Treatment of swelling of the throat

When symptoms of swelling of the larynx tissue appear, it is necessary to establish the cause of this reaction. What to do with swelling of the throat depends on the factors that provoked it. At the first signs of suffocation, you need to call an ambulance or consult a doctor yourself (if the swelling is mild). To facilitate breathing, it is recommended to humidify the air in the room and rub your hands and feet with a damp towel.

• For allergic edema, medications are taken to relieve inflammation and swelling.
• If the problem is caused by an infection, then antiviral and antibacterial therapy is carried out.
• In critical conditions, tracheotomy or intubation is performed.

That is, the answer to the question of what to do with a swollen throat is one - seek medical help and eliminate irritating factors. Self-medication leads to the fact that the pathological condition begins to progress, causing suffocation and death. In advanced edema, medical care may be powerless.

How to relieve a swollen throat?

If the swelling of the larynx tissue is not life-threatening, then various treatment methods are used based on the cause of the ailment. For example, if the swelling is caused by tonsillitis, then the patient undergoes antibacterial therapy. Before this, a smear is taken from the nose and larynx to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics. The treatment is pathogenetic, that is, it affects the pathogenesis of the swelling.

Symptomatic therapy is aimed at eliminating not only the swelling, but also the accompanying symptoms. Very often, swelling is accompanied by pain when swallowing, signs of intoxication and other painful manifestations. The patient is prescribed solutions and sprays of local antiseptics, which eliminate the problem, facilitate breathing and improve overall well-being.

• If the swelling is caused by a foreign body in the throat, then to ease the condition before the ambulance arrives, it is necessary to press on the abdomen several times 3-5 cm above the navel. This will help calm down and restore the heart rhythm.
• In case of infectious edema with suffocation, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to the throat and swallow a piece of ice. In case of severe pain, before the ambulance arrives, you can make a hot foot bath.
• If the swelling is caused by an allergy, then an injection of antihistamines or a tablet of medication under the tongue is required.
• To eliminate a chemical burn, you should rinse with a solution that neutralizes the cause of the burn.

Regardless of the cause of the throat swelling, medical assistance is a must. Since even mild symptoms of suffocation can quickly progress, causing oxygen starvation of vital organs and systems.

Drug treatment

Removing throat swelling at early stages helps prevent the development of serious complications, but makes it difficult to differentiate. Medicines are used to restore normal breathing and relieve painful symptoms. The following agents are used for this: fast-acting diuretics, tranquilizers, mustard plasters on the calves of the legs and hot foot baths, sedatives and antihistamines.

1. Penicillin

An antimicrobial agent with bactericidal and bacteriostatic action. Active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, anaerobic microorganisms. Available in the form of injections and tablets for resorption and oral administration. An effective method of using the drug is its intramuscular administration. The active substance quickly enters the blood and is distributed throughout the body. When taken orally, the antibiotic is poorly absorbed, since part of it is destroyed under the influence of gastric juice.

• Indications for use: treatment of diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to the drug, pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, urinary and biliary tract infections. Empyema of the pleura, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, diphtheria, purulent infectious lesions of the mucous membrane and skin, gynecological and ophthalmological diseases, gonorrhea, syphilis, ENT diseases.
• The method of administration and dosage depend on the form of release and indications for use. Injections are administered intravenously, intramuscularly and into the spinal canal. For effective therapy, the dosage is calculated per 1 ml of blood 0.1-0.3 U of penicillin. The drug is administered every 3-4 hours. Tablets are usually taken 250-500 mg every 8 hours, the maximum daily dose is 750 mg.
• Contraindicated for use in case of high sensitivity to penicillins. Not prescribed for patients with bronchial asthma, allergic diseases, urticaria, hay fever.
• Side effects include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, vaginal and oral candidiasis, muscle spasms of the extremities and anaphylactic shock. If the drug is used during pregnancy, there is a risk of fetal sensitization. In case of overdose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea appear. If the drug is taken by patients with renal failure, there is a risk of hyperkalemia.

2. Prednisolone

A synthetic analogue of the hormones hydrocortisone and cortisone, which are secreted by the adrenal cortex. The drug is 5 times more active than the substances secreted by the body. It has an antiallergic, anti-shock, anti-inflammatory and antitoxic effect. The antiallergic effect is based on the reduction of basophils, inhibition of secretion and synthesis of biologically active substances. It is available in tablets for oral use, ampoules for injections and tubes in the form of an ointment.

• When administered orally, they are quickly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body tissues. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma is observed 1.5 hours after administration. Biotransformed and metabolized in the liver, excreted as metabolites in urine and feces. Penetrates the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk.
• Main indications for use: collagenoses, bronchial asthma, infectious mononucleosis, eczema and neurodermatitis, various allergic diseases, pancreatitis, collapse and shock, allergic conjunctivitis, trauma and postoperative period after transplantation, to prevent organ rejection.
• The dosage is selected individually. To relieve acute conditions, take 20-30 mg per day, the maintenance dose is 10 mg per day. When using injections, use 30-60 mg intramuscularly or intravenously. The duration of therapy is 10-14 days. During treatment, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure, urine, blood and feces.
• Side effects occur with prolonged use of the drug. Most often, this is obesity, hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities. Gastrointestinal pathologies, increased blood clotting and weakening of the immune system's protective properties are possible. In case of overdose, side effects may increase. Therapy is symptomatic.
• Prednisolone is contraindicated in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, during pregnancy, acute endocarditis, psychosis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. It is not used to treat patients with syphilis, active tuberculosis and in old age.

3. Diphenhydramine

Antihistamine, antiallergic, hypnotic and local anesthetic drug. Blocks histamine receptors, reduces smooth muscle spasms, relieves swelling of tissues and mucous membranes. Available in the form of powder for injections, ampoules, suppositories and gel for external use.

• After application, it is quickly and well absorbed. Plasma protein binding is up to 99%. The maximum concentration is achieved within 1-4 hours after oral administration. Most of the active components are metabolized in the liver. The half-life is 1-4 hours. It passes through the placental and blood-brain barrier, and is excreted in breast milk. The maximum therapeutic effect develops within an hour after application and lasts for 4-6 hours.
• The medicine is prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases: urticaria, rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, itchy dermatosis, angioedema. Diphenhydramine helps prevent allergic complications during blood transfusion. It is used for bronchial asthma, gastric ulcer, gastritis, colds, extensive injuries to the skin and soft tissues.
• For adult patients, 30-50 mg is prescribed up to three times a day, the duration of treatment is 10-14 days. The maximum single dose is 100 mg, daily 250 mg. For children 2-6 years old, 12-25 mg is prescribed, 6-12 years old - 25-50 mg every 6-8 hours. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 150 mg, and a single dose 50 mg.
• Side effects are manifested by all organs and systems. Most often, patients experience sedative disorders, general weakness and fatigue, headaches, drowsiness. Tachycardia, hypotension, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea may develop. In rare cases, skin allergic reactions, frequent or difficult urination, dry throat and nose, increased sweating and chills occur.
• Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active components, during pregnancy and lactation. Not prescribed to patients with bronchial asthma, ulcerative lesions of the duodenum, closed-angle glaucoma, as well as stenosis of the neck of the bladder.
• In case of overdose, symptoms of dry mouth, facial flushing, confusion, convulsions and even death appear. Treatment of overdose is symptomatic. It is recommended to induce vomiting, wash out the stomach and take absorbents.

4. Furosemide

A diuretic, i.e. a water pill. It is available in ampoules for intravenous and intramuscular administration and tablets for oral administration. The medicine is prescribed to eliminate congestion in the large and small circle of blood circulation associated with heart failure. It is used for renal failure, pulmonary and cerebral edema. It helps in the treatment of severe forms of hypertension.

• Orally, 40 mg is prescribed once a day, the maximum daily dose is 320 mg. After the swelling has subsided, the dosage is gradually reduced to the minimum effective dose. For intramuscular or intravenous administration, 20-60 mg is used 1-2 times a day, the maximum permissible dosage is 120 mg. The duration of treatment is 7-10 days.
• Contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation, hypokalemia, renal failure, hepatic coma, mechanical obstruction of the urinary tract.
• Side effects are manifested by many organs and systems. Most often, these are nausea, reddening of the skin, itching, decreased blood pressure, kidney inflammation, increased diuresis, and dizziness. Hypokalemia, uricosuria, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia may develop. Side effects are reversible; to eliminate them, it is necessary to reduce the dosage.

Suprastin

Antiallergic, antihistamine. The active substance is a chlorinated analogue of tripelenamin with a sedative effect. Its mechanism of action is based on blocking histamine H1 receptors, so the drug is used for various allergic reactions. The action is aimed at preventing hypersensitivity reactions. It has two forms of release: tablets and injection solution in ampoules.

• When taken orally, the medication is absorbed from the digestive tract. The therapeutic effect occurs within 15-30 minutes and lasts for 6 hours. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
• Used to treat various allergic reactions (swelling, urticaria, itching, conjunctivitis). Helps reduce swelling of the mucous membrane of the middle ear and nasal sinuses, with sinusitis and otitis. To reduce persistent hyperemia, the product is used in combination with Analgin and No-shpa.
• The dosage and duration of therapy depend on the severity of the allergic reaction. As a rule, the medication is taken for 5-7 days. For children under 6 years old, ½ tablet is prescribed 2 times a day, for children 6-14 years old, 1-1.5 tablets, for adults, 2 tablets. In case of overdose, hallucinations, anxiety, convulsions, athetosis, ataxia and impaired coordination of movements appear. For treatment, you must seek medical help.
• Contraindicated in cases of individual intolerance to the active substance, acute asthma attacks, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, gastric ulcer, closed-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, prostatic hyperplasia and hypersensitivity to ethylenediamine derivatives.
• Side effects of Suprastin occur in many organs and systems. The drug causes increased fatigue, dizziness and headaches, decreased vision, convulsions. Tachycardia and arrhythmia, painful sensations in the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, changes in appetite are possible. In rare cases, pathological changes in the hematopoietic system and immune system reactions to the drug are observed.

Fenistil for throat swelling

To treat swelling of the respiratory organs, drugs of varying effectiveness and action are used. Fenistil deserves special attention for swelling of the throat. The antiallergic drug blocks H1 histamine receptors, has an antiserotonin and antibradykinin effect. Reduces capillary permeability, preventing allergic reactions. Has a mild sedative effect. Available in the form of drops and gel for external use.

• The product is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases: urticaria, drug and food allergies, rhinitis. Helps eliminate itching from insect bites, atopic dermatitis and chickenpox.
• Adult patients are prescribed 20-40 drops 3 times a day. If the medicine causes drowsiness, the dosage should be reduced or divided into a larger number of doses. The dosage for children is calculated at 0.1 mg / body weight per day, three times a day. Children under one year are given 3-10 drops 3 times a day, from 1-3 years old - 10-15 drops and from 3-12 years old - 15-20 drops.
• Side effects include increased sleepiness at the beginning of the day, a feeling of dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, dizziness and headaches.
• Overdose symptoms: convulsions, fever, increased heart rate, hallucinations, general weakness. In rare cases, urinary retention, depression of the vasomotor and respiratory centers occur. Fenistil is contraindicated for patients under 1 year of age, with intolerance to its components, during pregnancy and lactation.

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Inhalations for throat swelling

Most often, swelling of the respiratory organs occurs due to inhalation or consumption of allergens. Inhalations for throat swelling allow you to stop the pathological process and restore the normal functioning of the body. During inhalation, medicinal substances penetrate the respiratory tract and have a therapeutic effect. The procedure is recommended for runny nose, sinusitis, inflammation of the tonsils, pharyngitis, pneumonia and bronchitis.

The main action of local therapy:

• Elimination of inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
• Removal of phlegm and mucus.
• Eliminates spasms that occur with severe coughing.
• Restoring normal breathing.

The procedure is contraindicated in case of a tendency to nosebleeds, tonsillitis, severe respiratory failure, subfebrile temperature, cardiovascular and lung diseases. Steam inhalations are effective in case of swelling of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. This method alleviates the symptoms of laryngitis, tracheitis and rhinitis.

For inhalations, it is better to use essential oils of fir, pine and juniper. Medicinal infusion of chamomile, calendula, sage or St. John's wort is also suitable for treatment. To eliminate severe swelling and pain, you can use a soda solution, sea salt, or iodine.

It is better to carry out the treatment 1-2 hours after eating. It is necessary to inhale and exhale without straining. Do not eat and try not to talk for an hour after inhalation. Particular attention should be paid to the temperature of the water, since breathing over boiling water can lead to burns. The duration of the procedure for adults is 1-3 minutes, for children no more than a minute, 3-5 times a day.

Vitamins

Treatment of edema should be combined, i.e. aimed at eliminating painful symptoms and the root cause of the disorder. Particular attention is paid to strengthening the protective properties of the immune system. Vitamins are used for these purposes.

• To treat swelling of allergic origin, it is recommended to take vitamin PP, as it minimizes signs of allergy and slows down the development of allergic reactions. Vitamins of group B help with nasal congestion, skin rashes, and reduce sensitivity to some allergens. Vitamin C eliminates the symptoms of seasonal allergies and prevents the development of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock and suffocation. Vitamin E is effective for allergic manifestations on the skin.
• Swelling of the larynx after injuries, operations – B vitamins (B12), calcium, amino acids and iron.
• If the swelling is caused by inflammatory or infectious irritants, it is recommended to use vitamin A, B, C, zinc preparations and beta-carotene. Useful microelements participate in the fight against the virus, normalize metabolism, improve the condition and functioning of all organs and systems.

Physiotherapy treatment

To eliminate throat swelling, not only medication but also physiotherapy is used. This method is based on the use of physical factors: ultrasound, laser, currents, magnetic fields. The treatment improves blood and lymph circulation, accelerates metabolic processes in the area of action.

Depending on the cause of the swelling of the respiratory tract, the following physiotherapy procedures are prescribed:

• UHF – the lesion is exposed to an ultra-high frequency electric field. The treatment has a bacteriostatic effect, reduces swelling, and restores microcirculation. The procedure is performed daily for 5-6 days.
• Magnetic therapy – the neck is exposed to a variable low-frequency magnetic field. This improves blood circulation at the capillary level, relieves inflammation, and reduces swelling of tissues and mucous membranes.
• Electrophoresis - the procedure is carried out using decongestants. Treatment is daily, the course of therapy is 10-15 sessions.
• Decimeter physiotherapy – used to reduce swelling and inflammation, eliminates congestion in the lungs. The course of treatment is 10 procedures.
• Inhalation – aerosol therapy improves breathing, clears the bronchi and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Physiotherapy is recommended to be used from the first days of the disorder. They speed up recovery and have a general strengthening effect on the entire body.

Folk remedies

For the treatment of diseases, one of the symptoms of which is swelling of the upper respiratory tract, both classical and folk methods are used. Let's consider several recipes for non-traditional therapy, which allows you to quickly painful symptoms:

• Dissolve a spoon of soda in a glass of boiled water, add a couple of drops of calendula or eucalyptus essential oil to the solution. Rinsing relieves pain and reduces swelling.
• If you are not allergic to honey or milk, you can use a cup of hot tea with milk, honey or raspberries for treatment. It is not only delicious, but also quickly restores normal breathing.
• If the swelling is caused by infectious agents, then potato juice is used for treatment. This remedy has bactericidal properties.
• A sea salt solution can be used to rinse the respiratory tract. Dissolve a teaspoon of the product in 500 ml of warm water. The solution is suitable for rinsing the nasal sinuses and steam inhalations.
• If rinsing, washing and inhalation have caused dryness and irritation of the mucous membrane in the nose and throat, then you need to use sea buckthorn oil. The product has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to restore damaged mucous membrane.

If none of the above folk remedies have made breathing easier and the swelling is gradually increasing, you should seek immediate medical help. Such ineffective self-treatment can lead to suffocation and death.

Herbal treatment

Many medications have restrictions on use. Herbal treatment is safe, as it has minimal contraindications and side effects. Before starting therapy, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause of difficulty breathing. To treat edema, you can use diuretic herbs, which have the same effect as diuretics:

• Pour boiling water over white birch leaves and simmer for 10-15 minutes. After cooling, strain and take ½ cup 3-4 times a day.

• The leaves of bearberry should be infused in a glass of boiling water and taken 1 spoon at a time.
• If the swelling is caused by pathologies of the cardiovascular system, then an infusion of corn silk with honey is suitable for its elimination.

Inhalations can be made from medicinal herbs. For these purposes, I use chamomile, sage or calendula. The plants have an anti-inflammatory, soothing and antiseptic effect. The herb is brewed at the rate of 1 spoon of raw material per 1 glass of water. The product must be boiled in a water bath, allowed to brew, filtered and heated to the required temperature for inhalation. Various essential oils are suitable for these purposes. Eucalyptus, fir, pine, peach, rosehip, anise or almond oils are good for easing breathing and have an anti-edematous effect.

Homeopathy

The use of non-traditional methods of treatment has proven itself to have minimal negative impact on the body, but a stable therapeutic effect. Homeopathy is one of such methods. Before its implementation, it is necessary to consult a homeopathic doctor who will select the appropriate drugs and their dosage.

• Spongia - helps relieve swelling of the larynx, which is accompanied by a strong dry cough and difficulty breathing.
• Gepar Sulphur - suitable for the treatment of swelling of the mucous membrane due to inflammatory or infectious diseases. Facilitates nasal breathing, eliminates coughing fits, hoarseness of voice.
• Aconite is an effective remedy for the first symptoms of respiratory failure. It relieves anxiety and restlessness, eliminates high temperature and coughing fits.
• C30 – quickly restores breathing and normalizes well-being. In case of severe shortness of breath and pain, take 3 peas at a time with subsequent intake after 30 minutes. So, alternately every half hour until well-being improves. This remedy is not recommended for use simultaneously with classical therapy methods.

Please note that most homeopathic preparations are used with individual dosage selection. This allows you to quickly achieve the desired effect and restore normal breathing, preventing the development of side effects.

Surgical treatment

Rapidly progressing swelling of the respiratory organs can lead to suffocation. Surgical treatment is used to prevent this condition and restore normal breathing.

• Tracheotomy – is performed in case of critical symptoms. A small incision is made on the front surface of the neck and a tube is inserted into the airway cavity. This relieves the attack and allows breathing calmly.
• Intubation – this method is performed in a hospital setting. A special tube is inserted into the larynx, which expands its lumen, providing normal oxygen access. The tube should not be in place for longer than 3 days, after which it must be removed, as side effects are possible.
• In case of severe edema, which has a chronic course, excision of scars and neoplasms in the larynx cavity that block breathing is performed. During the operation, the vocal cord with cartilage on one side can be removed.

In addition to the above methods, surgical intervention can include tracheoplasty, implantation of allochondria, and even the installation of a prosthesis for the larynx after tracheotomy.