The condition in which the laryngeal lumen is partially narrowed or completely closed is called stenosis. Air in this case gets to the lungs with difficulty, and exhalation is difficult too.
There are acute and chronic forms of this condition.
Causes of stenosis of the larynx
The laryngeal lumen may narrow due to allergies to medicines or food and often accompanies Quincke's edema. In children, this condition is often caused by a major respiratory disease accompanied by inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Also, acute stenosis of the larynx causes angina, chondroperichondritis (inflammation of the laryngeal cartilage), ingestion of foreign matter, airway trauma, inhalation of chemicals, followed by burning of the respiratory tract.
Chronic stenosis develops due to scarring in the larynx, tumors, inflammation, and is in rare cases a complication of syphilis and diphtheria .
Stages of stenosis of the larynx
The laryngeal lumen narrows in stages, so several stages of this condition are distinguished.
- Compensation - the pulse rate is shortened, the pauses between breaths and exhalations become shorter.
- Incomplete compensation - inhalation is difficult, breathing noisy, intercostal spaces are drawn over the sternum and collarbones. The skin of a person pales, there is a state of anxiety. From this moment, the symptoms of stenosis of the larynx in adults begin to develop very rapidly.
- Decompensation - the patient tries to take the position of a half-sitting, throwing his head back, his condition is heavy. With exhalation and inspiration, accompanied by noise, the larynx maximally moves up and down. Lips and fingertips begin to turn blue due to insufficient oxygen supply, and cheeks may become blush on the contrary.
- Asphyxia - pupils dilated, the patient behaves sluggishly, wants to sleep. The pulse becomes weak, and the skin becomes pale gray. Breath intermittent and rapid. In rare cases, they notice involuntary bowel movement or urination, loss of consciousness.
First aid for stenosis of the larynx
As soon as an adult or child declares that he is "difficult to breathe," you need to immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of a doctor, it is appropriate:
- Humidify the air in the room, using a spray humidifier or wet sheets for lack of a special humidifier.
- You can also seat the patient in the bathroom by opening the tap with hot water.
- Implies emergency care for stenosis of the larynx and rubbing the limbs to improve blood circulation in them, as well as abundant drinking.
- If the diagnosis of stenosis is confirmed, then the patient must be hospitalized, so before the arrival of the ambulance should be assembled, so as not to lose precious moments.
- It is very important not to panic and not to worry the patient, do not let him talk or actively move.
Diagnosis of the state
The doctor will perform laryngoscopy, assessing the degree of narrowing of the larynx lumen and the reasons that caused it. In rare cases, this method is not indicative, and then magnetic resonance imaging is performed. If necessary, histological
It is important to differentiate the stenosis of the larynx with bronchial asthma, in which only the breath is difficult, as well as with diseases of the heart and lungs.
Treatment of stenosis of the larynx
Therapy depends on the cause that caused the narrowing of the airway lumen. With Quinck's edema, glucocorticoids and antihistamines are used.
If the stenosis of the larynx is provoked by a foreign body - it is removed. When the infection is removed, swelling, and then prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy.
In chronic stenosis of the larynx, tumors and scars are surgically removed. If the lumen is closed almost completely or completely, intubation (tube insertion into the larynx) or tracheotomy (puncture in front of the neck through which the respiratory tube is inserted) is performed.