fluids, rest, not force their voice, avoid inhaling smoke or dust and reduce their activities., avoiding effort.
Laryngitis can also be allergic and in this case should be treated with antihistamines and simple care, such as avoiding contact with substances that cause an allergy in the individual.