How to identify acute laryngitis symptoms and causes

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How to identify acute laryngitis symptoms and causes

Acute laryngitis, common in spring and winter, poses risks to children; parents must watch for symptoms similar to colds.

Every spring and winter, the incidence of respiratory diseases rises, and acute laryngitis often goes unnoticed by parents because its initial clinical symptoms resemble those of a common cold. However, due to its sudden onset and rapid progression, if timely treatment is not provided, it can easily lead to airway obstruction, resulting in breathing difficulties and even the risk of asphyxiation. This condition is often referred to as the "invisible killer" of children.

Acute laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, often caused by viral infections, overuse of the voice, or irritants such as smoke and allergens. Symptoms typically include a hoarse voice, sore throat, and cough. In most cases, acute laryngitis resolves on its own within a few days or weeks with rest and home care.

Acute laryngitis is a common respiratory infectious disease in clinical practice, characterized by acute diffuse inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, primarily in the subglottic area. It frequently occurs in children aged 6 months to 3 years. The onset of this condition is sudden and progresses quickly, making it one of the common causes of acute airway obstruction in children. It can lead to choking, and if effective treatment is not administered promptly, it poses a serious threat to the child's life.

What are the clinical manifestations?

1. The onset is sudden, and the symptoms are severe. Symptoms are often mild during the day and worsen at night when the child is asleep. During the day, there may be no noticeable symptoms or symptoms similar to a common cold. However, at night, the relaxation of the throat muscles can lead to obstruction of secretions, worsening symptoms. The child may suddenly sit up due to difficulty breathing and may cry incessantly.

2. A cough that sounds like a dog barking is a characteristic manifestation of acute laryngitis. The cough produced during acute laryngitis differs from that of a common cold; it has a hollow or resonant quality, sometimes resembling the yapping of a puppy.

3. A hoarse voice is the main symptom of acute laryngitis. In mild cases, the voice may be raspy, while in severe cases, the individual may be unable to produce any sound.

4. Inspiratory stridor and difficulty breathing. Laryngitis can cause severe congestion and edema in the throat area, leading to airway obstruction. During inspiration, the child may demonstrate stridor resembling a "whistle" or "rooster crowing."

5. Severe difficulty in breathing may present with the "three recess signs," referring to the depression of the suprasternal notch, supraclavicular fossa, and intercostal spaces during inhalation. Affected children may show signs of restlessness, pale complexion, cyanosis of the lips, and increased heart rate. 6. Fever may occur, with some children experiencing mild to moderate fever, while high fever is relatively rare.

How should parents care for a child with acute laryngitis?

1. Minimize the child's crying and distress by positioning them comfortably to avoid exacerbating laryngeal edema and increasing oxygen consumption. Keep the child calm and reduce stimulation.

2. Maintain the air in the living environment moist and well-ventilated, avoiding smoke and irritating gases.

For children with fever, closely monitor their temperature and apply physical cooling methods and antipyretic medications in a timely and appropriate manner based on the child's condition.

Encourage children to drink plenty of water to keep their throat moist and alleviate discomfort such as coughing. For children who have difficulty drinking or cannot drink independently, intravenous fluids may be administered.

5. Provide a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding spicy, hot, and irritating foods. Avoid overly oily, sweet, or salty foods, encourage smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid situations that may cause choking or coughing.

Monitor the child's mental state, complexion, breathing, pulse, temperature, and other conditions closely. Be vigilant for symptoms such as restlessness, rapid breathing, or increased heart rate, which may indicate hypoxia and respiratory distress.

In daily life, how can we prevent it?

Prevention is the primary defense against diseases. For acute laryngitis in children, effective prevention focuses on several aspects to reduce the risk of infection and enhance the child's overall resistance.

1. Focus on proper nutrition and growth development: Ensure a balanced diet that meets children's nutritional needs and lays the foundation for their physical health.

2. Encourage regular exercise and resilience training: Promote daily outdoor activities and introduce cold resistance training gradually (such as washing the face with cold water). Allow sleeping with windows open to enhance the body's adaptability to temperature changes.

3. Maintain environmental hygiene and reduce triggering factors: Ensure living spaces are clean, well-ventilated, and receive sufficient sunlight. Avoid excessively high indoor temperatures or overdressing, and adjust clothing appropriately with changes in weather.

4. Strengthening protection during disease outbreaks: During the winter and spring when respiratory infections are prevalent, it is advisable to avoid taking children to crowded public places. Wearing masks when going out can reduce exposure to pathogens and harmful irritants.

5. Timely vaccination: Adhere to the immunization schedule to ensure children receive relevant vaccines and enhance their disease resistance through active immunization.