Medical expert of the article
New publications
Laryngeal burns
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Burns of the larynx result from the same causes as the pharyngeal burns: ingestion and aspiration of caustic liquids, inhalation of corrosive fumes and hot smoke in case of fire. At the same time, trachea and bronchi can be affected. At the same time, a burn of the oral cavity inevitably arises.
Damage resulting from swallowing hot and corrosive liquids (acids and alkalis) is limited, in addition to burns to the oral cavity and the oropharynx proper, also by the epiglottis, cherpalodnagortan folds and the area of the arytenoid cartilages. Burns caused by inhalation of hot or corrosive gases spread to the larynx, trachea and bronchi and are termed thermal or chemical burns of the upper respiratory tract.
[Symptoms of a larynx burn
Burns of the upper respiratory tract cause dysphagia, dysphonia, respiratory failure as a result of burn tissue damage and pronounced edema. Often, as a result of a sharp pain syndrome, the victim has a shock state, fraught with the danger of stopping breathing. As a result of the inflammatory reaction and pronounced transudation from the burn surface, there is abundant mucopurulent sputum, often with an admixture of blood. With deep burns, fragments of necrotic tissue can be released along with sputum.
Diagnosis of a larynx burn
When laryngoscopy draws attention to the sharp hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the larynx, blisters and ulcers covered with a greyish-white coating. Deep burns of the larynx can cause the phenomena of perichondritis and necrosis of the internal structures of the larynx, down to the melting of its internal muscles. In severe cases, the epiglottis and the arytenoid cartilages may be necrotic with subsequent scarring of the entrance to the larynx and the appearance of its stenosis.
What do need to examine?
Treatment of burns of the larynx
Treatment of burns of the larynx is a complicated process, long and not always effective enough with respect to the consequences of this trauma. In chemical burns, alkaline pulverizations are appointed in a mixture with solutions of proteolytic enzymes to dilute the drying exudate and its isolation. Apply also pulverizatsii 2% solution of cocaine with adrenaline to reduce the severity of the pain syndrome. The use of opioids is contraindicated. With thermal and chemical burns of the larynx, cold compresses are recommended on the front surface of the neck, intravenous calcium chloride injections, injections of diphenhydramine, sedatives, antibiotics with hydrocortisone, which prevents secondary infection, laryngeal edema and, to a certain extent, cicatricial stenosis.
What prognosis does the larynx burn?
In mild cases, a burn of the larynx has a favorable prognosis. In severe cases, if concentrated acid or alkali falls into the stomach, the death of the patient from renal insufficiency occurs within a few days.
Surviving patients develop extensive cicatricial stenosis of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, which require long-term treatment, including surgical.