The need to take antibiotics for laryngitis
With laryngitis, an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the larynx develops. The disease develops under the influence of an infectious agent, as well as a factor that reduces local immunity (the presence of concomitant diseases of the respiratory system, sources of chronic inflammation).
Antibacterial agents are prescribed for acute laryngitis, which is of a mixed nature, that is, its development is associated with both viruses and bacteria.
The main indications for taking drugs of this pharmacological group are:
- no signs of recovery within 3-5 days;
- deterioration of the patient's condition;
- severe laryngitis, creating a threat of laryngospasm;
- identification of a bacterial microorganism during sputum analysis;
- development of tracheitis and bronchitis against the background of chronic laryngitis.
Also, the indication for the use of antibacterial agents for laryngitis in adults is the presence of aggravating factors. These include immunodeficiency states, chronic pathologies of the respiratory system (tonsillitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
What is laryngitis in adults
The process of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx and ligaments - laryngitis is of a cold nature or is associated with infectious diseases (measles, whooping cough, scarlet fever). Other factors also lead to the development of inflammation: hypothermia of the body, abuse of nicotine and alcohol, overstrain of the vocal cords. The disease can occur in an acute form, and with a long course, frequent relapses, develop into a chronic condition. Symptoms of the disease are:
- reddened, swollen lining of the larynx;
- hoarse dry cough;
- severe sore throat, sore throat;
- hoarseness, sometimes loss of voice;
- general intoxication of the body (fever, headache).
Groups of antibiotics prescribed for laryngitis
For laryngitis, antibacterial drugs of the following drug groups are prescribed:
Penicillins
Antibiotics belonging to the penicillin series act on reproducing bacterial cells. The effect is achieved through the interaction of active substances with bacterial enzymes, which disrupts the synthesis of the bacterial wall.
Penicillins have low toxicity.
Representatives of this group affect the following pathogenic microorganisms:
- staphylococci;
- bacilli;
- streptococci;
- enterobacteria;
- gonococci;
- proteas;
- listeria.
Contraindications to the use of penicillins are their intolerance, as well as intolerance to novocaine. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of penicillin antibiotics is discussed with your doctor.
Representatives of this group of antibiotics are the drugs Amoxiclav, Ampicillin, Augmentin.
Cephalosporins
Antibiotics of the cephalosporin series are characterized by a powerful bactericidal effect. These drugs inhibit the biosynthesis of the cell membrane. Their peculiarity is easy tolerability and a relatively small number of adverse reactions. In addition, cephalosporins have greater antibacterial activity than penicillins.
Cephalosporins are active against gram-positive flora, gram-negative bacteria, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Contraindications to the use of cephalosporins are individual intolerance to these drugs, periods of pregnancy and lactation, and children under one month of age.
The group of cephalosporins includes drugs such as Ceftriaxone, Cefaclor, Ceftibuten.
Macrolides
This group of antibacterial drugs is characterized by a bacteriostatic effect. It is ensured by inhibition of protein synthesis in ribosomes.
Macrolides are active against various cocci. In addition, they destroy intracellular parasites (for example, chlamydia).
Contraindications for use: allergic reactions to macrolides, periods of pregnancy and lactation.
Representatives of this pharmacological group: Azithromycin, Sumamed.
Fluoroquinolones
Such antibiotics have the most powerful effect and have a wide spectrum of antimicrobial action. These drugs have a bactericidal effect, inhibiting the activity of several bacterial enzymes that are necessary for the reproduction of infectious agents.
Fluoroquinolones can be used as monotherapy without the use of other classes of antimicrobial drugs.
The disadvantage of this group of antibiotics is that they cause a large number of side effects. It is prohibited to use fluoroquinolones if they are intolerant, during pregnancy and lactation, under the age of 18, as well as in cases of epilepsy, renal failure, and anemia.
Representatives of this group of drugs: Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin.
Top 5 antibiotics for laryngitis
For laryngitis, the following effective drugs with antibacterial action are prescribed:
Amoxicillin
This drug belongs to penicillins. The active substance is of the same name.
Adults are recommended to take 500 mg of Amoxicillin 3 times a day. In case of severe laryngitis, the dosage can be increased to 1 g. At least 8 hours should pass between each dose.
The cost of the drug is about 50 rubles (dosage 250 mg, 20 pieces).
Clarithromycin
Representative of macrolides. The active substance of the drug is clarithromycin.
Adults need to take tablets 2 times a day. A single dosage is calculated individually and varies from 0.25 to 1 g. For patients with impaired renal function, the dosage is reduced by 2 times.
The cost of Clarithromycin tablets is 80 rubles (250 mg, 10 pieces per package).
Pantsef
This antibacterial agent belongs to the cephalosporins. The active ingredient is cefixime.
The drug is available in the form of tablets and granules for the preparation of suspensions for oral administration.
Adults whose body weight exceeds 50 kg should take 400 mg of the drug per day. This dosage should be taken at once or divided into 2 doses of 200 mg.
The cost of Pancef tablets (400 mg, 6 pieces) is 430 rubles. The cost of granules (100 mg, 32 g) is 340 rubles.
Ofloxacin
This drug belongs to the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics. The active ingredient is the same. Release form: tablets.
Adults are recommended to take from 200 to 800 mg of the drug per day in 2 doses, depending on the characteristics of laryngitis.
The cost of the drug Ofloxacin (200 mg, 10 pieces) is 40 rubles.
Sumamed
The antibiotic Sumamed is a macrolide. The active ingredient of the drug is azithromycin.
Adults are recommended to take 500 mg of the drug once a day.
Cost – 380 rubles (250 mg, 6 pieces).
The duration of taking antibacterial drugs is determined individually. Usually this period is 5-7 days.
Rules for antibacterial therapy
One of the main rules for taking antibiotics is that they should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.
Other rules include the following:
- Strict adherence to the time and frequency of administration, as well as the indicated dosages. It is necessary to maintain equal periods of time between doses of the drug in order to constantly maintain an equal concentration of the active substance in the blood. If a three-time dose is indicated, the interval between each tablet should be 8 hours, if a two-time dose - 12 hours.
- Maintain continuity of antibiotic treatment. Treatment should not be stopped prematurely, even if signs of improvement appear.
- Monitoring the results of treatment. It is necessary to carefully monitor the effect of treatment: if improvement is not observed within 72 hours, this indicates the resistance of the pathogen to this drug name and the need to change the drug.
- Read the instructions clearly. There are various nuances: some antibiotics are taken before or after meals, some - during meals. All these points are indicated in the instructions.
- Taking probiotics and following a special diet. Probiotics are drugs that help restore the natural intestinal microflora that is destroyed by antibiotics. During treatment, you need to avoid eating fatty, fried, and smoked foods. Sour fruits, alcohol and sweets should also be excluded.
All questions related to taking antibacterial drugs should be discussed with your doctor.
Acute laryngitis: treatment methods
This form of the disease requires mandatory use of local and systemic antibiotics. Aerosols are popular. They allow you to cover the entire surface of the laryngeal mucosa, the active substance penetrates deeply into the tissue .
Topical medications are good because they help avoid the development of antibiotic resistance. The doctor prescribes tablets that promote rapid sputum discharge: Tussin, ACC-long, Mukaltin, Solvin, Stoptussin, Fluimucil, Bromhexine. Treatment with systemic drugs involves taking tablets, solutions, and injections. Most often, the patient is prescribed antibiotics of the penicillin or cephalosporin group. After treatment with systemic antibiotics, the patient should take medications aimed at restoring the balance of intestinal microflora.
If laryngitis is acute, a specialist will prescribe infusions using glucocorticoids (Hydrocortisone). The procedure is performed only by a doctor; independent treatment with this method is unacceptable. For treatment to be effective, the patient must follow the doctor's recommendations, which include:
- compliance with bed rest;
- minimizing speech;
- adherence to a diet (refusal of spicy, cold and excessively hot foods);
- exclusion of tobacco and alcohol.
An integrated approach is the key to success in the treatment of laryngitis. Improper treatment of the disease is dangerous due to complications: benign and malignant formations, stenosis of the larynx, and impaired mobility .
Unwanted complications can arise due to inadequate treatment of acute and chronic forms. Antibiotics for treatment are selected by the doctor taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, the age of the patient (especially for children), the causes and nature of the disease.
Is it possible to cure laryngitis without antibiotics?
Laryngitis can be cured without antibiotics if it is not severe and does not pose a risk of complications.
Antibacterial drugs are not used if laryngitis is of viral origin. This is indicated by symptoms such as mucous discharge from the nasal passages and a rapid improvement in the patient’s well-being. If complications do not develop, there is no need for antibiotics.
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx, which requires the use of antibacterial drugs in severe cases. The doctor may prescribe penicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins, and less commonly, fluoroquinolones.
Laryngitis in infants
In the first months of life, laryngitis may develop in children, as a complication after a viral, cold, or under the influence of an allergen. The structure of the respiratory apparatus of babies is imperfect, and the immune system is not yet ready to cope with pathogens.
The most important thing is to recognize laryngitis in a baby early and seek medical help. Parents will be alerted to the baby's lethargic, restless state, nasal discharge and cough. Screams combined with wheezing, noise and whistling when breathing, bluish skin in the nasolabial triangle area are the distinctive features of the progressive disease.
Narrowing of the larynx as a result of swelling can lead to suffocation, so the baby should be kept in an upright position and given a warm drink until the ambulance arrives.
