Is laryngitis contagious to others?

Features of the disease

With laryngitis, there is an increase in lymph nodes in the neck. It happens due to the fact that lymph flowing from an inflamed throat passes through them. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid of this phenomenon during laryngitis.

Pathology provokes transformations in the mucous membranes of the larynx, epiglottis and vocal cords.

The mucous membranes swell, causing enlargement and redness of the ligaments. An accumulation of colorless mucus begins on the mucous membranes, which falls down, falling on the vocal cords and causing a dry cough. The patient's voice may change, it will become rougher or disappear altogether.

If therapy is not started immediately, then various bacteria begin to enter the inflamed mucous membranes, as a result of which viral laryngitis is transformed into secondary bacterial laryngitis.

Laryngitis can occur at any age, but children under 6 years of age are more susceptible to it.

In children

Due to the fact that children have weaker immunity, the disease penetrates from the nasopharynx into the larynx much faster. Due to the specific structure of the larynx in childhood, its submucosal layer swells greatly, which can cause false croup.

The baby begins to cough (dry cough), and a runny nose occurs. At a further stage, wheezing occurs, the voice becomes “dull,” breathing becomes more frequent, and the patient feels short of air. The child's body temperature rises sharply, he turns pale, begins to cough with intensification in the morning and night hours.

In adults

The adult population mainly suffers from viral laryngitis due to the spread of bacteria and viruses. During the first 10 days, the disease is in the acute stage. If you do not rush into treatment, and the signs of pathology do not disappear, then there is a high probability of transformation into a chronic disease. Manifestations of pathology in adults and children do not differ.

Contagious type of disease

So, is acute laryngitis contagious? The infectious form of this disease occurs as a result of agents accumulated on the vocal cords that cause inflammation. In this case, laryngitis is considered highly contagious and is transmitted by airborne droplets, contributing to inflammation of the respiratory tract.

The bacterial type of disease is usually characterized by an increase in body temperature. Is this acute laryngitis transmitted from person to person or not? It is highly contagious for both adults and children. The disease spreads when a sick person coughs and sneezes. The bacteria that cause the disease become airborne and begin to spread with air currents, allowing them to settle on the mucous membrane of the larynx in other people. The risk of contracting bacterial laryngitis remains for several days after a person has recovered.

This type of disease is characterized by copious nasal discharge, pain radiating to the throat and ears, difficulty swallowing, and high fever. Bacterial laryngitis is especially acute in children. During an exacerbation, attacks of suffocation are possible; the airways are blocked almost completely. It is recommended to treat the disease in a hospital under medical supervision.

What is laryngitis

In adults

Characteristic features are:

Sore throat that gets worse when swallowing saliva and food. Frequent bouts of unproductive cough. Increased body temperature.

Intoxication of the body occurs, so sweating, weakness, and aches in the arms and legs appear. The cough in the first days is unproductive and painful. After a few days it becomes moist and the swelling goes away. There is a high probability of a runny nose. The latter is one of the main signs by which we can say that laryngitis is viral in nature.

In children

A child's larynx has a special structure. A pronounced submucosal layer is preserved along the entire length. When inflamed, it becomes very swollen, the mucous membrane swells. This leads to the appearance of false croup. As the disease progresses, the baby becomes difficult to breathe.

The child begins to take a forced position - sitting, resting his hands on his knees. When inhaling, the wings of the nose retract. If shortness of breath appears against the background of hoarseness, and it becomes difficult for the baby to breathe, call an ambulance. If this is not done, stenosis may occur due to partial or complete closure of the larynx. If breathing stops, resuscitation and surgery will be required.

Symptoms and treatment of laryngitis:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DNnv-IGCfpo

Therapy

Treatment of viral laryngitis in the acute period is necessary to prevent it from becoming chronic. Treatment is aimed at reducing the development of infection, eliminating inflammation, and relieving pain symptoms. In 9 out of 10 cases, laryngitis is caused by viruses, so it is advisable to take antiviral drugs. Typically, drugs from the following three groups are prescribed:

Immunomodulators of synthetic origin.

These are Groprinasin, Ribomunal, Bronchomunal. Substances in their composition are capable of destroying the cell membranes of viruses.

Preparations containing interferon or stimulating its production by the human body.

These can be nasal drops Nazoferon, Laferon, rectal suppositories for children Viferon.

Herbal preparations that stimulate your own immunity.

Viral laryngitis is treated with Esberitox, Aflubin, Immunoflazid, Oscillococcinum.

Antihistamines.

Also, in addition to antiviral drugs, they also take antiallergic drugs, since any viral disease has an allergic component. Antihistamines can relieve inflammation of the throat mucosa and affect pain, softening the cough. The smallest children are prescribed Suprastin, and older children are prescribed Cetrin in the form of syrup. For adults, such drugs are prescribed in tablets. Taking antiallergic drugs helps prevent laryngeal stenosis in adults and false croup in children. If stenosis has already developed, then hormonal drugs such as Dexamethasone or Prednisolone are prescribed.

Drugs that reduce fever.

If there is a slight temperature, then you should not bring it down. This is evidence that the body is fighting infection. If the temperature rises above 39 degrees, then you need to take Nurofen or Paracetamol.

Cough remedies.

Local treatment of the larynx comes down to sucking lozenges and cough lozenges, for example, Strepsils, Faringosept, Efizol help well. Taking syrups and other cough remedies, using aerosols and sprays (Angilex, Ingalipt) helps. To get rid of annoying painful cough, Libxin, Tussin plus, Gelomirtol help well. It would be good to carry out inhalations with potato decoction, menthol and eucalyptus oils. Tablets and lozenges for the throat relieve pain and have an antiseptic effect

They should not be given to small children, so it is important to read the instructions. It is better for children to irrigate their throats with sprays (Gexoral, Miramistin)

If you have an inhaler at home, then do inhalations with solutions of Rotokan and Lazolvan.

As soon as a person begins to recover and the sputum begins to disappear, you can take drugs with an expectorant effect. This is the ACC, Mukaltin. The patient should remain in bed and constantly be given plenty of fluids. Traditional remedies will help, such as tea with raspberries, honey, fruit drinks with cranberries, and viburnum.

Additional measures.

In addition to all this, bed rest should be observed. Do not overstrain your voice, insulate your legs, arms, and throat. Drink as much fluid as possible with diaphoretic and diuretic herbs. The body will be cleansed of toxins and the throat will soften. You should ventilate the room more often and do wet cleaning. A diet is also necessary. Avoid any foods that irritate the throat. Dishes should be warm and coat the throat.

It is worth remembering that even if laryngitis of viral etiology is treated on time, a bacterial infection may develop on the 5th day or a little later. Then you should think about taking antibiotics. They are prescribed only by a doctor. You can get rid of the disease in a week or a week and a half. It is important not to stop treatment after the symptoms disappear, otherwise laryngitis will become chronic.

Viral laryngitis is diagnosed in most patients who seek medical help due to a cold. The disease causes inflammation of the mucous membrane and disruption of the vocal cords.

Treatment of laryngitis

Timely treatment of acute laryngitis allows you to completely get rid of the disease, avoid complications and the pathology becoming chronic. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help if symptoms appear. Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, since all measures are selected individually, and self-medication can cause harm (either simply relieve symptoms without getting rid of the cause, or cause complications).

The success of treatment for both acute and chronic laryngitis also depends on the lifestyle of the patient. The patient is recommended:

• Stop smoking and give up alcohol not only for the period of treatment, but also avoid these bad habits for at least a week after recovery;
• Follow a diet that includes the exclusion of spicy, cold and hot foods and drinks (everything should be warm), as well as carbonated drinks;
• Create the right microclimate in your living space. The room must be clean, free from dust, often ventilated, with an air temperature of no more than 22 degrees and a humidity of at least 55%;
• If necessary, maintain bed rest - usually it is needed for elevated temperature or ARVI;
• Frequent, plenty of warm drinks: milk with honey or heated mineral water.
• If the patient’s professional activity is associated with overstrain of the vocal cords (actor, teacher, singer, etc.), then for the duration of treatment it is necessary to completely abandon work;
• Until the manifestations of inflammation are eliminated (in acute laryngitis or in case of exacerbation of chronic laryngitis), it is advisable to maintain a voice regime.

For acute laryngitis the following may be prescribed:

• drugs that relieve unpleasant and painful symptoms (sore throat, sore throat) - anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (sprays, lozenges);
• for paroxysmal severe cough - antitussive medications;
• if laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection - antibiotics;
• decongestant medications to relieve swelling;
• expectorants for dry cough;
• for wet cough - medications that promote sputum removal;
• antiviral drugs for viral origin of the disease;
• for allergic laryngitis - antihistamines;
• vitamin complexes and immunomodulators to strengthen the immune system;
• inhalations (with antibiotics, antiviral, anti-inflammatory drugs).

Physiotherapy can also be performed to relieve swelling, pain and increase the body’s resistance to the disease in general:

• UHF;
• laser therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• magnetic therapy;
• ultrasound therapy.

Treatment of chronic laryngitis can be either conservative or surgical. Conservative treatment involves prescribing a set of medications, as in the acute form (antitussive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, etc.).

For chronic laryngitis, physiotherapeutic procedures such as:

• electrophoresis with calcium chloride or iodine;
• laser therapy;
• amplipulse therapy (treatment using sinusoidal currents).

In the remission stage, sanatorium-resort treatment may be prescribed.

If conservative measures for chronic laryngitis do not help or do not give the desired results, surgical intervention is performed. During the operation, pathological areas of the laryngeal mucosa are removed.

When making a diagnosis and treatment, you may need the help of an allergist, parasitologist, immunologist, or phoniatrist (a doctor who deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases of the vocal apparatus).

It is more convenient to do inhalations using devices such as an inhaler or nebulizer. Before carrying out the procedures, you must consult with your doctor, who will select the most suitable method and medicinal composition for you. Self-medication is not recommended, as there are many subtleties and contraindications:

• Inhalations are excluded in case of severe laryngitis (especially in children 3-4 years old);
• For a number of diseases (for example, severe cardiovascular diseases), procedures are contraindicated;
• Nebulizer inhalations should not be performed on children under one year of age, and steam inhalations are not recommended for children under 7 years of age and very elderly patients;
• The water temperature when performing steam inhalations should not exceed 80 degrees, otherwise the mucous membrane can be burned by the steam;
• Procedures are applied no less than 2 hours after meals and no earlier than half an hour after physical activity;
• Steam inhalations cannot be performed in the presence of a bacterial infection or purulent process in the ENT organs;
• If the patient's body temperature exceeds 38 degrees, the procedure should also be abandoned.

Non-contagious forms

1. Allergic
2. Congenital predisposition
3. Psychological
4. Drug

Allergic

When any allergen substance enters the human body. Allergies can be caused by a variety of foods, natural phenomena and odors in different people. This is animal hair and poplar blossoms and the smell of paint. When an allergen appears, the laryngeal mucosa becomes inflamed, breathing becomes difficult, and a cough begins. This type of laryngitis will go away some time after the allergen disappears.

Congenital predisposition

People, especially children, may have a congenital predisposition to acute respiratory diseases. If the mother suffered from any infectious disease during pregnancy, the child will be prone to laryngitis. In this case, it is necessary to carry out therapeutic treatment to strengthen the immune system.

Psychological

Against a background of stress. This is especially common in children. Children are very emotional and react strongly to all kinds of nervous shocks. This can provoke spasm of the larynx and vocal cords. This type of laryngitis is treated by a psychotherapist, or the disease gradually goes away on its own as the causes of stress are eliminated. In this case, those around you do not have to fear for their health.

Infectious forms:

1. Viral
2. Bacterial.

Viral

Caused when a person is infected with a virus . These could be, for example, influenza or measles viruses. In this case, laryngitis is a concomitant disease. During treatment, attention is paid to strengthening the immune system. There is no point in using antibiotics for this type of disease, since they have no effect on viruses. It is necessary to ventilate the room more often, give the patient warm drinks, humidify the air in the room and carry out other measures that will facilitate the breathing process and relieve swelling of the larynx.

This type of laryngitis is dangerous for others. There is no doubt that this type of disease is contagious. When coughing and sneezing, viruses located on the vocal cords infect the air around the patient. This type of disease can be transmitted by airborne droplets. When communicating with such a patient, it is necessary to use a gauze bandage.

Bacterial

Caused by various pathogenic bacteria . These can be bacteria of scarlet fever and typhus, diphtheria and syphilis.

This type of disease is very difficult. Copious nasal discharge, sore throat when swallowing, persistent cough and high temperature distinguish this type of disease. The course of this disease is especially difficult in children. To these symptoms are added attacks of suffocation.

Treatment of the bacterial form is best done in a stationary clinic under the constant supervision of specialists . It is clear that this is a contagious type of laryngitis and it will be transmitted to others. All measures must be taken to isolate the patient.

If there is a disaster in your family and one of your loved ones gets laryngitis. Take a closer look at how the disease progresses, try to determine the causes of the disease and determine whether it is a contagious type of laryngitis or not. In any case, you should definitely consult a doctor. Be always healthy.

Symptoms

The manifestations of laryngitis are generally the same in all children. The disease develops gradually; at first, parents may notice that the child has become less active, eats less well, and plays less.

Then there is usually an increase in temperature. Fever is moderate, no more than 37.5*C. However, laryngitis may occur without fever in a child. This just indicates a decrease in the body’s resistance and malfunctions of the immune system.

Next, the main symptoms of the disease begin to develop:

• hoarseness or loss of voice;
• sensation of soreness and tickling in the throat;
• soon a dry, irritating cough appears, sometimes turning into a barking cough (see Laryngitis cough: its characteristics and methods of treatment);
• Young children may experience asthma attacks.

How many days do children suffer from laryngitis? The average duration of the disease is no more than ten days. This is the period that is necessary to suppress microbial flora and eliminate inflammation.

How many days do children suffer from laryngitis when complications develop? The main complication that can occur in a child is false croup. The essence of this condition is the development of swelling of the vocal cords in combination with spasm of the glottis.

As a result, the lumen of the larynx is blocked and the flow of air becomes difficult. False croup develops gradually, and the result can be asphyxia - complete inability to breathe independently and suffocation (video). The child must be hospitalized in a hospital and treatment may take more than ten days.

The disease may already be cured, but residual effects remain. – how many days does cough and hoarseness last after recovery?

It depends on the condition of the child’s body and his immune system. Typically, residual effects persist for two weeks in the form of periodic coughing and altered voice.

Types of disease

There are several types of viral laryngitis based on the nature of the course.

Acute laryngitis

During the acute phase of the disease, the following symptoms are observed: high fever and chills, swelling of the larynx, pain, a sensation of soreness and a foreign body in the throat, change in voice timbre, nervousness, runny nose, body aches, enlargement of the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes, pain on palpation. A dry, “barking” cough, which over time turns into a wet cough, with sputum discharge.

In especially severe cases, when the disease has spread to the bronchi, purulent exudate is released. At an advanced stage of viral infection, the pain in the throat becomes so severe that it even becomes difficult for the sick person to drink. It occurs due to damage to the laryngeal mucosa by bacteria and viruses. In this case, a sore throat is felt when swallowing, the voice becomes hoarse or disappears altogether, and the temperature rises to 37.5 degrees. General malaise and headaches occur. Acute laryngitis lasts about two weeks.

Chronic laryngitis

Develops as a result of serious bacterial infections. It is characterized by the proliferation of the epithelium and submucosal layer of the larynx and, as a result, acute laryngitis recurs several times a year. Chronic laryngitis is a consequence of frequent relapses of acute inflammation and prolonged inflammation of the infectious nature of the oral cavity, nasopharynx and maxillary sinuses.

Laryngeal stenosis

The most severe form of viral laryngitis is considered to be laryngeal stenosis, which occurs with increased swelling and progression of inflammation. It becomes very difficult for the patient to breathe, the cough becomes suffocating, the skin becomes bluish, whistling, gurgling sounds escape from the chest, and the whole body tenses. You should immediately call medical services, otherwise the attack can be fatal.

Reflux laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx or pharynx can be caused by stomach acid. In this case, the disease is laryngopharyngeal reflux or reflux laryngitis. A person has sphincters on both sides of the esophagus that allow food to pass into the esophagus and not release it in the opposite direction. If there is laryngitis reflux, then the function of the sphincters is impaired; gastric juice can be thrown into the esophagus, then into the larynx, burning the mucous membrane. Reflux often develops in infants due to unformed sphincter rings.

Laryngitis reflux is manifested by a constant cough in the absence of signs of acute respiratory viral infection, soreness, pain, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and difficulty swallowing. Specific symptoms such as belching, heartburn, chest pain and heaviness after eating are also added. Laryngopharyngeal reflux cannot be ignored, otherwise it can lead to the most dangerous complications.

Reflux laryngitis should be treated with diet. Foods that provoke the secretion of stomach acid are excluded from the menu. All products should only be boiled, baked and steamed. If reflux laryngitis occurs due to a congenital anomaly of the esophagus, then surgical treatment is performed. Laryngeal reflux is a disease that provokes the development of chronic diseases of the nasopharynx and respiratory organs.

Types of laryngitis diseases

As already mentioned, the causes of the disease can be different, so there are the following types of laryngitis.

Allergic. Many adults and children suffer from allergies to strong odors, fluff, animal hair, paint and varnishes. When substances get on the mucous membrane of the larynx, they cause allergies. At the same time, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, coughing begins, and breathing becomes difficult. This type of laryngitis is not contagious.

Congenital predisposition. Some children are prone to the disease from birth. If a woman, while pregnant, ate a lot of fatty and high-carbon foods and at that time suffered from some infectious disease, then the child may be predisposed to acute respiratory infections. This type of laryngitis is not contagious and can be treated with immune system stimulating therapy and physical therapy.

Reaction to nervous shock. Sometimes laryngitis is caused by nervous shock, and children are especially susceptible to it. They react very emotionally to external events; psychological trauma can have a spasmodic effect on the vocal cords. This form of the disease is not contagious.

Reaction to drugs. Often parents do not know that sprays should be used very carefully to treat the throat of children under 3 years of age. They can cause laryngitis in a baby. The child’s body resists the entry of foreign particles into the respiratory tract.

The spray stream irritates the back wall with many nerve endings, they have a spasmodic effect on the vocal cords. This type of laryngitis is safe for others, but it is very unpleasant for the child and can be difficult for him to tolerate.

Viral. Laryngitis caused by a virus can be successfully treated at home. In this case, the use of antibiotics does not make sense, since they do not act on the virus. Inhalations, plenty of warm drinks, and bed rest are prescribed. Treatment usually lasts about 14 days. The stronger the patient’s immunity, the shorter the duration of treatment. To speed up the healing process, you should regularly humidify the air and stop smoking. Despite the scary name, viral laryngitis is safe for others.

Infectious. This type of laryngitis occurs due to the accumulation of agents on the vocal cords that cause inflammation. This type of disease is contagious and is transmitted by airborne droplets, causing inflammation of the respiratory tract.

Bacterial. If the disease is accompanied by high temperature, then this is a sign of bacterial laryngitis. It is highly contagious for both children and adults. The disease spreads when an infected person sneezes and coughs: the bacteria that cause the disease enter the air, spreading with air currents, they settle on the laryngeal mucosa of others. Even when a person is almost cured and the symptoms of the disease have disappeared, the risk of infection remains for several days.

Signs of bacterial laryngitis include severe nasal discharge, difficulty swallowing, pain in the ears and throat, and high fever. Laryngitis of bacterial origin in children requires special attention. As the disease worsens, attacks of suffocation may occur, at which point the airways are almost completely blocked. It is best to treat laryngitis in a hospital setting. Treatment at home should be carried out under the supervision of an appropriate specialist.

Diagnostic procedures

Diagnosis of viral laryngitis consists of mandatory several procedures. A comprehensive examination is the main key to making an accurate diagnosis:

• Pharyngoscopy is a superficial examination of the mucous membranes of the throat. It is performed for all diseases of the respiratory tract, but the doctor will not be able to make an accurate diagnosis based on its results.
• Laryngoscopy is a procedure performed using a special device - a laryngoscope. An unpleasant but necessary manipulation with which the doctor assesses the condition of the vocal cords. The procedure is performed only when there is severe hoarseness, the patient complains of pain in the vocal cords and discomfort in the lower larynx when swallowing.
• General blood and urine analysis.
• Virological blood test. This analysis is carried out in order to find out which virus caused the development of laryngitis. It is performed in case of unknown etiology of the disease (if it arose on its own). The study is carried out infrequently, since viral laryngitis as an independent pathology is an extremely rare anomaly. In addition, not all clinics have the equipment to perform such manipulation.

The methods for diagnosing viral laryngitis in children and adults are the same, but the therapy has significant differences. For this reason, self-medication is extremely undesirable.

How to find out whether laryngitis is transmitted by airborne droplets?

To understand how laryngitis is transmitted in children and adults, a visit to an otolaryngologist will help, who will conduct an examination and laryngoscopy, and also prescribe a blood test, after which he will tell you exactly what caused the laryngeal disease. However, you can suspect the danger of infecting others even before visiting the hospital based on symptoms characteristic of laryngitis of bacterial or viral origin:

• increase in body temperature - if the readings remain above normal throughout the day, it means that the body has become infected;
• a sharp deterioration in health (muscle weakness, fatigue);
• chills and sweating;
• runny nose and swelling of the nasopharynx;
• aphonia.

If you notice at least one of these signs of exposure to microbes on the body, you must immediately call a doctor, keeping communication with the patient to a minimum. A definite means of preventing infection will be wearing a gauze bandage, regular ventilation and quartz treatment of rooms, as well as maintaining humidity at a level of more than 50 percent.

In contact with

« previous Acute laryngitis: symptoms and treatment

next » Allergic laryngitis

Laryngitis treatment process

Any otolaryngologist, when detecting laryngitis in a patient, will prescribe the following rules for successful treatment:

• bed rest;
• the vocal cords should remain at rest;
• drinking plenty of water;
• ventilation in the room;
• diet.

Depending on the situation, the doctor prescribes the following medications:

• antibiotics - the main thing is to choose a group of drugs to which the patient is not allergic;
• antiviral drugs;
• antipyretics - if there is a high temperature;
• painkillers;
• mucolytics for expectoration;
• antitussives;
• - if the cause of the pathology is allergy.

In addition to medications, children are recommended to drink warm milk diluted with soda. To eliminate spasms in the larynx, you can constantly press on the root of the tongue with a clean spoon. This activates the gag reflex, thereby relaxing the larynx.

You cannot do steam inhalations, mustard plasters or rubbing during the treatment procedure. There is also no need to eat onions and garlic as antibiotics, because the throat lining will become more irritable.

Laryngitis: contagious or not

Many people are interested in whether laryngitis is contagious or not during the period of colds. The first signs of the disease are pain in the throat and hoarseness of the voice. The disease occurs for a number of reasons.

Laryngitis does not always pose a threat of infection, but the causes of this disease are worth learning more about. If you know the main symptoms of the disease and precautions, you can easily avoid infection or laryngitis.

Viral

During the most “contagious” period, when a person’s immunity is weakened or the body is deficient in vitamins and minerals, viruses and bacteria actively spread. Most often, a person, without knowing it, may already be infected with the influenza or measles virus. In such a situation, laryngitis is just a concomitant pathology.

When treating such an infectious disease, the first step is to strengthen the immune system to fight the virus. Laryngitis cannot be cured with antibiotics. In the fight against the virus, the following are effective: periodically airing the room, drinking plenty of fluids frequently, humidifying the air in the room and other methods that make breathing and swallowing easier.

Viral laryngitis is the most dangerous form of the disease for surrounding people. Therefore, the form is considered contagious. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, viruses located on the mucous membrane of the larynx and vocal ligaments are released onto the interlocutor. Gauze bandages are widely used for prevention.

Fungal

Fungal laryngitis is activated at a time when the human immune system is especially vulnerable. In this case, the pathology is painful: it is difficult for the patient to swallow food and saliva.

Opportunistic organisms called fungi of the genus Candida constantly “live” in the human respiratory tract. Candidal laryngitis develops when there are no disruptions in the immune system.

The fact is that a decrease in the immune response leads to the fact that the microflora for the described microorganisms becomes favorable, so they begin to actively reproduce. This phenomenon leads to swelling and inflammation of the larynx.

Is this type of laryngitis transmitted to healthy people? Candida fungi do not affect a healthy person in any way, unless the latter has a clear immunodeficiency. Fungi of the genus Candida are present in almost any human body.

To prevent possible infection of others, it is necessary to be examined if there is a suspicion of the development of fungal laryngitis. The patient needs to undergo a hardware examination by an otolaryngologist. At the end of the microbiological analysis, the ENT doctor will determine the nature and etiology of the disease. Consequently, the question about the contagiousness of the pathology will be answered.

Non-contagious forms

Is it possible to become infected with laryngitis, the form of which is non-contagious? First, you need to undergo a diagnosis from a specialist, so that he, in turn, can determine the disease and its form.

The physician examines the patient, asking about symptoms in detail. Only after this an external inspection is carried out. If the suspicions are significant, the patient is sent to undergo laryngoscopy and take a general blood test. Typically, this algorithm of action is relevant in severe cases.

In general, the non-contagious form is not dangerous to others. Below we describe in detail 2 types of non-contagious laryngitis.

Non-contagious forms of laryngitis.

Laryngitis treatment process

Any otolaryngologist, when detecting laryngitis in a patient, will prescribe the following rules for successful treatment:

• bed rest;
• These ligaments should remain at rest;
• drinking plenty of water;
• ventilation in the room;
• diet.

Depending on the situation, the doctor prescribes the following medications:

In addition to medications, children are recommended to drink warm milk diluted with soda. To eliminate spasms in the larynx, you can constantly press on the root of the tongue with a clean spoon. This activates the gag reflex, thereby relaxing the larynx.

You cannot do steam inhalations, mustard plasters or rubbing during the treatment procedure. There is also no need to eat onions and garlic as antibiotics, because the throat lining will become more irritable.

Etiology and symptoms

The disease occurs in two forms:

• The acute form of the disease is usually caused by respiratory infections, influenza, scarlet fever, and whooping cough. Also, the acute process causes overstrain of the vocal cords, work in production with harmful substances.
• The chronic form occurs as a result of frequent laryngitis, diseases of the throat and upper respiratory tract. The process involves the mucous membrane of the larynx, submucosal tissue, and internal muscles. Smokers, alcoholics, and people suffering from allergic reactions are at greater risk.

Etiology

As already mentioned, laryngitis is an infectious disease that affects the nasopharynx.

Divided into two forms:

1. Flu-like. It is characterized by the appearance of abscesses and phlegmons in the supraglottic fold. The causative agent is the bacterium streptococcus. The patient experiences muscle weakness, fatigue, and headache.
2. Diphtheria (laryngeal croup). Children under 5 years of age often suffer; the disease occurs against the background of vitamin deficiency and frequent infectious diseases. The development of this form of laryngitis does not differ from the general symptoms, however, after 2-3 days, ulcers covered with a yellowish film are observed on the laryngeal mucosa. The contents of the ulcers are filled with a pathogen (diphtheria bacillus).

Bacterial refers to the influenza form of laryngitis, the causative agent in this case is streptococcus or staphylococcus (see Staphylococcus in the throat provokes diseases: main symptoms). Usually develops when the tissues of the larynx are re-infected.

The immune system weakens after suffering illnesses and is no longer able to fully resist infectious pathogens. In the photo below you can see what the vocal cords look like with laryngitis:

Figures 4 and 6 show bacterial laryngitis affecting the vocal cords.

Attention. Effective treatment can be prescribed only after accurately determining the type of bacterium that caused bacterial laryngitis.

For this purpose, PCR tests and a throat swab are performed.

In children, the bacterial form is less common than in adults. The onset of the process can be caused by a complication of a viral infection, inflammation of the nasopharynx with scarlet fever, diphtheria, or syphilis. There are cases of independent development of pathology.

Symptoms

General symptoms of laryngitis are expressed by the following manifestations:

• cough;
• soreness;
• hoarseness of voice;
• enlargement of vocal cords.

Symptoms for different forms of laryngitis may have some distinctive features, so it is worth considering in detail the signs of bacterial laryngitis.

The reason for the development of this form of laryngitis is bacteria, which can affect not only the throat, but also all organs of the upper respiratory tract. There are cases when bacterial laryngitis occurs together with tonsillitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, therefore the symptoms may be different and indicate the disease that accompanies laryngitis. A distinctive feature of this pathology is that the process is rarely accompanied by a runny nose.

Signs of the disease may indicate the presence of a disease concomitant with bacterial laryngitis (bronchitis, tonsillitis, colds).

In medical practice, there are particularly dangerous forms of bacterial laryngitis, which have the following symptoms:

Laryngitis without appropriate treatment can lead to complex consequences:

• prolonged absence of voice;
• lack of air;
• labored breathing;
• addition of a secondary infection;
• in some cases asphyxia;
• cancerous tumors.

Important! People whose voice is their main instrument should be especially attentive to their health.

After suffering from an illness, they should observe long-term rest of the vocal cords, give up bad habits, hot and spicy foods. It is recommended to take medications that help reduce throat discomfort.

Reasons for the development of laryngitis

The disease can appear due to a number of reasons, the main ones:

• Exposure to viruses, resulting in the development of viral laryngitis. The disease is contagious.
• Exposure to bacteria with the development of bacterial laryngitis. Bacterial laryngitis is also contagious.
• Impact of allergens on the mucous membranes of the larynx. The disease is not contagious.
• Laryngitis that develops after stress is not contagious.

Like any respiratory disease, viral or bacterial laryngitis is transmitted in most cases by airborne droplets.

Factors that contribute to the development of laryngitis:

• Regular hypothermia of the body;
• Breathing through the mouth outside during the cold season;
• Decreased body defenses (immunity);
• Active or passive smoking;
• Regular overstrain of the vocal cords.

The combined effect of direct and indirect causes creates favorable conditions for the development of laryngitis.

Important to know: What antibiotics can be taken for laryngitis

Symptoms of the disease

Laryngitis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• dry cough;
• presence of hoarseness in the voice;
• pain during swallowing;
• general weakness;
• burning sensation in the throat;
• increase in body temperature;
• blood leukocytes increase sharply.

The duration of the illness can range from several days to several weeks. After a couple of days, the temperature returns to normal and the patient’s well-being improves. The voice begins to recover, the cough turns into an expectorant cough and disappears completely.

The acute phase of the pathology takes from 7 to 10 days. Next, the patient is diagnosed with chronic laryngitis.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DNnv-IGCfpo

Signs of acute pathology

The patient exhibits the following symptoms:

1. Sore throat that increases when eating or drinking.
2. Patients who are sick feel dryness, soreness, and burning in their throat.
3. "Barking" cough that does not bring relief. The cough is dry and unproductive. The baby may hear a metallic sound, which will indicate a dangerous narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, and suffocation may develop.
4. The general condition of the patient worsens. Increased fatigue, lethargy, and loss of appetite appear. Sick children behave very capriciously.
5. The patient's body temperature increases. Based on its indicators, doctors determine the bacterial or viral origin of the disease.

Chronic form

The symptoms of the chronic phase of the pathology will depend on its form, but the common features are:

• sore throat;
• cough;
• hoarse voice;
• dry mouth;
• weakening or absence of voice in the evening.

Is laryngitis contagious and how is it transmitted?

Laryngitis is an inflammatory process in the larynx. In some cases it causes loss of voice. The disease is dangerous because it can provoke a life-threatening condition. Often, laryngitis develops spontaneously. The body temperature rises sharply, the person suffers from attacks of suffocation. Let's figure out whether laryngitis is contagious and whether it is transmitted to others.

The disease begins with dryness, burning in the throat, and then coughing.

Bacterial

The described pathology of a bacterial nature occurs due to the entry of specific bacteria into the body, such as in the diseases typhus, syphilis and diphtheria.

Infectious bacterial laryngitis is quite difficult to cure. In this case, the patient suffers from constant nasal discharge, pain when swallowing, periodic coughing attacks and increased body temperature. Laryngotracheitis in babies and one-year-old children is especially difficult: the child experiences attacks of suffocation.

Doctors recommend that in such a situation it is better to carry out medical therapy in a hospital under supervision. Obviously, this form of the disease is contagious. The patient is isolated from society to prevent the development of infection.

When a person in the family falls ill, and all the symptoms indicate a cold, it is worth taking a closer look at him and noting how many days the illness lasts. If you find additional signs indicating a bacterial type of laryngitis, you should consult a doctor, as the infection spreads quickly.

Fungi of the genus Candida are present in almost any human body.

Congenital predisposition

People, especially children, may have an innate predisposition to acute respiratory diseases . If the mother suffered from any infectious disease during pregnancy, the child will be prone to laryngitis. In this case, it is necessary to carry out therapeutic treatment to strengthen the immune system.

If the mother suffered from any infectious disease during pregnancy, the child will be prone to laryngitis.

Symptoms of infectious and viral laryngitis

The initial stage is manifested by an unpleasant burning sensation in the throat and esophagus, although the general condition is not bad. At the next stage, a convulsive and exhausting cough, headache, and difficulty swallowing appear. The hoarse voice of the child and the adult disappears, turning into a whisper. The doctor will tell you in detail why a child and an adult lose their voice, how to treat it and with what medications. How to treat a hoarse voice in a child, read the link.

Symptoms of laryngitis in a smoker

In most cases, it is smokers who develop a chronic form of laryngitis. This is explained by the fact that during the course of any viral disease in which the throat suffers, tobacco smoke has a strong negative effect on the vocal cords. As mentioned above, during laryngitis, the laryngeal mucosa is severely disturbed, cracks appear in it, into which pathogenic bacteria enter, which leads to a worsening of the disease. Tobacco smoke, along with a cough symptomatic of laryngitis, further disrupts the protective membrane of the throat, as a result of which the disease becomes more severe.

With laryngitis, smokers have several mandatory manifestations:

• severe dry and hacking cough;
• sputum;
• change in voice timbre (it becomes hoarse).

Let's take a closer look at these symptoms. Laryngitis in smokers can immediately turn into a chronic form, without an acute form. This happens when an infection enters the body. A cough caused by an infectious disease worsens under the influence of tobacco smoke, since tobacco substances further damage the lining of the larynx, which together reduces the chances of a speedy recovery.

Sputum is an integral symptom in adults; symptoms in smokers are manifested by a dry cough over a long period of illness. At night, while sleeping, phlegm accumulates in the throat, which is why in the morning the patient finds it difficult to breathe and difficult to speak, and he is tormented by a severe cough. And only after the sputum has passed, the ability to speak returns.

Narcotic substances contained in tobacco, along with a viral disease, exacerbate the inflammatory process in the larynx, which causes injury to the vocal cords. The timbre of the voice decreases, it becomes rough and hoarse, and sometimes disappears altogether.

Due to the fact that smoking contributes to the appearance of a serious disease or its exacerbation, we can conclude: quitting smoking is a necessary condition for curing laryngitis. This is the only way to reduce the heavy load on the vocal cords, thereby increasing the chances of speedy rehabilitation. At the same time, you need to remember that after recovery you should under no circumstances return to this bad habit in order to avoid a relapse.

Features of the disease in adults

Causes of laryngitis in adults:

1. Infectious diseases transmitted by airborne droplets.
2. Hypothermia or overstrain of the vocal cords. It is an occupational disease of singers, vocalists and teachers.
3. Mechanical injury or burn of the larynx.

Also, the development of the disease is promoted by smoking, harmful working conditions, and a deviated nasal septum. All this reduces the level of human defense mechanisms, and increases the likelihood of becoming infected from surrounding carriers of infection.

Causes of the disease in children

A common reason that provokes the development of childhood laryngitis is reduced immunity, against the background of which the laryngeal mucosa is easily infected with viruses and bacteria. Less commonly, its cause may be allergies, expressed in the form of exudative diathesis, rickets, diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiency, and vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Laryngitis in children can accompany infectious diseases: measles, scarlet fever, herpes, influenza.

As a result of the disease, severe intoxication of the body occurs, accompanied by dehydration, vomiting, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.

Non-infectious forms

Inflammatory processes, the development of which occurs under the influence of non-infectious factors, do not pose a danger to other people.

Congenital predisposition

Laryngitis in children under three years of age is a consequence of the child’s mother’s excessive consumption of fatty and carbonaceous foods during pregnancy.

Reaction to nervous shock

The larynx can also become inflamed during severe emotional shock. This happens to children much more often due to their fragile psyche. A psychological factor causes spasm of the vocal cords, which leads to loss of voice.

Reaction to drugs

Preparations in the form of aerosols intended for the treatment of laryngitis are contraindicated for children. When the active substance comes into contact with the back wall of the throat, it causes a protective reaction of the body against the penetration of foreign particles. The larynx becomes inflamed and swollen.

Allergic laryngitis

Despite the fact that the disease caused by the action of allergens is not transmitted from one person to another, but when an infection is attached, it becomes contagious to other people. To avoid this, if an allergic form develops, follow the procedures prescribed by your doctor - rinsing and inhalation.

Otherwise, the effect of allergens can affect the immune system.

And a weakened body is not able to fully resist attacks from viruses and bacteria. Hence the complications of the disease, which develops into an infectious form. A person can understand that an infection has entered the body by a sudden rise in temperature to 38 °C, the appearance of weakness and body aches.

The development of an allergic reaction is promoted by:

• house dust;
• pet hair and saliva;
• dandruff;
• feather and down;
• food allergies;
• reaction to pollen of trees, grasses and cereals;
• medications.

Occupational laryngitis

The work of an artist, presenter, or teacher involves constant overload of the vocal cords. People suffer from laryngitis much more often than others, but they are not contagious to others. Symptoms are a hoarse voice and unpleasant, tearing sensations in the larynx. The main treatment is vocal rest. Constantly recurring relapses lead to infection of the respiratory tract.

Non-contagious forms of laryngitis

• Allergic laryngitis. A reaction to fluff, wool, pollen, dust and many other potential allergens, including medications, may well affect the mucous membrane of the larynx. Even pungent odors, strong aromas and volatile chemical compounds cause irritation and acute inflammation.
• Laryngitis is a reaction to taking medications in the form of sprays. In some cases, when using sprays (Ingalipt, Orasept, Kameton, Camphomen, Salin, etc.) in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the exact opposite effect can be achieved. In particular, in children, this form of drug release can cause laryngitis. It is not advisable for children under 3 years of age to use such drugs in treatment, although few people know about this. The thing is that the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and larynx contains a huge number of nerve endings. The stream from the spray hits it quite hard, causing a response in the form of a sharp spasm of the vocal cords with their subsequent inflammation. In this way, the child’s body tries to protect itself from foreign particles entering the respiratory tract.
• Laryngitis due to psychological trauma. Most often it develops in young children or easily excitable people after a strong emotional shock, which results in spasm of the vocal cords.
• Laryngitis as a result of a congenital predisposition to colds. Many factors can cause disruption in the intrauterine development of the fetus - an infectious disease suffered during pregnancy, dietary errors (abuse of fatty foods and easily digestible carbohydrates), bad habits.

Patients with these types of laryngitis are not dangerous to others because it is not transmitted to other people.

Is laryngitis contagious?

Laryngitis caused by infection is a contagious disease and is transmitted by airborne droplets, so it is better to limit the contact of healthy children with the sick person. It is especially dangerous for children under 4 years of age, as due to the larynx not fully formed, it provokes severe swelling that can lead to suffocation.

Allergic laryngitis is not transmitted to others, as its symptoms are caused by exposure to allergens: food, household and natural irritants, industrial pollution. Treatment of the disease in children under 2 years of age is carried out inpatiently.

Measures taken to treat the disease

Since the disease is transmitted in most cases by airborne droplets, isolation of the patient is necessary. At this time, daily wet cleaning and ventilation of the room are required.

Dry indoor air should be avoided. To increase humidity, use special air humidifiers or hang wet fabrics, which moisten the air when dry.

This is done in order to reduce dryness of the mucous membranes. The disease is treated, in the absence of pronounced swelling of the vocal cords, on an outpatient basis.

A plentiful drinking regimen is required to quickly relieve symptoms of intoxication and eliminate toxins.

If the disease is viral in nature, antiviral drugs are prescribed:

• Arbidol;
• Kagocel;
• Ingavirin.

For bacterial inflammation, a course of antibacterial therapy is used: Amoxiclav; Azithromycin; Suprax.

To treat allergic inflammation, antihistamines are necessarily prescribed:

• Loratadine;
• Fenistil;
• Zodak.

For all types of inflammation of the larynx, inhalations are effective (with saline solution, sometimes with the addition of berodual).

Contagious forms of laryngitis

The clearly infectious categories of patients include those whose inflammatory process began due to pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, adeno- and rhinoviruses, etc.). The most dangerous period is when a person begins to constantly cough, and laryngitis is transmitted by airborne droplets along with pathogenic microorganisms.

NOTE: It must be borne in mind that even with almost complete recovery, such patients can infect other people, so direct contact with them should be limited.

Treatment recommendations

If the first signs of an inflammatory process appear, you should immediately go to the doctor. This disease is quite serious as it can lead to complications and various consequences.

In this case, the course of treatment is prescribed after testing and identifying the exact type of laryngitis. Antibiotics are prescribed exclusively in the case of a bacterial type of illness. General recommendations include:

• bed rest;
• regular gargling (it is very important that these are alkaline solutions);
• drinking plenty of water;
• use of herbal inhalations;
• use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

You can learn about symptoms and treatment by reviewing a fragment of the program.

Video - Laryngitis

In children

Children attending kindergartens and schools are at risk of illness if the premises in the institutions are rarely ventilated. One of the sick people poses a danger to the others, so try to reduce your child’s contact with a potential carrier of a bacterial infection.

False croup (the so-called acute form of the disease) can affect children under eight years of age who suffer from exudative diathesis. The main symptom of false croup in a child is swelling and spasm of the glottis, the lumen of the larynx narrows, and it becomes difficult to breathe.

Attacks occur most often at night: the child wakes up in sweat, with a “barking” cough, lips turn blue, breathing is difficult, breathing is noisy. The temperature may be slightly elevated, but more often remains normal. After about half an hour, the symptoms stop and the child falls asleep.

Hospitalization in this case is necessary. While waiting for an ambulance, ventilate the room, do soda inhalation, give the baby an alkaline drink. To relieve swelling of the larynx, the doctor will inject the necessary drugs. Antihistamines must be kept in the first aid kit.

If laryngitis is caused by pathogenic bacteria or viruses, there is a high probability of infecting others with them.

Of course, inhalations can be successfully performed at home, but if serious swelling begins, only a qualified specialist can intubate the trachea. Resuscitation measures and even artificial ventilation may be required. Detailed treatment of laryngitis in children at home is described here. You will find a list of drugs for the treatment of laryngitis in children.

Laryngitis in childhood

Children who attend kindergartens or schools are extremely at risk of this disease, especially if the institution rarely ventilates the premises. Just one of the sick people can pose a danger to others, so you should try to reduce the child’s contact with potential carriers of the bacterial infection. Is laryngitis contagious in children? Yes, sure.

False croup - this is the name of the acute form of this disease - can affect children under seven years of age who suffer from exudative diathesis. Due to swelling and spasm of the glottis, the laryngeal lumen narrows, making it difficult for the child to breathe. Attacks occur mainly at night.

Against their background, a child may wake up sweating from a barking cough. The patient's lips may turn blue and breathing may be difficult. The breathing itself will be noisy. The temperature usually rises only slightly, but can often remain normal. After about half an hour, symptoms may subside, allowing the child to fall asleep.

In this case, of course, urgent hospitalization is required. While waiting for an ambulance, parents should ventilate the room and perform soda inhalation, and then give the baby an alkaline drink. In order to relieve swelling of the larynx, the doctor will inject the necessary medications. Antihistamine medications should be kept in a first aid kit.

Of course, successful inhalations are possible at home, but if the child develops serious swelling, tracheal intubation can only be performed by a qualified specialist. In addition, resuscitation measures along with artificial ventilation may be required.

We can safely say that laryngitis is contagious to others.

Diagnostics and research methods, necessary tests

When examining a patient, the condition of the patient's vocal cords is checked and dysphonia is assessed. The doctor examines the vocal cords using special instruments. This makes it possible to get a complete picture of the nature of inflammation and swelling. In the presence of hemorrhages on the mucous membrane, the development of a hemorrhagic form of the disease can be assumed.

The doctor must determine the presence of inflammatory reactions in the lymph nodes, nose, mouth, and throat. This establishes a connection between laryngitis and other pathological processes. Additionally, the larynx is examined with a laryngoscope. If necessary, a tissue sample is taken for biopsy.

In diagnosing the disease the following is used:

• Clinical blood test.
• Throat swab.

The latter makes it possible not only to identify the virus, but also to prescribe a more effective treatment regimen. To clarify the severity of the inflammatory process, X-ray and computed tomography of the larynx and trachea are used.

Principles of treatment

Treatment of this disease is aimed at eliminating microbial flora and reducing inflammation of the mucous membrane. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is required - pain relief, cough suppression, elimination of hoarseness.

Table 2. Drugs used to eliminate laryngitis:

The instructions for the drugs contain information about contraindications and methods of use. Medicines should be prescribed by a doctor, especially for young children. The price of drugs varies; in pharmacies you can choose a product to suit any budget.

ethnoscience

As a complement to drug treatment, homemade products are used. Steam inhalation has a good effect (photo). It is carried out using a container with boiling water. The liquid can be plain water or decoctions of chamomile and sage.

A mixture of melted butter and honey softens the inflamed mucous membrane with laryngitis. It should be given to the child in tablespoons every hour.

Features of treatment

During the period of illness, when conservative treatment is prescribed, the patient must be provided with:

• Bed rest
• Voice rest
• A gentle diet
• Drinking plenty of alkaline drinks
• Regular ventilation

For treatment, you can use medications prescribed by your doctor:

1. Antibiotics
2. Antiviral agents
3. Antipyretics
4. Local remedies for sore throat
5. Antitussives or expectorants
6. Antihistamines

In addition to medications, children can be given warm milk with soda, heated mineral water. And also, to relieve spasms of the larynx, you can periodically press on the root of the tongue with a clean teaspoon, causing a gag reflex, and thereby relaxing the larynx.

During the treatment of laryngitis in children and adults, the following are strictly prohibited: steam inhalations, warm compresses, mustard plasters, and the use of rubbing. There is no need to use onions and garlic as natural antibiotics during treatment, as they can irritate the larynx.