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Health

Treatment of throat swelling

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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When there are symptoms of swelling of the larynx tissues, 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 call your doctor on your own (if the puffiness is mild). To facilitate breathing, it is recommended to moisten the air in the room and rub your hands and feet with a damp towel.

  • With allergic swelling take medicine to relieve inflammation and swelling.
  • If the problem is caused by an infection, then antiviral and antibiotic therapy is performed.
  • In critical conditions, tracheotomy or intubation is performed.

That is, the answer to the question of what to do when swelling of the throat is one - seek medical help and eliminate irritating factors. Self-medication leads to the fact that the pathological state begins to progress, causing suffocation and death. With advanced edema, medical attention may be impotent.

Than to remove a swelling of a throat?

If the swelling of the tissues of the larynx is not a threat to life, then use different methods of treatment based on the cause of malaise. For example, if the swelling is caused by a sore throat, the patient is given antibacterial therapy. Before this, a swab from the nose and larynx is taken to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics. Treatment pathogenetic, that is, affects the pathogenesis of edema.

Symptomatic therapy is aimed at eliminating not only edema, but also accompanying symptoms. Very often swelling is accompanied by pain during 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 health.

  • If the edema is caused by a foreign body in the throat, then to ease the condition before the arrival of an ambulance, several times press on the stomach 3-5 cm above the navel. This will help to calm down, restore the heart rate.
  • When infectious edema with suffocation, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to the throat and swallow a piece of ice. At strong pains, before arrival fast, it is possible to make a hot bath for feet.
  • If the cause of the edema is an allergy, then an injection with antihistamines or a pill of the drug under the tongue is required.
  • To eliminate chemical burns, rinse with a solution that neutralizes the cause of the burn.

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

Medicinal treatment

Elimination of the edema of the throat in the early stages, can prevent the development of serious complications, but makes it difficult to differentiate. Medications are used to restore normal breathing and alleviate painful symptoms. To do this, use the following tools: rapid action diuretics, tranquilizers, mustard greens for calves and hot foot baths, sedatives and antihistamines.

  1. Penicillin

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

  • Indications for use: treatment of diseases caused by susceptible to microorganisms, pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, infections of the urinary and biliary tract. Empyema of the pleura, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, diphtheria, purulent infections of the mucous and skin, gynecological and ophthalmic diseases, gonorrhea, syphilis, ENT diseases.
  • The method of application and dosage depends 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 ED penicillin. The medication is administered every 3-4 hours. Tablets, as a rule, take 250-500 mg every 8 hours, the maximum daily dose of 750 mg.
  • Contraindicated to use with high sensitivity to penicillins. Do not prescribe for patients with bronchial asthma, allergic diseases, urticaria, pollinosis.
  • Side effects are manifested in the form of allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders, candidiasis of the vagina and oral cavity, muscle cramps of limbs and anaphylactic shock. If the drug is used during pregnancy, then there is the likelihood of fetal sensitization. In case of an overdose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea appear. If the medication is taken by patients with renal insufficiency, then there is a risk of developing hyperkalemia.
  1. Prednisolone

Synthetic analogues of hormones hydrocortisone and cortisone, which are secreted by the adrenal cortex. The medicine is 5 times more active in comparison with the substances released by the body. Has anti-allergic, anti-shock, anti-inflammatory and antitoxic effect. The antiallergic effect is based on a decrease in basophils, inhibition of secretion and the synthesis of biologically active substances. Available in tablets for oral use, ampoules for injections and tubes in the form of ointments.

  • When oral administration is rapidly absorbed their gastrointestinal tract and spreads through the tissues of the body. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma is observed after 1.5 hours after administration. Biotransformiruetsya and metabolized in the liver, is excreted in the form of metabolites with urine and feces. It penetrates through the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk.
  • The main indications for use are: collagenoses, bronchial asthma, infectious mononucleosis, eczema and neurodermatitis, various allergic diseases, pancreatitis, collapse and shock, allergic conjunctivitis, trauma and postoperative period in transplantation, to prevent organ rejection.
  • Dosage is selected individually. For relief of acute conditions take 20-30 mg per day, maintaining a dose of 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 control blood pressure, urine, blood and stool.
  • Side effects occur with prolonged use of the drug. Most often it is obesity, hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities. Possible pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, increased coagulability of blood and weakening the protective properties of the immune system. In case of an overdose, there may be an increase in side effects. Therapy is symptomatic.
  • Prednisolone is contraindicated in hypertension, diabetes, during pregnancy, with acute endocarditis, psychosis, stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer. It is not used to treat patients with syphilis, active tuberculosis and in old age.
  1. Dimedrol

Antihistamine, antiallergic, hypnotics and topical anesthetic. It blocks histamine receptors, reduces spasms of smooth muscles, removes swelling from tissues and mucous membranes. It is available in the form of powder for injection, ampoules, suppositories and gel for external use.

  • After application, it is quickly and well absorbed. Binding to plasma proteins up to 99%. The maximum concentration is reached within 1-4 hours by oral intake. Most of the active components are metabolized in the liver. The half-life is 1-4 hours. Passes through the placental and blood-brain barrier, excreted in breast milk. The maximum therapeutic effect develops within an hour after application and persists for 4-6 hours.
  • The medicine is prescribed for the treatment of such diseases: urticaria, rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, itching dermatosis, angioedema. Diphenhydramine helps prevent allergic complications in blood transfusions. It is used for bronchial asthma, stomach ulcer, gastritis, colds, extensive injuries of the skin and soft tissues.
  • For adults, appoint 30-50 mg 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, appoint 12-25 mg, 6-12 years, 25-50 mg every 6-8 hours. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 150 mg, and a single 50 mg.
  • Side effects are manifested by all organs and systems. Most often, patients experience sedative disorders, general weakness and fatigue, headaches, drowsiness. Possible development of tachycardia, hypotension, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. In rare cases, there are skin allergic reactions, frequent or difficult urination, dryness of the throat and nose, increased sweating and chills.
  • Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to active components, during pregnancy and lactation. Do not appoint patients with bronchial asthma, ulcerative lesions of the duodenum, zakratougolnoy glaucoma, as well as with stenosis of the neck of the bladder.
  • In case of an overdose, there are symptoms of dry mouth, facial hyperemia, confusion, convulsions and even death. Treatment of an overdose is symptomatic. It is recommended to induce vomiting, rinse the stomach and take absorbents.
  1. Furosemide

Diuretic, that is a diuretic. Available in ampoules for intravenous and intramuscular administration and tablets for oral administration. The medication is prescribed to eliminate stagnant phenomena in the large and small circle of blood circulation associated with heart failure. It is used for kidney failure, edema of the lungs and brain. Helps in the treatment of severe forms of hypertension.

  • Inside appoint 40 mg once a day, the maximum daily dose of 320 mg. After decreasing the swelling, the dosage is gradually reduced to the minimum effective. With intramuscular or intravenous administration, 20-60 mg 1-2 times a day are used, the maximum allowable dosage is 120 mg. Duration of treatment is 7-10 days.
  • It is contraindicated to use during pregnancy and lactation, hypokalemia, kidney failure, hepatic coma, mechanical obstruction of the urinary tract.
  • Side effects are manifested by many organs and systems. Most often this is nausea, redness of the skin, itching, lowering of blood pressure, inflammation of the kidneys, increased diuresis and dizziness. Possible development of hypokalemia, uricosis, hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia. Adverse reactions are reversible, in order to eliminate them, dosage should be reduced.

Suprastin

Anti-allergic, antihistamine. The active substance is a chlorinated analog of tripelenamine with a sedative effect. The mechanism of its action is based on the blocking of histamine H1 receptors, therefore, the agent is used for various allergic reactions. The action is aimed at preventing hypersensitivity reactions. It has two forms of release: tablets and solution for injections in ampoules.

  • When administered orally, the drug is absorbed from the digestive tract. The therapeutic effect comes in 15-30 minutes and lasts for 6 hours. Metabolized in the liver, excreted by the kidneys.
  • Used to treat various allergic reactions (puffiness, hives, itching, conjunctivitis). Helps in reducing swelling of the mucosa of the middle ear and nasal sinuses, with sinusitis and otitis. To reduce persistent hyperemia, the drug is used in combination with Analgin and No-shpa.
  • Dosage and duration of therapy depend on the severity of the allergic reaction. As a rule, the medication is taken within 5-7 days. For children under 6, appoint ½ tablet 2 times a day, for children 6-14 years, 1-1.5 tablets for adults, 2 tablets. In case of an overdose, there are hallucinations, anxiety, seizures, athetosis, ataxia and impaired coordination of movements. For treatment, seek medical attention.
  • Contraindicated to use with individual intolerance of the active substance, acute attacks of asthma, with myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, stomach ulcer, zakratougolnoy glaucoma, urinary retention, prostate hyperplasia and with increased sensitivity to the derivatives of ethylenediamine.
  • Side effects of Suprastin arise from many organs and systems. The drug causes increased fatigue, dizziness and headaches, decreased vision, convulsions. Possible tachycardia and arrhythmia, pain in the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, changes in appetite. In rare cases, pathological changes in the hematopoietic system and the response of the immune system to the drug are observed.

Fenistil with swelling of the throat

For the treatment of swelling of the respiratory organs, various drugs are used for the effectiveness and action. Fenistil with swelling of the throat deserves special attention. The antiallergic agent blocks H1 histamine receptors, has an antiserotonin and anti-bradykinin effect. Reduces the permeability of capillaries, preventing allergic reactions. Has a mild sedative effect. Available in the form of drops and gel for external use.

  • The agent is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases: urticaria, drug and food allergy, rhinitis. Helps in eliminating itching with insect bites, atopic dermatitis and chicken pox.
  • Adult patients are prescribed 20-40 drops 3 times a day. If the drug causes drowsiness, then the dosage should be reduced or divided into a larger number by ingestion. Dosage for children is calculated by 0.1 mg / body weight per day, for three doses. Children up to a year give 3-10 drops 3 times a day, from 1-3 years for 10-15 drops and from 3-12 years for 15-20 drops.
  • Side effects are manifested as increased drowsiness at the beginning of the day, a feeling of dry mouth, dyspepsia, nausea, dizziness and headaches.
  • Symptoms of an overdose: convulsions, fever, heart palpitations, hallucinations, general weakness. In rare cases, there is a delay in urine, oppression of the vasomotor and respiratory centers. Fenistil is contraindicated in patients under 1 year of age, with intolerance to its components, during pregnancy and lactation.

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Inhalation with swelling of the throat

Most swelling of the respiratory system is due to inhalation or the use of allergens. Inhalation with swelling of the throat can stop the pathological process and restore normal functioning of the body. With inhalation, therapeutic substances penetrate the respiratory tract and have a therapeutic effect. The procedure is recommended for a cold, sinusitis, inflammation of the palatine tonsils, pharyngitis, pneumonia and bronchitis.

The main effect of local therapy:

  • Elimination of inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the upper parts of the respiratory system.
  • Removal of phlegm and mucus.
  • Elimination of spasms that occur with a strong cough.
  • Restoration of normal breathing.

The procedure is contraindicated with a tendency to nasal bleeding, angina, severe respiratory failure, subfebrile temperature, diseases of the cardiovascular system and lungs. Steam inhalations are effective in swelling of the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. This method facilitates the symptomatology 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.

Treatment is best done 1-2 hours after eating. Inhale and exhale without tension. Within an hour after inhalation, do not eat and try not to talk. 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 not more than a minute, 3-5 times a day.

Vitamins

Treatment of edema should be combined, that is, aimed at eliminating the painful symptoms and the root cause of the disorder. Particular attention is paid to strengthening the protective properties of the immune system. For these purposes use vitamins.

  • For the treatment of edematous allergic nature, it is recommended to take vitamin PP, as it minimizes the signs of allergy and slows the development of allergic reactions. B vitamins help with nasal congestion, skin rashes, 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 choking. Vitamin E is effective for allergic manifestations on the skin.
  • Swelling of the larynx after injuries, operations - vitamins of group B (B12), calcium, amino acids and iron.
  • If the edema is caused by inflammatory or infectious stimuli, it is recommended to use vitamin A, B, C, zinc preparations and beta-carotene. Useful micronutrients take part in the fight against the virus, normalize metabolism, improve the condition and functioning of all organs and systems.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

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

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

  • UHF - on the lesion affected by an electric field of ultra-high frequency. Treatment has a bacteriostatic effect, reduces puffiness, restores microcirculation. The procedure is carried out daily for 5-6 days.
  • Magnetotherapy - on the neck are affected by an alternating low-frequency magnetic field. It improves circulation on the capillary level, relieves inflammation, reduces swelling of tissues and mucous membranes.
  • Electrophoresis - the procedure is carried out using anti-edema drugs. The treatment is daily, the course of therapy is 10-15 sessions.
  • Decimetric physiotherapy - used to reduce swelling and inflammation, eliminates stagnation in the lungs. The course of treatment is 10 procedures.
  • Inhalation - aerosol therapy improves breathing, cleanses the bronchi and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Physiotherapy is recommended to apply from the first days of the disorder. They speed up recovery and exert a restorative effect on the entire body.

Alternative treatment

For the treatment of diseases, one of the symptoms of which is the swelling of the upper respiratory tract, both classical and alternative methods are used. Consider several recipes of non-traditional therapy, which allows quickly painful symptoms:

  • Spread a spoonful of soda in a glass of boiled water, add a couple of drops of essential oil of calendula or eucalyptus to the solution. Rinses relieve soreness and reduce swelling.
  • If you are not allergic to honey or milk, then you can use a cup of hot tea with milk, honey or raspberries for treatment. It is not only tasty, but also quickly restores normal breathing.
  • If the swelling is caused by infectious agents, then potato juice is used for treatment. This agent has bactericidal properties.
  • To wash the respiratory tract, a solution of sea salt can be used. A teaspoon of the product is dissolved in 500 ml of warm water. The solution is suitable for washing the nasal sinuses and steam inhalations.
  • If rinsing, rinsing and inhalation caused dryness and irritation of mucous in the nose and larynx, then sea buckthorn oil should be used. The drug has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to repair damaged mucous membranes.

If none of the above methods of alternative treatment does not facilitate breathing and swelling gradually increases, it is urgent to seek medical help. Such ineffective self-treatment can lead to suffocation and death.

Herbal Treatment

Many drugs have restrictions on the use. Treatment with herbs is safe, as it has minimal contraindications and side effects. Before starting therapy, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of shortness of breath. To treat edema, you can use diuretic herbs that have the same effect as diuretics:

  • Leaves of white birch pour boiling water and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes. After cooling, strain, and take ½ cup 3-4 times a day.
  • Leaves bearberry ordinary must be insisted on a glass of boiling water and take 1 spoonful.
  • If the edema is caused by pathologies of the cardiovascular system, then an infusion of corn stigmas with honey will suit it.

From herbs can be prepared by inhalation. For this purpose I use chamomile, sage or calendula. Plants have anti-inflammatory, soothing and antiseptic effect. Grass 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, let it infuse, drain and heat until the temperature is needed for inhalation. For these purposes, suitable essential oils. Good breathing and anti-edematous effect of eucalyptus oil, fir, pine, peach, rosehip, anise or almond oil.

Homeopathy

The use of non-traditional methods of treatment has proved to be a minimal negative effect on the body, but a persistent therapeutic effect. Homeopathy refers to such methods. Before its carrying out it is necessary to consult with the doctor the homeopathist who will pick up suitable preparations and their dosage.

  • Spongia - helps to remove puffiness of the larynx, which is accompanied by a strong dry cough and shortness of breath.
  • Gepar Sulfur - suitable for the treatment of swelling of the mucosa due to inflammatory or infectious diseases. It alleviates nasal breathing, eliminates coughing attacks, hoarseness of voice.
  • Aconite - the remedy is effective at the first symptoms of respiratory failure. Relieves feelings of anxiety and anxiety, eliminates fever, coughing attacks.
  • C30 - quickly restores breathing and normalizes well-being. With severe shortness of breath and pain, take 3 peas at a time with a subsequent intake after 30 minutes. So, alternately every half hour until well-being. This tool is not recommended to be used simultaneously with the methods of classical therapy.

Note that most homeopathic medicines are used when selecting individual dosages. This allows you to quickly achieve the desired effect and restore normal breathing, preventing the development of adverse symptoms.

Operative treatment

Rapidly progressive swelling of the respiratory system can lead to suffocation. Operative treatment is used to prevent this condition and restore normal breathing.

  • Tracheotomy - is performed with critical symptoms. On the front surface of the neck a small incision is formed and the tube is inserted into the cavity of the respiratory tract. This removes the attack and allows you to breathe freely.
  • Intubation - this method is performed in a hospital. A special tube is introduced into the larynx, which expands its lumen, ensuring normal access of oxygen. The tube should not stand for more than 3 days, after which it must be removed, as side effects are possible.
  • At the expressed puffiness which has a chronic current, spend excision of cicatrixes and neoplasms in a cavity of a larynx closing respiration. During the operation, the vocal cords with cartilage on one side can be removed.

In addition to the above methods, surgical intervention can be carried out tracheoplasty, implantation of allochonding and even the establishment of a prosthesis for larynotrachea after tracheotomy.

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