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Acute and chronic stenosis of the larynx and trachea: diagnosis
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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The examination of patients for acute stenosis of the larynx is performed to assess the functional state of the respiratory organs, the degree and nature of narrowing of the upper respiratory tract, the general state of the organism. When collecting anamnesis, attention should be paid to the duration and severity of symptoms of respiratory failure, its association with the etiologic factor (trauma, surgical intervention, intubation, the presence of acute infectious diseases).
[Indications for consultation of other specialists
With stenosis accompanied by respiratory failure, consultation of the therapist is necessary; with stenosis of the thoracic trachea - thoracic surgeon; at a pathology of a thyroid gland - the endocrinologist; with stenosis of tumor etiology - oncologist.
Physical examination
To establish the diagnosis and determine the tactics of treatment, a general examination, X-ray examination of the neck organs, in the presence of indications - with radiopaque material, CT of the larynx and trachea, MRI, examination of the function of external respiration, ECG, stroboscopy.
Laboratory diagnosis of laryngeal stenosis
Assign an overall analysis of blood and urine, biochemical analysis and study of the gas composition of blood, sowing the contents of the larynx and trachea with typing of microorganisms and determining their sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.
Instrumental research
Perform direct and indirect laryngo-, micro-laryngo-, strobo, endofibrolarotraheheronronchoscopy. A mandatory method for assessing the clinical and functional state of the upper respiratory tract with stenosis is zdofibroskopiya with the use of flexible endoscopes. The study allows to determine the level, extent and degree of narrowing of the airway lumen.
Differential diagnosis of stenosis of the larynx
Differentiate stenosis of the larynx and trachea follows with laryngospasm, hysteria, bronchial asthma, tumors and specific damage to the respiratory system. Careful collection of anamnesis and correct interpretation of these objective diagnostic methods allow you to make a diagnosis.