What are the treatment principles for acute laryngitis in children?

The treatment principles for acute laryngitis in children include relieving laryngeal edema, improving respiratory function, and solving infection problems. In severe cases, the child needs to be sent to a doctor for treatment in a timely manner. Treatment methods usually include drug therapy, oxygen inhalation, and home care.

1. Medication

Drug treatment is an important step in treating acute laryngitis in children, with the goal of reducing laryngeal inflammation and edema.

-Glucocorticoids (e.g., dexamethasone): They rapidly relieve laryngeal edema and improve respiratory status through their anti-inflammatory effects and are often used as the first choice for acute laryngitis.

- Epinephrine nebulization inhalation: Suitable for children with more serious conditions. It can quickly constrict the laryngeal capillaries and relieve the acute symptoms caused by laryngeal stenosis.

- Antibiotics: If the cause is a bacterial infection (such as streptococcal infection), antibiotics suitable for children should be selected according to the doctor's advice. It should be noted that blind use of antibiotics is not recommended to avoid drug resistance.

2. Oxygen inhalation and respiratory management

Children with severe conditions may have difficulty breathing and need oxygen supplementation.

- Oxygen mask-assisted breathing: Suitable for patients with more severe symptoms, such as obvious cyanosis or abnormal breathing sounds (such as obvious wheezing).

-Intubation if necessary: ​​If medication and oxygen therapy are ineffective and laryngeal obstruction is life-threatening, endotracheal intubation or laryngoscopy is required to restore a normal breathing passage.

3. Home care and supportive therapy

Patients with mild symptoms can be cared for at home under the guidance of a professional doctor, but changes in their condition must be closely monitored.

-Keep the air moist: Use a humidifier to maintain air humidity, reduce dryness and irritation in the throat, and prevent children from being exposed to cold, polluted air and other triggers.

-Dietary adjustment: Give your child mild, liquid food and avoid spicy or overheated food that may irritate the throat.

-Rehydrate: Drinking plenty of warm water can help reduce the dryness of the throat mucosa and help relieve inflammation.

Acute laryngitis in children can be life-threatening if not properly treated. Parents need to pay close attention to their children's symptoms, especially when they have persistent high fever and obviously abnormal breathing sounds. They should go to the hospital for emergency treatment immediately. In daily life, they should also pay attention to preventing viral infections, improving immunity, and avoiding environments and climate changes that are prone to laryngitis. During the recovery period, they should also pay attention to nutritional supply, so that children can gradually recover and reduce the risk of recurrence.