Edema of the larynx

Laryngeal edema: causes, symptoms and treatment

Laryngeal edema is one of the manifestations of inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions of the larynx. It is usually localized in areas of accumulation of loose submucosal tissue of the larynx, such as the subglottic space, vestibular folds, aryepiglottic folds and the surface of the epiglottis on the tongue side. Laryngeal edema can be limited or diffuse and occurs for various reasons.

One of the main causes of laryngeal edema is trauma to the mucous membrane of the pharynx or larynx, which can be mechanical, thermal or chemical. Other causes may be allergic reactions, acute infectious diseases, diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys, collateral edema due to pathological changes in the cervical lymph nodes and thyroid gland, as well as inflammatory processes in the pharynx, for example, peritonsillar abscess or parapharyngeal abscess. Edema of the larynx can also be associated with phlegmon of the neck in acute, especially phlegmonous laryngitis, or in the presence of neoplasms in the larynx.

Symptoms and course of laryngeal edema depend on its location and severity. They can manifest as a feeling of awkwardness and mild pain in the throat when swallowing, but can also be more severe, including severe difficulty breathing. In case of significant edema, stenosis of the lumen of the larynx occurs.

When performing laryngoscopy, a limited or diffuse, tense gelatinous tumor formation of a pale pink color is visible. The contours of the anatomical details of the larynx in the area of ​​edema disappear.

Treatment of laryngeal edema requires hospitalization of the patient, since even minor edema can increase very quickly and lead to severe laryngeal stenosis. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of swelling.

To relieve symptoms, the patient is advised to swallow ice cubes and apply an ice pack to the neck. Distraction therapy may also be prescribed, including mustard plasters, cupping and hot foot baths. It is important to provide the patient with inhaled oxygen and inhalation of antibiotic aerosols. In some cases, intramuscular antibiotics, sulfonamides and dehydration therapy may be prescribed, including intravenous infusion of 20 ml of 40% glucose solution and intravenous administration of 10 ml of 10% calcium chloride solution, as well as 1 ml of 5% ascorbic acid solution.

Intranasal novocaine blockade, the use of diuretics and antihistamines orally and intramuscularly, such as pipolfen, suprastin and others, are also indicated. Inhaled corticosteroid aerosols may also be recommended.

In severe cases, when drug therapy does not lead to improvement and laryngeal edema continues to increase, tracheostomy or prolonged intubation may be required. These procedures help keep the airway open and prevent air retention in the lungs.

It is important to note that treatment of laryngeal edema requires a comprehensive approach and should be carried out under the supervision of qualified medical specialists. Early seeking medical help and timely initiation of treatment play an important role in preventing complications and achieving a positive outcome.