Laryngeal edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the extracellular space of the tissues that make up the larynx (e.g. epiglottis, epiglottis). What are the causes of laryngeal edema? How is his treatment going?
Laryngeal edemamost often occurs in the course of inflammation, both those occurring within the larynx, such as: subglottic laryngitis, acute laryngitis, laryngitis, cartilage inflammation, epiglottitis, as well as those running in adjacent structures, such as, for example, abscess of the parapharyngeal space, peritonsillar abscess. The swelling can also cause injuries: internal (burns, foreign bodies) and external (accidents, extensive operations on the head and neck).
Another type of laryngeal edema is toxic-allergic laryngeal edema. It may be a reaction to various factors:
- insect venoms (hornets, wasps, bees, bumblebees)
- foods (peanuts, seafood, eggs)
- medications (antibiotics, painkillers)
and many others. We may also be dealing with angioedema called Quincke's edema, which is the result of an immune disorder. The same factors that trigger allergic edema can lead to Quincke's edema, and physical factors such as cold, stress, exercise can also contribute to it.
Laryngeal edema: symptoms
Symptoms depend on the cause, location and extent of the swelling. The main complaints of patients are:
- breathlessness increasing on inhalation
- dry cough
- a hoarse voice that suddenly appears
- foreign body feeling
- swallowing problems
There is also a fever and pain when inflammation is the cause.
Sudden swelling of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes is typical of Quincke's edema. Most often on the face, limbs, trunk, throat, mouth, larynx and tongue.
An exceptional case is allergic swelling caused by insect venom. At the site of the sting, we can observe painful swelling and itching. There are also general symptoms: urticaria, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, angioedema. Anaphylactic shock may occur. Although to a shockit occurs only in about 0.5-5% of patients, it should be remembered that it is a life-threatening condition and immediate medical assistance is needed.
Laryngeal edema: diagnosis
The doctor conducts an in-depth physical and physical examination. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of allergies in the patient and the medications taken. Indirect laryngoscopy, lupus or transnasal flexible tube laryngoscopy is helpful. In order to exclude a foreign body, an X-ray of the neck can be performed in antero-posterior and lateral projection. If the swelling persists for a long time, it may be necessary (especially in the elderly) to perform a biopsy to exclude neoplasm.
Laryngeal edema: treatment
We choose the treatment depending on the factor causing the swelling. When the cause is a bacterial infection, we give antibiotics. In the event of an injury, surgery may be necessary. Drugs that act to reduce swelling are glucocorticosteroids.
If the swelling was caused by a concomitant systemic disease, you should focus primarily on its treatment. In the case of allergic or angioedema, intravenous steroids, antihistamines, adrenaline are used. In extreme cases, the only way is to perform a tracheotomy.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis in adults is the most common bacterial infection, the characteristic symptom of which is hoarseness. How is laryngitis treated? Listen to our expert Katarzyna Bukol-Krawczyk, internist of Lux Med group.