Laryngitis is an inflammation of the throat, more specifically the larynx, which is acute in children with frequent coughing and fever. The delicate body of a child between the ages of one and seven is not always able to fight off the viruses in its environment. This is why they are often plagued by inflammatory diseases such as laryngitis.
In laryngitis, the virus enters the nasopharynx and gradually spreads to the child's throat, where it develops and the patient's voice begins to muffle. Voice changes are mainly caused by inflammation of the throat, swelling of the vocal cords. Occasionally, shortness of breath can occur as a result of sudden swelling of the connective tissue under the vocal folds. If breathing becomes noisy, call an ambulance immediately. Laryngitis is most common in the fall and winter months, and sometimes in the summer. Children often like soft drinks and ice cream. As a result, the respiratory tract becomes inflamed and laryngitis develops. Laryngitis is sometimes caused by a strain on the voice (for example, when speaking in a very loud voice). In most cases, the disease can be caused by a variety of viruses, some bacteria, fungi, and even dust (if present in large quantities).
There are acute and chronic forms of the disease. Decreased immune system, severe cold, dust in the room, hot and dry air, excessive noise, and nasal breathing disorders are the main causes of acute laryngitis. The development of chronic laryngitis is usually caused by recurrent and untreated acute diseases, respiratory inflammatory processes, as well as allergic processes.
At first, the child has a runny nose, and gradually a dry cough bothers him. After a while, the child's voice begins to change. Breathing becomes faster and harder. Such symptoms of the disease especially bother the child in the morning and evening. Body temperature is not very high, rarely rises. Because the child is able to play and exercise during the day. When you fall asleep at night, the risk of complications of the disease increases due to the increase in the tone of the autonomic system, called the vagus. As a result, the patient suffocates.
In order for the swelling to heal faster and the voice to return to its original state, the patient should follow a routine, such as not straining the voice, not speaking at all if possible, or at least whispering. It is also important to keep the body warm and avoid physical exertion. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor. Never act on your own and do not give medicine to the child.
Inhalations are also helpful in the recurrence of edema in the vocal folds in the acute phase of the disease. However, the inhaled vapor should not be boiling. It is now common to use modern nebulizers or ultrasonic inhalers. Remember that in laryngitis it is impossible to put different heating compresses on the neck.
Drinking plenty of fluids reduces the symptoms of intoxication and fever in the acute phase of the disease. Drink warm milk, raspberry or lemon tea, various fruit compotes (warm) and mineral water. The child's play and sleeping areas should always be kept clean.
It is necessary to dress the child warmer as it cools down. But when dressed too hot, the moving child sweats, which leads to a sudden cooling of the body. This is what causes colds. Do not allow cold foods to be consumed. In particular, keep products from the refrigerator as warm as possible. It is advisable to give sweets, as well as nuts, peanuts and various drinks (such as fanta, cola, spray, etc.) in moderation, that is, in accordance with the diet.
Ulugbek ERGAShEV,
ENT doctor, candidate of medical sciences.
