Chances of rescuing children with acute laryngitis

Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Acute laryngitis in children is mostly caused by viral infections and is self-limiting. However, severe cases of laryngitis can progress to third or fourth degree laryngeal obstruction, which are serious conditions requiring urgent treatment, including intubation or tracheotomy, the use of strong antibiotics, and the application of corticosteroids. Generally speaking, unless it is particularly severe or treatment is sought very late, it is very difficult to administer emergency treatment. For the most part, acute laryngitis in children is relatively easy to control and recover from. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical attention early and receive timely and correct treatment to avoid missing the opportunity for emergency intervention, which could lead to lifelong regrets.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Does acute laryngitis in children require hospitalization?

Acute laryngitis in children is a common illness, and most cases do not require hospitalization. They can be managed in the outpatient clinic with oral medication and nebulization. However, if laryngeal obstruction occurs, especially at the second degree or higher, hospitalization is necessary. Laryngeal obstruction is considered a pediatric emergency, which can quickly worsen, leading to difficulty breathing. Some cases may even require intubation or a tracheotomy as emergency procedures. Delayed medical attention or hospitalization could potentially be life-threatening. Therefore, depending on the severity of the child's condition, hospitalization may be required.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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How to treat acute laryngitis in children

If acute laryngitis in children is caused by a viral infection, it generally involves symptomatic treatment. If there is a fever with a temperature exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius, or if the child appears unwell, antipyretic treatment can be administered. For persistent coughing, appropriate cough suppressants can be used for relief. Additionally, for hoarseness and throat discomfort, nebulized inhalation can be applied as symptomatic treatment. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are certainly necessary to control the condition. If the acute laryngitis is caused by an injury, local symptomatic treatment can be applied to reduce the damage, followed by waiting for recovery.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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The symptoms of acute laryngitis in children

First and foremost, the most typical symptom is hoarseness of voice, with accompanying symptoms varying depending on the severity of the laryngitis, and symptoms differ. Generally, mild cases may present with cough or fever; a few children might also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If there is laryngeal obstruction, some signs of hypoxia will appear, such as cyanosis, intermittent stridor, profuse sweating, the three-concavity sign, flaring of the nostrils, listlessness, and even some convulsive symptoms.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Is acute laryngitis in children contagious?

Is acute laryngitis in children contagious? It depends on the pathogen causing the infection. If the infecting pathogen is contagious, then certainly it can be transmitted. If the infecting pathogen is not infectious, then of course it will not be contagious. Contagious examples include diphtheria, influenza virus, and Coxsackie virus, which can cause transmission, so it is important to isolate as much as possible. If it is a bacterial infection, it is generally not contagious. Therefore, one cannot simply say whether acute laryngitis in children is contagious or not; it depends on what the infection source is for this particular case to determine whether it is contagious or not.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Does acute laryngitis in children cause fever?

Generally speaking, acute laryngitis in children is accompanied by fever, as it is caused by viral or bacterial infection. Inflammatory response: redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Local reaction: In children, local infections can easily lead to systemic symptoms, especially fever, which can vary in intensity but generally remains relatively easy to reduce. It is unlikely to be extremely high fever. If the body temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, or if the child shows poor spirits during fever, oral antipyretics or rectal fever suppositories can be used to alleviate the symptoms of fever.