Larynx pain
Synonyms
Laryngitis, croup, pseudocroup
Medical: larynx
English: laryngeal
Symptoms
The typical symptom of larynx disease and larynx is that hoarseness. If it lasts longer than three days, the specialist will clarify for you Otorhinolaryngology recommended. Your doctor will refer you if necessary.
Also dry cough can be caused by a disease of the larynx. It manifests itself primarily through a constant, unproductive cough.
Unproductive means that no phlegm is coughed up, as is the case with one bronchitis would. Particular attention should be paid to symptoms such as Shortness of breath and larynx, as these can indicate a serious illness.
Especially in the case of larynx pain while swallowing or a disability to consume solid food (difficulty swallowing = Dysphagia), a specialist for Otorhinolaryngology be consulted. The same applies if you have the constant feeling that something is stuck in your throat (Foreign body sensation = Globe feeling).
Cough for larynx pain
Larynx pain and to cough or Throat irritation are clear symptoms of inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis), which mostly by Viruses or bacteria is triggered. For the patient, especially the long-lasting ones hoarseness, as well as the urge to cough unpleasant.
It is important to differentiate exactly when the symptoms first appeared. For one, it can be the virus or bacteria originally colonized the nose have and then the throat along to the larynx (Larynx) have migrated. Then before the larynx and the cough there are typical signs of one Runny nose on. However, it can also be that the parasites are from the lower respiratory tract, ie up from the lungs have hiked. Then the patient had strong coughing fits with throat irritation and possibly slimy sputum before the larynx pain (productive cough). In this case, the primary infection was a bronchitisthat should be clarified so that yourself no chronic throat irritation developed.
In addition, it is important to know that the larynx has a layer of mucous membrane inside. This The mucous membrane swells common in laryngitis. This then leads next to the Cough and the larynx pain In rare cases also for shortness of breath (Dyspnea). In this case, an emergency doctor must always be alerted!
In addition, a patient with laryngeal pain and persistent coughing should not wait for improvement, but take action and get one doctor seek out. Because an untreated laryngitis becomes a Chronification which means that the larynx and the cough will no longer go away completely and will already go away least stress (for example with passive smoking) with full force to return.
Often the laryngeal pain disappears after a while and the patient thinks that the disease is over. However, if the cough persists and increased hoarseness occurs, an ENT doctor should be consulted, as in this case it is already one chronic laryngitis can act; in the worst case, even the creation of a Tumor in the larynx. Especially Smoker and people who frequently breathe dry and dusty air, should consult a doctor as soon as possible in the event of such symptoms as their cancer risk is increased many times over.
At Children there is often a so-called Pseudocoups. Here, too, the symptoms are prolonged coughing with strong urge to cough and larynx pain, often accompanied by hoarseness. The cough usually occurs suddenly in the early night and often sounds like loud barking and usually does not contain phlegm or blood (unproductive cough). However, because of all the coughing it became easier shortness of breath may come, it is important to calm the child down, as panic causes the distance between the Vocal cords continues to decrease and thus an increased shortness of breath with possible Choking hazard can come. Normally, however, after a few hours the symptoms should have improved to such an extent that the child can go back to sleep in peace.
A so-called real croup occurs at the diphtheria which is very rare in Germany; Here, too, the symptoms are very similar to those of laryngitis. There is a long-lasting cough without expectoration of mucus, accompanied by larynx pain and hoarseness. However, since this is a very rare Disease, patients should always think of acute laryngitis first if they are plagued by larynx and throat pain. It is important here to consult a doctor who will clarify the pathogen and then appropriate medication (usually antibiotic) prescribes. Then should within a few days the symptoms largely disappear.
Difficulty swallowing with larynx pain
Pain in the larynx is often a symptom of an acute one Laryngitis, also laryngitis called.
Viruses are often the trigger for this disease, which causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of the larynx. In rare cases, however, bacteria or mechanical or chemical stimuli (heavy strain on the voice, dry air, cigarette smoke, etc.) be the cause.
On the one hand, the latter also means that the Vocal folds with swell what the typical hoarseness leads, since these are then no longer so freely movable. The Inflammation of the mucous membranes causes the larynx or sore throat, which occur particularly strongly when swallowing, so that one can also speak of pain-related swallowing disorders. (please refer: Pain when swallowing)
In addition, there is a barking cough, fever and a "lump feeling" in the throat. If the mucous membrane swells so much that the airways are narrowed (the larynx is part of the respiratory system), a feeling of shortness of breath can arise.
Hoarseness with larynx pain
Larynx pain occurs at Adult almost always due to an inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis). Here there is a classic Symptom triad: There is an increased Throat irritation along with Larynx pain and hoarseness on; this is due to inflammation of the vocal cords traced back. It is important not to underestimate the symptoms. Acute laryngitis usually has one very good progression. However, the patient has to accept some inconvenience due to the hoarseness; for one, the patient should at least 2 days as good as ever do not speakIf so, then only in low whispering and, if possible, only in short sentences. Singing, shouting or normal talking are strictly forbidden!
In addition to the larynx and hoarseness, there is often one too Change of voice; many patients report having the voice initially very nasal and especially high sounds. As long as these symptoms persist, the disease is not completely cured and the patient should continue to protect his voice! This also includes avoid dry, humid and warm air.
Since a laryngitis occurs primarily in the winter months, it is therefore advisable to do a lot of the fresh air to be and possibly at night cooling compresses to be used to relieve larynx pain and hoarseness. The Smoke of cigarettes, as well as the enjoyment of alcohol is during a larynx infection not healing (contraindicated). To reduce the hoarseness you can consume lozenges (especially Sage drops) and you should be regular to drink tea, to the To keep mucous membrane moist.
Another possible cause is larynx that is after Vomit occur. Vomiting can irritate the mucous membrane and lead to larynx pain and accompanying hoarseness.
Cold symptoms with larynx pain
Larynx pain is often paired with one cold, with the symptoms of the same viruses that primarily caused the cold. However, if the patient does not take enough care of himself or if he is weakened by the cold, the virus may spread further and not only infect the nose and trigger classic cold symptoms, but also Involvement of the larynx mucosa comes. In this case, cause the original Cold viruses (e.g. rhino viruses), now also an acute laryngitis (laryngitis), with Larynx pain and hoarseness goes hand in hand. In rare cases bacteria the trigger.
It is important if you have a cold and larynx pain To spare the voice and the lining of the larynx; For the patient this means that he should not smoke or sing, he should also refrain from screaming loudly. Otherwise a chronic laryngitis develop, which in the worst case, the emergence of a Tumor in the larynx promotes.
It is also important to avoid misinterpreting the symptoms. It comes to severe fever and next to the larynx there is an increasing one Tightness in the larynx on, then the patient should consult a doctor as there is then also inflammation of the Larynx (Epiglottis) can act (Epiglottitis). This will always go through bacteria and is associated with severe pain, especially when swallowing. So it comes to Larynx pain and additionally strong Swallowing pain. At some point, even swallowing the spit becomes too painful and it can lead to salivation from the mouth. In addition, there is a fever, which is usually higher than with a simple cold. In any case, a doctor should be consulted with the epiglottitis Antibiotics can be treated.
Nocturnal larynx pain
Larynx pain is usually caused by a viral infectioncausing inflammation of the larynx (acute laryngitis). The larynx occurs at any time of the day and also at night.
Especially small children suffer from suddenly at night severe larynx pain that occurs. This is usually a typical childhood disease, the so-called Pseudo croup, responsible. This is it Not for the real Krupp (diphtheria, practically eradicated in Germany), but rather a mostly viral infection of the mucous membrane in the larynx. Since you at night warm is wrapped up under the covers, becomes an increasing, becoming stronger swelling the lining of the larynx promoted; this worsens the symptoms enormously. In children, the pseudo croup expresses itself through attack-like, barking cough. In the worst case it can lead to Shortness of breath come; in order to counteract this, the child should be contacted as soon as possible fresh, cold air go and talk to the child reassuringly.
But even in adults, the larynx can worsen at night. A Possible Cause as in children, the increasing Swelling of the mucous membranes however, this would be especially the cough promote. A not yet proven, but very likely cause could also be the so-called Reflux disease be. This leads to a transfer of Stomach acid into the esophagus (Esophagus). Due to the high acid content, an existing inflammation of the larynx can worsen the symptoms. Since one lies flat in bed at night, it is easier for an increased reflux to occur and thus for a stronger irritation of the mucous membranes.
External larynx pain
Larynx pain often occurs in adulthood due to a acute laryngitis (Laryngitis). Here it comes to a mostly viral, less often bacterial infection of the inner lining of the larynx, which then increases Pain, to cough and hoarseness especially swallowing causes discomfort.
If the larynx is external, it is either small cystthat has formed in the area of the larynx or it may be that the pain does not come from the larynx itself, but only in its area projected become. Directly below the larynx (Larynx) is the thyroid (Glandula thyroidea) with the Parathyroid glands (Glandula parathyroidea). It comes to one Inflammation of the thyroid gland, this can cause pain that feels localized to the outside of the larynx. However, it can also be due to a increased thyroid growth this the larynx constricts and therefore there is a larynx on the outside of the neck.
Especially when the larynx pain isolated on the outside, i.e. without coughing or hoarseness, you should pay attention, because then it can definitely not be an acute laryngitis, and neither can others Diseases of the larynxsuch as epiglottitis, throat cancer, or a croup, locked out are.
Still should Clarified larynx pain because every clinical picture feels individually different and children in particular may describe their pain as a larynx pain on the outside, although they actually have an inflammation of the inner mucous membrane, as is the case with, for example Pseudo croup the case is. It is important to mention, however, that larynx pain is only on the outside In the rarest cases, a malignant finding, for example one tumor acts and that without accompanying symptoms like cough or hoarseness, mostly those thyroid and not the larynx the real thing problem represent.
Larynx pain after a blow to the larynx
A Blow is on the neck painful and can lead to severe larynx pain, among other things.There are different approaches depending on the strength of the blow and the pain.
For example, if you have a ball against your neck while playing soccer, this often leads to larynx pain, but that should disappear after a few hours. At first one can only wait and if necessary cold envelopes put around your neck to one Counteract swelling.
However, it comes to one powerful blow, for example if you hit the steering wheel with your neck in a car accident with full force severe laryngeal pain coupled with difficulty swallowing and often too Shortness of breath. As a result of such an event, it is important to be careful of the larynx to feel. You can feel it here irregularities, such as steps or unfamiliar edges, you should get one immediately doctor visit as there is a Partial rupture may have come in the area of the larynx. More symptoms can be Cough, speech disorders, hoarseness and especially severe pain. Further step Coughing up blood or worsening shortness of breath is immediate Emergency doctor to alert.
Despite the potentially dire course, larynx pain often only occurs for a short time after a blow to the larynx. The larynx itself is very stable and it takes massive violence to really inflict damage. That's why you can use the most cases, in which there is no shortness of breath or long-lasting larynx pain, advise to do so first to be seenbecause the symptoms should go away on their own within a few hours.
Diseases of the larynx
Acute laryngitis, subglottic laryngitis, acute laryngitis, pseudocroup
English: acute laryngitis
Acute laryngitis (sudden Laryngitis) or the popularly called "Pseudo croup" is an acute virus-related infection of the larynx lining below the Larynx. The main symptoms of the pseudocouple are barking cough, hoarseness and shortness of breath. Children between the ages of 3 and 6 are most often affected by pseudo croup.
Epiglottitis, epiglottic edema, glottic edema, English: epiglottitis
A bacterial superinfection of the epiglottis occurs in the course of a virus infection. A superinfection is understood to mean an infection, in this case with bacteria, which is based on an existing infection, often caused by a virus, i.e. it uses the generally previously damaged position of the mucous membrane. Shortness of breath, hoarseness, severe swallowing difficulties and fever make one Epiglottitis to a life-threatening illness.
An epiglottic edema or glottal edema primarily makes breathing more difficult.
Chronic layngitis
English: chronic laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis (chronic inflammation of the larynx) is the result of acute laryngitis that has not healed or is caused by constant irritation such as Smoke, Stomach acid (Reflux disease), lots of talking or singing. Chronic laryngitis becomes noticeable over weeks of irritable cough, hoarseness and a feeling of dryness.
Diphtheria, Krupp ("real croup")
The diphtheria is caused by a bacterial infection of the throat Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The infection increases towards deeper Larynx, croup coughing with barking cough, hoarseness, fever, Shortness of breath and a feeling of severe illness.
Larynx paralysis, recurrent palsy
The Recurrent palsy sometimes occurs after surgery on the thyroid gland or malignant tumors in the chest and neck area. A one-sided larynx paralysis only leads to hoarseness, the bilateral larynx paralysis leads to life-threatening shortness of breath.
You can find further information under our topic: thyroid
Benign tumors on the larynx, vocal cord nodules and polyps
English: benign tumors
Inflammation, voice overload, screaming or increased cell growth can lead to a benign tumor on the larynx. Of the Vocal fold polyp is mostly inflammatory. The Vocal cord nodules found in singers or screaming children.
Larynx cancer, larynx cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer
English: laryngeal carcinoma, hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Any hoarseness that lasts over three weeks is suspect Throat cancer. Smoke, Alcohol and occupational poisons (noxae) favor their development. The hypopharyngeal carcinoma (Throat cancer) occurs almost exclusively in smokers and has a poor prognosis.
Supraglottic carcinoma (cancer)
The Supraglottic carcinoma (Cancer) is discovered late because it rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. The hoarseness comes late, but then the supraglottic carcinoma has probably already spread metastases.
Vocal cord cancer
The Vocal cord cancer has a good prognosis because it is quickly discovered due to the early onset of hoarseness and there are hardly any secondary tumors (metastases). The treatment options for vocal cord cancer are very good.
diagnosis
The cause of the larynx pain can be clarified via direct or indirect laryngoscopy.
In the indirect examination method, a larynx mirror is pushed over the mouth to the back of the pharynx and held over the entrance to the larynx. The larynx can then be seen and assessed through the mirror. In addition to the condition of the larynx, the function of the vocal folds is also tested: the patient is asked to take a deep breath in order to assess the breathing position of the vocal folds. In order to assess the phonation position, the patient has to say "hi".
If the indirect examination method is not possible because of a strong gag reflex or restricted mouth opening, for example, direct laryngoscopy is used. Here a rigid tube (rigid endoscopy) or a flexible tube (flexible endoscopy) is pushed through the mouth or nose directly to the larynx. In practice, examination by endoscope is increasingly replacing examination by larynx mirror. Depending on the cause of the larynx pain, a different picture emerges: Initially, the pain can be caused by an external or internal trauma. In this case, it is important to watch out for swelling, bruising, and bruise marks around the larynx. In the reflection of the larynx, injuries to the mucous membrane can also be seen, and free cartilage parts that extend into the larynx can be recognized.
If there is a suspicion of a break in the cartilage structure of the larynx, a computed tomography is useful.
If it is an acute inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis), a reddened mucous membrane around the larynx, reddened and swollen vocal cords and increased vascular markings are visible in the laryngoscopy. Fibrin deposits can also occur in the case of bacterial infection.
Chronic laryngitis also shows a thickened mucous membrane in the area of the larynx and a rather dry environment. If the vocal cords are inflamed, they are reddened, swollen and covered with thick mucus.
Read more about the topic here: swollen vocal cords
In the case of a pseudocouple, however, the vocal folds are only slightly reddened. If, on the other hand, the real form of croup (diphtheria) is present, whitish to yellow-green coatings in the throat and larynx area are typical, which cannot be wiped off. Bleeding can easily occur when trying to loosen it. In addition, a sweet smell from acetone can be detected, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck area. The microbiological findings can be the triggering Corynebacterium diphtheriae be detected.
If a glassy swelling of the epiglottis and the base of the tongue and a red throat appear in the larynx mirror, it is probably an inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis). If epiglottitis is suspected, an endoscope should not be used, as it can lead to an attack of suffocation through complete obstruction of the airways!
You might also be interested in: Laryngitis - How Contagious Is It?
- Epiglottis cartilage -
Cartilago epiglottica - Hyoid bone - Os hyoideum
- Thyroid cartilage-hyoid bone ligament -
Thyrohyoid ligament - Upper thyroid cartilage incision
Incisura thyroidea superior - Thyroid cartilage -
Cartilago thyroidea - Ring Cartilage Brace -
Arcus cartilaginis
cricoideae - Thyroid -
Glandula thyroidea - Ring band -
Ligament annular - Tracheal cartilage -
Cartilago trachealis - Nasal cavity - Cavitas nasi
- Oral cavity - Cavitas oris
- Throat - Pharynx
- Lungs - Pulmo
Airway L - L (blue)
Feed route S - S (red)
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
therapy
In the case of inflammation, the first priority is to protect the larynx and the vocal cords by talking little, avoiding singing or loud screaming. Whispering and clearing your throat should be avoided as this puts additional strain on the vocal cords!
Read more about this at: What to do if you have a laryngitis
To relieve the pain, it can be useful to give pain medication such as NSAIDs. Furthermore, it helps to moisten the larynx by drinking a lot, inhaling water vapor, possibly mixed with essential oils, or brine, as well as moistening the rooms in which people are staying or the workplace. Antibiotics should only be given if there is additional infection with bacteria.
Furthermore, a strict smoking ban and compliance with it is important. But other noxious substances such as alcohol and hot spices should also be avoided for the time of healing. Expectorant drugs can be used against the mucus. If the larynx is irritated by increased exposure to dust, for example at work, a breathing mask should be worn in future to avoid exposure. Speech therapy can help in professions that permanently strain the voice, such as teachers or singers. Correct voice techniques are learned here in order to specifically avoid renewed or chronic inflammation of the vocal cords or the larynx.
Reflux, i.e. the rise of gastric juice into the esophagus, can also trigger inflammation. In this case, the reflux must be treated with drugs that inhibit the production of stomach acid (proton pump inhibitors).
Should an abscess form or the cartilage of the larynx become involved in the course of a laryngitis, surgical abscess removal and antibiotic therapy must be performed. If the pain and the abscess cannot be controlled, in the worst case even a complete removal of the larynx (Laryngectomy) be necessary.
In the case of a pseudocouple, it should be treated as an inpatient in any case in order to monitor the dyspnoea and, in an emergency, to be able to initiate artificial ventilation via a ventilation tube (intubation). It is also important here to keep the ambient air moist and preferably cold. If epiglottitis is present, inpatient treatment should also be carried out to monitor dyspnoea, as this can also be fatal if it is severe. If there is severe shortness of breath, intubation for ventilation must also take place here. In this clinical picture, the administration of antibiotics and high-dose corticosteroids is indicated because epiglottitis is typically triggered by bacteria. An existing diphtheria (real croup) should be treated with an antibiotic and a special diphtheria serum (antitoxin).
If the larynx is caused by trauma, securing the airways is the top priority in the event of shortness of breath. This can be done via intubation or, if not possible, a tracheal incision. If the swelling is pronounced, cortisone should be given. If the cartilage structure of the larynx breaks as a result of the trauma, surgical splinting may also be necessary, but this only occurs after massive violence. It is also advisable to protect the voice in the event of trauma.
Read more on the topic: Treating Larynx or Larynx-What To Do?
Home remedies for larynx pain
Larynx pain can have several causes:
At Children leads a so-called Pseudo croup often to larynx and barking to cough. Since this is a harmless and only quite short persistent illness, it is usually sufficient to take the child to the fresh air to go and get it too calm down so that it doesn't panic into shortness of breath. The pseudo croup is viral conditional and therefore can not with antibiotics be treated. If the symptoms persist, the disease can also be treated with home remedies as soon as it ceases Shortness of breath comes is a Emergency doctor to notify who may be Glucocorticoids can administer. The most important home remedy for larynx and barking coughs caused by croup is fresh and if possible cold airas the cold often becomes one Decongestion the lining of the larynx. It is important not to place the child in damp, warm rooms, such as the bathroom, as the larynx and especially the cough worsen acutely!
At Adult Larynx pain usually occurs as a result of a acute laryngitis on. First of all, it is important to protect your voice. Home remedies that can be used in this case are mainly essential oils. Inhaling Eucalyptus or peppermint oil especially helps; that too Gargle with sage tea or sea salt water proves to be a good home remedy for laryngitis to reduce the pain. Those who do not like to inhale can too Sage drops sucking to get relief. Additionally help Potato envelopesthat are placed around the larynx at night. This tried and tested home remedy is said to reduce the larynx pain several times over overnight.
