Pain in the larynx

introduction

From an anatomical point of view, the larynx represents the separation between the airways and the entry into the gastrointestinal tract.
During breathing, the entrance to the windpipe is closed by the epiglottis.
If a person ingests food in the oral cavity, begins to chew it and thus ultimately initiates the act of swallowing, the epiglottis closes on the windpipe (Trachea). This mechanism normally prevents the passage of chyme into the airways. Pain in the area of ​​the larynx is not uncommon.
The mechanisms responsible for this, on the other hand, can vary greatly from one another. In general, inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the larynx, infections by viral or bacterial pathogens, functional disorders and malignant changes can lead to pain in the larynx.

The diagnosis is usually made from a mixture of physical function tests and imaging tests. The most suitable therapy is also made dependent on the underlying disease. Due to the multitude of diseases that can lead to pain in the larynx, it is impossible to make a general prognosis.

causes

Larynx pain can be triggered by a variety of causes. In everyday clinical practice, a distinction is made between rather "harmless" and "more serious“Illnesses. Even a minimal mechanical one trauma (for example a small injury in the nasopharynx) may affect some patients too severe pain lead, the localization of which corresponds to Larynx is attributed. In such cases it is still noticeable that the pain is both while eating, as well as during the Drinking amplify.

The most common diseases that lead to pain in the larynx are:

• acute laryngitis (Synonym: pseudo croup)
• Epiglottitis
• Epiglottic edema
• Chronic laryngitis
• diphtheria
• Larynx paralysis
• Benign Tumors of the larynx
• Vocal cord nodules
• Throat cancer
• Vocal cord cancer

Furthermore, the Larynx pain after vomiting occur.

Acute laryngitis

Synonym: Pseudo croup (Main Products)

With the term "acute laryngitis“Known disease is a sudden onset of pain accompanied inflammation of Larynx.
In the vernacular, acute laryngitis is better known as "Pseudo croup" known. Triggered by bacterial and or viral pathogens it comes to local Swelling in the respiratory tract and larynx.
As a result, the diameter of the air-conducting paths (especially with children) enormously constricted.
In addition to the larynx pain felt by the affected patient, acute laryngitis is typical, especially in children „barking" To cough and pronounced Shortness of breath. In the area of Rib cage and des Belly the affected children can be clearly identified Recoveries as an indication of difficulty breathing.
For the parents of children who are suffering from an acute attack with pain in the larynx, it is extremely important to keep calm and get the child in as soon as possible Pediatrician to introduce. In addition, cold moist air as particularly helpful. In winter it is therefore important to open the window and step in front of the open window with the affected child wrapped in a warm blanket. The open refrigerator can be used on hot summer days.
In most cases, these simple measures already show a clear improvement within a few minutes. Treatment at the doctor's is usually carried out by a Inhalation of bronchodilator substances and if necessary the application of a Cortisone suppository (Rektodelt).

Epiglottitis

At a Epiglottitis (Laryngitis) it is a through bacterial pathogens triggered illness. In most cases, the bacterial colonization of the larynx arises on the basis of one through Viruses weakened Immune system. One speaks of one bacterial superinfection.
Since the mucous membranes are severely affected when such a larynx is present, it comes to severe pain and a corresponding General symptoms (for example fever). In addition, most of the affected patients suffer from difficulties swallowing With Pain, hoarseness, to cough and Shortness of breath.
The most common cause of laryngitis is this Haemophilus Influenza. For this reason, the only effective prophylaxis is early one vaccination already in infancy. Epiglottitis is one potentially life threatening illness.

Diphtheria

Under the term diphtheria one understands one highly contagious, acute progression Infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract.
The germ responsible for this clinical picture is a gram-positive Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Already two to six days after infection (Incubation period: 2-6 days) occur in affected patients who first symptoms on.
Besides the severe pain on the larynx can usually Exhaustion, nausea and increasing fever determine. The pain in the throat felt by the patient in most cases decreases during the Swallowing act clearly in intensity.
In the field of Almonds of an infected person yellowish-whitish deposits see. These deposits can spread over the entire pharynx spread.
In addition to the pain in the throat already described, there is one putrid-sweetish bad breath to the typical symptoms of diphtheria. Should the Noses be colonized by pathogens, the pain usually occurs together with it low viscosity or purulent, bloody runny nose on.
In patients in whom the entire pharynx is colonized, one speaks of one Larynx diphtheria (Synonym: real croup). The affected patients also suffer from severe pain in the larynx.
In addition, they assign one barking cough, increasing hoarseness and Voicelessness (Aphonia) on. Also the breathing is with the affected patient highly limited. Especially during the inhalation there is pain and clearly audible whistling noises (Stridor). Diphtheria with pain in the larynx is treated by giving Antitoxins and Antibiotics (penicillin).

Throat cancer

Throat cancer (Technical term: laryngeal carcinoma) is created through education malignant cells in the area of ​​the larynx.
The painful tumor of the larynx is one of the most common in Germany most common malignant diseases.
The symptoms (for example pain) differ depending on the exact localization of the tumor clearly from each other. The most important risk factors for developing a tumor on the larynx are the consumption of Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.
In addition, various Viruses be involved in the development of a larynx tumor with pain. Other important risk factors are Asbestos, nickel, chromium, arsenic and Benzopyrene.
The treatment of a tumor of the larynx with pain depends on the respective localization of the tissue growth. In the early stages one can be partial surgical removal different parts of the larynx. Advanced forms of the disease can be caused by combinations of surgery, Chemo- and radiotherapy be treated.

diagnosis

The most important diagnostic tools used to determine the cause of pain in the larynx are detailed Doctor-patient conversation (Medical history), physical exam, and various imaging tests.

To view the larynx there is usually a so-called Larynxoscopy (Laryngoscopy) instead of. This method is an imaging procedure that is perfect in most cases without pain can be carried out.
During the direct larynxoscopy, the attending physician uses one thin spatula and a small lamp a. In this way, the larynx can be viewed and any changes that may be present can be assessed directly.
During the indirect larynxoscopy come in Mirror and a small lamp for use. In this way the attending physician can down to the Vocal folds see and thus their Appearance and agility appraise.
Furthermore, if there is pain in the larynx, a so-called Microlaryngoscopy be performed. However, this procedure must usually be under general anesthetic respectively. The advantage of microlaryngoscopy for pain in the larynx is the direct one Taking tissue samples. In addition, can Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Recordings are made. The removal of Blood samples to determine various blood values makes sense.

therapy

Treatment for pain in the larynx is strictly dependent on the underlying condition.

Children under one acute croup attack should suffer first calmed down become. Studies have shown that calming measures can help quickly relieve pain and shortness of breath.
In addition, the affected children should be timely cold moist air are fed.
Parents who have one Inhaler can use this at any time. At the first pseudo croup attack with pain in the larynx and shortness of breath, a Pediatrician be consulted. The inhalation of the active ingredients Salbutamol and Atruventthat have a profound impact on the Bronchi exercise. In severe cases, a Cortisol suppositories (for example Rektodelt) can be administered. However, since a real croup is characterized by a bacterial conditional illness is usually a antibiotic therapy can be initiated with an inpatient stay.

Throat cancer must either depending on the exact location and the stage of the cell growth surgically and / or by Chemo- respectively radiotherapy be treated.

also read: Larynx-What To Do?

forecast

The prognosis of the individual diseases that lead to pain in the larynx also differs greatly from one another.
The acute laryngitis (Synonym: pseudo croup) can usually occur during individual seizures timely be treated. It can also be observed that many children develop this clinical picture as they grow up grow out. This means that the frequency of seizure episodes decreases with increasing diameter of the airways. Most of the children affected are about completely free of seizures at the age of six.
Also the "real croup“ (diphtheria) can now be achieved through the targeted administration of Antibiotics Treat it quite well and the prognosis for pain in the larynx is accordingly good. Pain in the larynx caused by a malignant change in tissue to be triggered (Throat cancer) have a rather bad prognosis. In many cases the Larynx completely removed become.