Laryngitis in children

Laryngitis: what is it?

Laryngitis, not to be confused with angina, is an inflammation of the lining of the larynx. This small duct which extends the trachea and opens into the back throat has the shape of a hollow cylinder. It is made of eleven cartilages and has two skin folds, the vocal cords. When the caliber of this duct is reduced because it is inflamed, inflated, the air can no longer enter properly or it does so with difficulty, which constitutes an emergency. The child, who often has a cold, wakes up in the middle of the night, he has great difficulty in breathing. His inspiration is slow, noisy, difficult. She makes him sit still and throw his head back for air. He is obviously very distressed. His cough is dry, bitonal, his voice is hoarse, but the little patient is not necessarily feverish.

Is laryngitis contagious?

Laryngitis is a contagious illness which is transmitted in particular by direct contact with infected people via postilions, kisses or even by talking with the hands. The disease can also be transmitted through objects touched by sick people. It is therefore important to wash your hands regularly.

The 4 forms of laryngitis and their symptoms

• Striking or spasmodic laryngitis: this is the most common and least severe. Inflammation attacks the region of the larynx, located above the vocal cords. It causes spasm and contractures which can cause suffocating coughs. The child then stops breathing completely and turns blue. Despite the very impressive nature of this state of crisis, everything is back to normal after a few minutes.
• Subglottic laryngitis: a significant edema thickens the walls of the region of the larynx located under the vocal cords. The responsible virus attacks the child, aged 1 to 3, more in autumn or winter, but also when there is climate change. The child, who recently had a cold, was woken up at night by his respiratory dyspnea. His cough is hoarse and he has a fever.
• Epiglottitis: it is rare, but very severe. This inflammation affects the epiglottis which is the real ‘cover’ of the larynx. The germ in question is a bacterium, Haemophilus influenzae. The symptom picture is very disturbing: the child is sitting in bed, leaning forward, mouth open and looking for air. It is important not to put him to bed at the risk of worsening his condition. Epiglottitis is also an extreme emergency which requires hospitalization of the child in a specialized environment. There is indeed a risk of acute asphyxia which requires intubation (in 95% of cases) or even tracheotomy (surgical opening of the larynx to restore air circulation).
• Recurrent laryngitis: gastroesophageal reflux disease may be the cause. We must also think of congenital malformations of the larynx or permanent inflammation of the adenoids or tonsils. The doctor may suggest surgery.

Who to consult for laryngitis in babies and children?

Call a doctor or emergency immediately. Indeed, whatever its form, laryngitis is always a medical emergency. Ask the doctor if you can already give a corticosteroid, Celestene type, to your child (it is advisable to always have some in your pharmacy, even if it is only given on medical advice). Two dangerous actions to avoid: while waiting for the doctor, do not force the child to lie down, quite the contrary. The sitting position is the only one that can possibly relieve it and it is even in this way that it is necessary, if necessary, to transport it to the hospital. Also, don’t try to look deep in their throat with the handle of a spoon, it could have serious consequences.

How to calm a laryngitis attack?

Humidify the atmosphere: To help it breathe, create a humid atmosphere. In the past, it was advisable to boil a few eucalyptus leaves in a pot of hot water. If you have a nebulizer or an electric humidifier, don’t hesitate to use it. If not, go with the sick child to the bathroom and run plenty of hot water to produce heat. steam. Remember to close the door and window to prevent it from dissipating.

Treatments to treat laryngitis in children

They are adapted to each case. On his arrival, the doctor checks the possibility of a foreign body in the respiratory tract, he looks for a possible bronco-pulmonary pathology and specifies the level of obstruction of the larynx. He prescribes antispasmodics and corticosteroids orally for strident laryngitis.

In the event of subglottic laryngitis, he injects a corticosteroid treatment and waits twenty minutes, watching for the improvement of the child’s condition. If this does not come, he gives a second injection, and, if the latter still does not have an effect, he has the little patient hospitalized urgently who will then be put under treatment. cortisone et adrenaline in aerosols, and intubated, if necessary. Faced with epiglottitis, the patient was rushed to hospital. The doctor injects him with intravenous antibiotics as soon as he arrives at home and treatment continues until the 8th day after the Haemophilus has disappeared.

Moms questions

• Can I bring my child to the crèche ?
• As soon as his condition allows it, that is to say as soon as the corticosteroids start to take effect and he can breathe normally, you can leave your child in the nursery.
• Homeopathy, does it work?
• Laryngitis is a medical emergency. Better to avoid alternative medicine in the event of a crisis. On the other hand, homeopathy can be used as a preventive treatment.
• My doctor has prescribed antibiotics for me, is this necessary?
• In most cases, laryngitis is of viral origin. But some subglottitis laryngitis accompanies ENT diseases of bacterial origin. Antibiotic treatment is then necessary, even if it is not an epiglottitis. Also note that some doctors prescribe antibiotics to prevent superinfection.