Medical expert of the article
New publications
Laryngeal burns
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Laryngeal burns occur for the same reasons as pharyngeal burns: swallowing and aspirating caustic liquids, inhaling caustic vapors and hot smoke during a fire. The trachea and bronchi may be affected at the same time. In this case, a burn of the oral cavity inevitably occurs.
Injuries resulting from swallowing hot and caustic liquids (acids and alkalis) are limited, in addition to burns of the oral cavity and oropharynx itself, to the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds and the area of the arytenoid cartilages. Burns caused by inhalation of hot or caustic gases extend to the larynx, trachea and bronchi and are called thermal or chemical burns of the upper respiratory tract.
[ Symptoms of a laryngeal burn
Burns of the upper respiratory tract cause dysphagia, dysphonia, and respiratory failure as a result of burn damage to tissues and their pronounced edema. Often, as a result of severe pain, the victim experiences a state of shock, which is fraught with the danger of respiratory arrest. As a result of the inflammatory reaction and pronounced transudation, abundant mucopurulent sputum appears from the burn surface, often with an admixture of blood. In case of deep burns, fragments of necrotic tissue may be released along with the sputum.
Diagnosis of laryngeal burn
During laryngoscopy, attention is drawn to the sharp hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the larynx, blisters and ulcers covered with a grayish-white coating. Deep burns of the larynx can cause perichondritis and necrosis of the internal structures of the larynx, up to the melting of its internal muscles. In severe cases, the epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages can become necrotic, with subsequent scarring of the entrance to the larynx and the development of its stenosis.
What do need to examine?
Treatment of laryngeal burns
Treatment of laryngeal burns is a complex, lengthy process and not always effective enough in relation to the consequences of this injury. In case of chemical burns, alkaline sprays are prescribed in a mixture with solutions of proteolytic enzymes to liquefy the drying exudate and release it. Sprays of a 2% solution of cocaine with adrenaline are also used to reduce the severity of the pain syndrome. The use of opiates is contraindicated. In case of thermal and chemical burns of the larynx, cold compresses on the anterior surface of the neck, intravenous administration of calcium chloride, injections of diphenhydramine, sedatives, antibiotics with hydrocortisone are recommended, which prevents the occurrence of secondary infection, laryngeal edema and, to a certain extent, its cicatricial stenosis.
What is the prognosis for a laryngeal burn?
In mild cases, a laryngeal burn has a favorable prognosis. In severe cases, when concentrated acid or alkali enters the stomach, the patient dies from kidney failure within a few days.
Surviving patients develop extensive cicatricial stenosis of the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus, which require long-term treatment, including surgery.