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Influenza laryngitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The preferred localization of influenza infection is the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and in particular the larynx. Usually the manifestation of influenza in this area occurs in the form of catarrhal inflammation, but in more severe forms of influenza, hemorrhagic laryngitis is often observed, manifested by submucous hemorrhages or fibrinous exudative laryngitis with marked exudation of fibrin and ulceration of the mucous membrane. In young children there is a severe laryngotraheronhitis, described above. With influenza laryngitis more often than with other inflammatory processes in the larynx, there are abscesses and phlegmon of the larynx, localized in the epiglottis or cherpalodnagortane folds, due to their origin of superinfection, in which the leading role is played by streptococci.
Symptoms and clinical course of laryngitis with influenza. The general condition is typical for severe influenza infection, which is dominated by headache, general weakness, joint and calf muscles, high body temperature, etc. Local symptoms are not much different from signs of banal laryngitis or vulgar abscess and phlegmon of the larynx if influenza laryngitis is complicated these forms of purulent inflammation. Cough, at the beginning of the disease is dry, causing sadness and pain behind the breastbone (tracheal injury), as the conditionally pathogenic microbiota becomes more active, it becomes wet and is accompanied by an abundant discharge of mucopurulent sputum. Characteristic for influenza laryngitis laryngoscopic changes occur only with hemorrhagic form, in other cases - as in banal catarrhal laryngitis with a slightly more marked mucosal hyperemia. Sometimes there is a massive swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and marked hyperemia, which may indicate the onset of ulcerative necrotic influenza laryngitis.
Functional disorders are manifested by dysphonia, with swelling - obstruction of the respiratory function of the larynx.
The diagnosis is based, as a rule, on a general clinical picture, much more severe than with a banal catarrhal laryngitis. This picture is supplemented by hemorrhagic phenomena in the mucous membrane of the larynx.
Treatment of laryngitis with influenza: local - the same as with common or complicated laryngitis. In addition to it, spraying and inhalation of an aerosol of anti-influenza lyophilized and hyperimmune serum, antifungal drugs such as rimantadine, antipyretic drugs, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, calcium preparations, diphenhydramine and other antihistamines, antipyretic drugs are used.
The prognosis for usual influenza laryngitis is favorable both for the life of the patient and for the functions of the larynx. In severe forms of influenza, the prognosis is determined by general toxic syndrome, often terminating lethally, especially with influenza haemorrhagic pneumonia.
Prevention is to exclude contact with patients with ARI in the period of influenza epidemics.
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