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Rainy aura and temperature fluctuations promote inflammation. Viruses that cause the common cold in adults can cause acute laryngitis in a young organism. It is especially dangerous in children under 3 years of age.
Where does laryngitis in a child come from?
Laryngitis in a child most often occurs in the fall and winter. This is when we deal with rainy weather, uneven temperature throughout the day, as well as large temperature differences between the rooms and the outside air. This is also the time when children eat fewer vegetables and fruits that provide vitamins. In turn, laryngitis in a child in the summer should be associated with a sudden change in temperature – indoor air conditioning and dry, hot air outside. Such conditions provide an ideal opportunity for bacteria and viruses to develop, including those that cause laryngitis. It is worth noting that there is a link between laryngitis and allergy.
The larynx is a part of the respiratory system located between the pharynx and the trachea. In the larynx there is an epiglottis that protects the respiratory tract against food and fluid ingress, as well as vocal folds that cause sounds. This is why the main symptom of laryngitis in a child is wheezing.
Symptoms of laryngitis in a child
Initially, laryngitis in a child does not give clear symptoms. It manifests itself, however, by a violent attack of the aforementioned cough, especially at night, when the toddler is lying down. This is very dangerous because the baby may have serious problems with breathing. Additional symptoms for each type of laryngitis in children are:
- hoarseness, shortness of breath, and even apnea in the case of subglottic acute laryngitis,
- cough with expectoration of thick secretion and pain behind the sternum with laryngitis and tracheitis,
- in epiglottitis, on the other hand, aphonia, pain when swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes and fever – laryngitis of this type is the most dangerous, because it worsens unexpectedly and at a rapid pace.
What to give for laryngitis in a child?
After noticing the first symptoms of laryngitis in a child, you should immediately see a doctor. In the event of a strong attack, the improvement of the child’s condition will be favored by humidifying the air with a humidifier or a regular steam bath in the bathroom.
After examining the child and determining the source of the disease, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for laryngitis if it was caused by bacteria, or anti-inflammatory and cough-suppressing drugs in the case of viral infection. In serious cases, the primary care physician may refer a child with laryngitis to the hospital. Typically inflammation lasts for about 3 to 5 days.
Also read: Deadly whistle – what is the risk of laryngeal edema?
Home treatment of laryngitis in a child
If your child’s laryngitis is not a serious threat, home remedies can also be used in addition to medications. Belong to them:
- inhalations for laryngitis in children – inhalation of vapors containing saline is one of the most effective ways to relieve cough,
- homemade onion syrup, honey and a few drops of lemon,
- constant humidification of the room.
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