What tests are done for acute laryngitis in children?

Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Generally speaking, laryngitis is classified as an inflammatory disease. To determine whether it might be a bacterial or viral infection, we typically recommend a complete blood count and C-reactive protein test. Based on the white blood cell count, the classification of white blood cells, and the level of C-reactive protein, we can make an initial judgment about whether the cause is likely viral or bacterial, and then proceed with the corresponding treatment. Additionally, laryngoscopy can also be performed to examine the condition of the laryngeal tissues and other structures for differential diagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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How is laryngitis treated?

Laryngitis in treatment primarily requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy to eliminate inflammation. Laryngitis is an ENT emergency, commonly seen in infants and young children, and can lead to sudden high fever, hoarseness, severe throat pain, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may also present with a barking cough, choking, and even death. When examining with a laryngoscope, notable bilateral vocal cord congestion and edema can be observed. For treatment, patients firstly need a complete blood count; if there is an increase in white blood cells, a bacterial infection may be considered, and oral or intravenous antibiotics may be administered. If lymphocytes are elevated, symptomatic antiviral treatment should be conducted. Patients also need to use corticosteroids to reduce congestion and edema in the throat area. During treatment, closely monitor the patient's breathing, and if breathing difficulties occur, a tracheotomy may be necessary. (Please administer medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a relatively common clinical disease with a variety of symptoms and individual differences. Common symptoms include pain in the throat area. If the pain is severe and accompanied by noticeable swelling, it may affect swallowing and breathing, and could lead to swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties. Another common symptom is hoarseness, especially seen in acute laryngitis, as it can cause congestion and swelling of the vocal cords, which easily leads to hoarseness. Generally, when symptoms of laryngitis appear, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology department promptly for a laryngoscopy to assess the extent of the inflammatory response.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to treat chronic laryngitis?

The treatment of chronic laryngitis is generally conservative. Clinically, it usually starts with a laryngoscopy to examine the specific lesions and severity in the throat area. It is also recommended to observe specific clinical symptoms. If the symptoms are mild and do not affect daily life, observation and dietary adjustments may be considered. Additionally, for more pronounced symptoms, such as throat pain and the sensation of a foreign body, medication treatment should be considered. Currently, oral traditional Chinese medicine is commonly used in conjunction with nebulization therapy. Regular laryngoscopy follow-ups are advised to monitor changes in the throat and vocal cords. Overall, it is considered a relatively common condition.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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What to eat for laryngitis

Laryngitis is an emergency in otolaryngology, commonly seen in infants and toddlers. Generally, it is caused by acute inflammation that irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, mainly the vocal cords, leading to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa. Patients may exhibit sudden high fever, with a body temperature above 38°C, severe sore throat, hoarse voice, bark-like cough, and in severe cases, it may cause breathing difficulties or even lead to suffocation and death. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope can reveal severe edema of the bilateral vocal cords and incomplete closure of the glottis. In treatment, laryngitis initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. A routine blood test should be conducted; if there is an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils, a bacterial infection should be considered, and oral administration of cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics is effective. If lymphocytes are elevated, the patient should receive symptomatic antiviral treatment, which is also effective. Additionally, nebulized inhalation should be used to help reduce local congestion and edema. A bland diet should be maintained, avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Recovery is typically within about a week. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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What foods should not be eaten with laryngitis?

If it's just a simple case of laryngitis, depending on the general condition of the child, if it's only hoarseness and the overall symptoms are not severe, there are usually no special restrictions. However, if there is significant laryngeal obstruction, difficulty in swallowing, or difficulty in breathing, a liquid diet should be the main focus. A light diet is easier for the child to accept and helps with a quicker recovery. The general rule is to avoid spicy and irritating foods temporarily, as these can exacerbate swelling in the throat and hinder recovery. This is something that needs attention.