Laryngitis in the child
definition
If you have a laryngitis (laryngitis) there is an acute or chronic inflammation of the larynx lining. Especially infants and toddlers up to the age of 6 are often affected by so-called stenosing laryngitis, which is popularly known as Pseudo croup.
Read more about this under
- Pseudo croup
- Pseudo croup in the baby
Special features in the child
The larynx (larynx) forms the transition between the pharynx and the windpipe. Small children have even narrower airways, so lead one Inflammation in the respiratory tract to a difficult inhalation and shortness of breath. In addition to laryngitis, children often experience severe swelling of the larynx outlet (Subglottis), the disease is then called pseudo croup.
causes
Usually one is Viral infection The upper respiratory tract and larynx cause the laryngitis, in some cases it can also in addition to an infestation with bacteria come ("super infection"). The germs attack the mucous membrane of the nose and throat and the inflammation leads to swelling of the upper respiratory tract.
Often it happens as a result of a flu-like infection or a cold to inflammation of the larynx. Typical pathogens that lead to laryngitis, in addition to the classic flu viruses (influenza viruses), are rhino and adenoviruses. Children are particularly affected by larynx infections during the cold season, which is considered the cold season and when there are particularly many respiratory diseases.
Another cause of laryngitis in children is one severe irritation of the larynxto which it is for example by long screams comes. The strong voice strain irritates the mucous membrane and inflammatory reactions occur.
This is a trigger for inflammation of the airways in children that is often underestimated by parents Passive smoking. Constant inhalation of tobacco smoke from the room air irritates the mucous membranes and increases the risk of developing laryngitis.
Concomitant symptoms
The main symptom of laryngitis is that difficult breathingwhich is caused by the swollen airways. Since small children still have a very small larynx and narrower airways, the difficult breathing can in rare cases lead to acute shortness of breath. The sick children have the feeling that they have a "lump" in their throats.
Affected Children complain of a severe sore throat and difficulties swallowing. Especially at night it comes to one barking, convulsive cough and shortness of breathwhich often leads to panic attacks in children. Excitement makes symptoms worse, so it is extremely important that that Calm child in such situations and so to ease his breathing again. The narrowed airways cause abnormal noises when inhaling (inspiratory stridor). In addition to the dry cough, another symptom is frequent clearing of the throat.
For acute laryngitis there may also be a high fever. A high fever can indicate additional inflammation of the epiglottis, which is very dangerous. Due to the epiglottis, the children can no longer swallow and run the risk of suffocating because the epiglottis can swell very much. Therefore, it should be used with a high fever immediately consulted a doctor or hospital become.
The inflammation of the larynx is the Voice chipped and sounds scratchy (Dysphonia). The children are mostly hoarse and sometimes lose their voice completely (Atony), so that only a low whisper is possible is.
hoarseness
The larynx, along with the vocal folds and cords, is responsible for voice and speaking. Inflammation of the larynx therefore often results in impaired voice and hoarseness (Dystonia).
fever
Fever occurs both in the case of both bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory tract as the body's natural defense mechanism.
If you have a fever around 40 ° C it may be that the inflammation of the larynx has spread to the epiglottis and a Epiglottitis (Epiglottitis) was created. This is one absolute emergencybecause the child can suffocate. If the child has a high fever and difficulty breathing, the parents should respond immediately and contact a doctor or hospital.
Treatment / therapy
Laryngitis should happen especially in young children be treated in any case, otherwise there is a risk that the inflammation will spread or turn into chronic inflammation.
The most important measure in acute laryngitis is that Voice to spare strictlyto prevent damage to the vocal cords. Children should only say the most important things at a normal volume and under no circumstances should they scream or whisper.
Because the larynx is usually associated with a viral or bacterial infection the common cold needs to be treated as well become. Many drugs are not yet allowed to be used in babies and toddlers, so it is best to have an Hor to see a pediatrician. The doctor may then prescribe certain anti-inflammatory drugs that help improve symptoms. If the child's breathing is severely affected by the laryngitis, the doctor will also prescribe decongestant medication to make breathing easier.
Cool and humid air lead to an improvement in symptoms. Therefore, parents can also ensure that the sick children sleep at a cool temperature and that the room air is not too dry.
Children affected by the inflammation very severe shortness of breath should suffer immediately to the nearest hospital otherwise there is a danger that the child will suffocate. In the hospital, the child is monitored and given oxygen and inhalation therapy until the swelling has subsided.
Which drugs are used?
Anti-inflammatory and expectorant drugs are prescribed to treat laryngitis. In some cases, bacteria cause the inflammation, then antibiotics can be used as drugs. In the case of a viral infection, however, antibiotic therapy is not effective.
In severe cases of pseudocroup, cortisone-like drugs (Glucocorticoids) can be administered. Children who have acute, severe shortness of breath are given adrenaline, which widens the airways and makes breathing easier.
For more information, read on: Calyx medication.
Home remedies
Acute laryngitis in children must be treated by a doctor to prevent the inflammation from spreading and becoming chronic. There are, however, some old ones Home remedies, the additionally applied and can help against laryngitis.
It is most important with laryngitis To spare your voiceto avoid permanent damage to the voice. Therefore, the sick children should best not to talk at all and not even whisperbecause whispering is even more stressful on the inflamed vocal cords.
The best home remedy to treat laryngitis is to give to the child enough liquid, preferably warm tea. By drinking a lot, the mucus in the airways dissolves better and the inflamed mucous membrane is kept moist. This speeds up the healing process.
In addition, you can Mixtures of salt water or apple cider vinegar and the children with it let gargle. Salt and apple cider vinegar fight germs and thereby promote the healing of the inflamed regions. It is important that the child does not swallow large amounts of salt water, as this will lead to vomiting.
One also helps against the strong cough warm honey milk. The milk can be given to the child before going to sleep and helps with this To relieve throat irritation. In addition, the Honey antiviral and antibacterial.
Older children can also be one Piece of garlic or onion give that to them chew slowly and then swallow should. The substances contained have an anti-inflammatory effect and soothe the irritated mucous membranes.
At a acute coughing fit and breathing problems should that Child calmed down first and then best of all that Window open become. Cool and humid air has a decongestant effect and thereby improves breathing problems. A humidifier can also be set up in the children's room to help reduce coughing attacks at night.
How long does the larynx last?
A Laryngitis usually occurs several times, where a Prevention is not possible is. The problems caused by laryngitis in children usually get better during the day and reappear at night. How long the illness lasts depends on how severe the inflammation is and how quickly treatment is started.
The actual inflammation sounds with appropriate treatment after a week from the to cough however can still be used for one to two weeks longer stop. If there is still no improvement after a week, the doctor must clarify whether another illness is the cause and whether the symptoms are the cause.
Laryngitis in children must always be treated, otherwise there is a great risk that the inflammation of the larynx will become chronic. In chronic laryngitis, the permanently inflamed cells can degenerate and develop into a precancerous stage or a carcinoma.
How contagious is laryngitis in children?
The most common cause of laryngitis in children is a respiratory infection caused by a virus or bacteria. These pathogens are mostly contagious, the degree of infection depending on the type of pathogen.
Read more on this topic at: Laryngitis - How Contagious Is It?
