How to relieve nocturnal attacks of acute laryngitis in children

When acute laryngitis occurs at night in children, you can try to relieve it by increasing the humidity of the air and calming the emotions, but severe symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Acute laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx that occurs most frequently in the fall and winter and is usually caused by a viral infection. Young children, in particular, have narrower airways in their larynxes and are more likely to have difficulty breathing due to inflammation, especially at night. Common manifestations include a sudden "barking" cough, hoarseness, and wheezing during inspiration.

At home, you can relieve dryness and swelling of the throat mucosa by increasing the humidity in the room (such as using a humidifier or taking your child into a steamy bathroom). Keeping your child in a sitting or semi-reclining position can also help relieve airway pressure. If your child is nervous, you can soothe them gently to make them feel relaxed, because crying often aggravates throat symptoms.

It is important to note that if a child has severe breathing difficulties, purple lips, or excessive sleepiness, these may indicate a worsening of the condition and should be sent to the doctor as soon as possible. For unvaccinated children, it is also necessary to distinguish them from other possible infections, such as diphtheria, and the doctor will quickly judge and treat them according to the situation.