Do you have a cough from laryngitis?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Laryngitis can cause severe coughing. Laryngitis is caused by acute inflammation that affects the throat, primarily the vocal cords, leading to sudden high fevers over 38.5°C. Patients experience severe throat pain, hoarseness, irritating coughs, bark-like coughs, and in severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing, choking, and even death. Generally, laryngitis is more common in infants and young children and can spread through the respiratory or digestive tract. During an examination with a laryngoscope, congested and swollen bilateral vocal cords are apparent, with good mobility but incomplete closure. In terms of treatment, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary for laryngitis. This can include oral or intravenous antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, which are effective. Additionally, corticosteroids are used to reduce local congestion and swelling. A light diet is recommended, and gradual improvement is usually seen within a week. (The use of medication should be carried out under the guidance of a professional 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.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Does laryngitis require nebulization?

Laryngitis can be treated with nebulized inhalation, which is very effective. Laryngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology, and it most commonly occurs in infants and young children. This is because the mucous membrane of the pharynx in infants and young children is relatively lax. Once their immunity and resistance decreases, bacteria or viruses can invade, leading to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucous membrane. It also causes the patient to develop fever and pain in the throat, predominantly pain during swallowing. Additionally, the patient may experience a barking cough, hoarse voice, and in severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties, suffocation, and even death. Upon examination, obvious congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucous membrane can be found, particularly severe on both vocal cords, with good vocal cord movement but incomplete closure. In terms of treatment, the patient first needs symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, and can also use nebulized inhalation to help reduce the congestion and swelling of the throat, which generally improves gradually over about a week.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What causes laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, and burning sensation. Some patients may also experience swallowing obstruction, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. Regarding the causes, it could be due to an acute viral infection, or an acute bacterial infection leading to inflammation. Some patients are affected due to improper diet or exposure to external irritants. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an ENT department promptly for a laryngoscopy and routine blood tests to assess the severity of the condition.

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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 Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if I have laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology, with patients ranging from children to adults, each showing different symptoms. In children, due to the narrow glottis and loose submucosal tissue, inflammation can cause significant swelling, potentially leading to breathing difficulties or even asphyxiation. Some children may experience a hoarse voice and a hollow-sounding cough. In adults, laryngitis primarily presents as hoarseness and difficulty speaking, with breathing difficulties being extremely rare. Treatment for laryngitis generally involves anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and nebulized inhalation to address the symptoms, and most patients see a complete alleviation of symptoms after treatment. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)