What is the best treatment for laryngitis in children?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
There is no such thing as the "best treatment for pediatric laryngitis." Pediatric laryngitis may be caused by excessive voice use, dry environment, inhalation of irritants, viral infection, bacterial infection, etc. It can generally be treated through methods such as maintaining airway patency, hydration and nutritional support, oxygen therapy, nebulizer inhalation therapy, and medication.
There is no such thing as the "best treatment for laryngitis in children." Laryngitis in children may be caused by excessive voice use, dry environment, inhalation of irritants, viral infection, bacterial infection, etc. Generally, treatment may include maintaining airway patency, hydration and nutrition, oxygen therapy, nebulizer therapy, and medication. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Excessive voice use: When children cry loudly, scream, or speak for extended periods, the muscles in the throat may become overly tense, and the vocal cords may vibrate frequently and intensely, easily causing congestion and swelling of the laryngeal mucosa, leading to laryngitis. Parents can help the child stay calm, avoid crying, and minimize activity to reduce oxygen consumption.
2. Dry environment: In a dry environment, moisture from the throat mucosa evaporates quickly, leaving the mucosa dry and fragile, making it more susceptible to external irritants and subsequent inflammation. It is recommended that parents give the child small, frequent amounts of warm water or administer intravenous fluids to replenish fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients to meet physiological needs.
3. Inhalation of irritants: The throat and respiratory tract of children are relatively sensitive. Inhalation of irritating gases, smoke, or dust can directly irritate the throat mucosa, causing an inflammatory response and resulting in laryngitis. When symptoms such as difficulty breathing and hypoxia occur, timely oxygen therapy should be provided. Oxygen therapy can increase blood oxygen levels, alleviate hypoxia symptoms, and reduce the sensation of breathlessness.
4. Viral infection: Viruses such as parainfluenza virus, influenza virus, and adenovirus can enter a child's throat via droplet or contact transmission, triggering an inflammatory response in the throat mucosa, causing congestion and swelling, and resulting in laryngitis. Parents are advised to follow a doctor's guidance in administering medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen tablets, and ribavirin granules to the child.
5. Bacterial infection: Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus can multiply on the throat mucosa and release toxins, worsening the inflammation and causing symptoms such as hoarseness and difficulty breathing. Parents may administer medications such as azithromycin dispersible tablets and cefaclor granules as directed by a physician; these medications can help reduce inflammation and control the progression of the infection.
If a child develops laryngitis, parents are advised to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.
