What should I do if I have laryngitis?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on October 21, 2024
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Laryngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology, with patients ranging from children to adults, each showing different symptoms. In children, due to the narrow glottis and loose submucosal tissue, inflammation can cause significant swelling, potentially leading to breathing difficulties or even asphyxiation. Some children may experience a hoarse voice and a hollow-sounding cough. In adults, laryngitis primarily presents as hoarseness and difficulty speaking, with breathing difficulties being extremely rare. Treatment for laryngitis generally involves anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and nebulized inhalation to address the symptoms, and most patients see a complete alleviation of symptoms after treatment. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of acute laryngitis in children

Pediatric acute laryngitis varies in severity and symptoms. Common symptoms include hoarseness, whole lung coughing, and inspiratory breathing difficulties, as well as other respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, there may be systemic symptoms like fever. Seizures may occur in children under six years old. If the symptoms of laryngeal obstruction in laryngitis are prominent, the affected child may show signs of listlessness or irritability, inspiratory breathing difficulties, flaring nostrils, and a positive three-concavity sign.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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What foods should not be eaten with laryngitis?

If it's just a simple case of laryngitis, depending on the general condition of the child, if it's only hoarseness and the overall symptoms are not severe, there are usually no special restrictions. However, if there is significant laryngeal obstruction, difficulty in swallowing, or difficulty in breathing, a liquid diet should be the main focus. A light diet is easier for the child to accept and helps with a quicker recovery. The general rule is to avoid spicy and irritating foods temporarily, as these can exacerbate swelling in the throat and hinder recovery. This is something that needs attention.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What causes laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, and burning sensation. Some patients may also experience swallowing obstruction, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. Regarding the causes, it could be due to an acute viral infection, or an acute bacterial infection leading to inflammation. Some patients are affected due to improper diet or exposure to external irritants. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an ENT department promptly for a laryngoscopy and routine blood tests to assess the severity of the condition.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do you have a cough from laryngitis?

Laryngitis can cause severe coughing. Laryngitis is caused by acute inflammation that affects the throat, primarily the vocal cords, leading to sudden high fevers over 38.5°C. Patients experience severe throat pain, hoarseness, irritating coughs, bark-like coughs, and in severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing, choking, and even death. Generally, laryngitis is more common in infants and young children and can spread through the respiratory or digestive tract. During an examination with a laryngoscope, congested and swollen bilateral vocal cords are apparent, with good mobility but incomplete closure. In terms of treatment, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary for laryngitis. This can include oral or intravenous antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, which are effective. Additionally, corticosteroids are used to reduce local congestion and swelling. A light diet is recommended, and gradual improvement is usually seen within a week. (The use of medication should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is laryngitis serious?

Laryngitis is a relatively common otolaryngology disease, and generally, it is not particularly severe. The more common types of laryngitis include acute laryngitis and chronic laryngitis. Clinically, it mainly manifests as sore throat, hoarseness, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. In terms of treatment, medication remains the main approach. For acute laryngitis, oral antibiotics can be considered, commonly cephalosporins or penicillins. For chronic laryngitis, taking traditional Chinese medicine orally can be considered, and it is advisable to combine this with nebulizer therapy, with regular follow-ups to monitor recovery. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)