Vocal cords are the paired folds of the mucous membrane of the larynx, inside of each of which there is a vocal cords and muscles. Vocal cords have two main functions - the formation of voice and protection of the lower respiratory tract from the penetration of foreign bodies. With laryngitis (inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa), the vocal cords are often involved in the pathological process, which can lead to serious consequences - from loss of voice to closure of the laryngeal lumen (stenosis).
Causes of inflammation of the vocal cords of the throat
The main provocative factors include:
- acute and chronic respiratory tract infections;
- allergies ;
- voice overstrain;
- inhalation of irritants;
- impaired breathing through the nose;
- gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc.
Symptoms of inflammation of the vocal cords
Among the signs of inflammation are the following:
- increased body temperature;
- general weakness;
- pain in the larynx, worse with swallowing;
- labored breathing;
- sore throat;
- dry cough ;
- change, hoarseness of voice.
How to treat inflammation of the vocal cords?
If these symptoms occur, indicating inflammation of the vocal cords, you should immediately begin treatment. Especially dangerous can be an acute process, which in some cases with the progression of the laryngeal edema leads to suffocation. However, a prolonged chronic process can lead to irreversible adverse effects.
First of all, all the irritating factors must be eliminated. If the cause of inflammation of the vocal cords is the infectious process, then appropriate medication is performed.
In addition, medications are prescribed to help remove tissue swelling and reduce the inflammatory process. In the chronic process, the use of restorative drugs is required, and physiotherapy (UHF, electrophoresis, etc.) is also prescribed.
In the treatment of this pathology, the following rules should be observed:
- bed rest during the first days of illness;
- abstention from speaking (including whispers);
- refusal from the use of spicy and spicy food;
- rejection of bad habits;
- consumption of a large amount of warm liquid.
Traditional medicine offers such methods of treating inflammation of the vocal cords:
- warming compresses on the throat;
- gargling with chamomile or sage broth;
- alkaline steam inhalations;
- hot foot baths;
- resorption in the mouth of honey, etc.
As a rule, the duration of treatment of inflammation of the vocal cords is 7 to 10 days.