Stenosing laryngotracheitis or laryngeal stenosis is a dangerous condition that most often occurs in children, characterized by severe narrowing or complete obstruction of the larynx.
Causes
The narrowing of the larynx can occur suddenly and instantly or develop over a few hours. This phenomenon is observed in children with conditions such as laryngeal edema, croup, laryngotracheobronchitis, chondropneumonitis, laryngitis, foreign body aspiration in the larynx, and trauma to the larynx of any kind. Paralysis of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle also causes laryngeal stenosis. Injuries, tumors, diphtheria, and syphilis can lead to the development of chronic stenosing laryngotracheitis.
Symptoms of Laryngeal Stenosis
In the early stage of the disease, there are gaps between inhalations and exhalations, inhalation is prolonged and accompanied by noise, the voice becomes hoarse, and the ratio of pulse to breathing is disrupted. In the second stage of laryngeal stenosis, signs of oxygen deprivation become apparent – cyanosis of the facial skin and mucous membranes, shortness of breath, loud stridor, and retraction of the intercostal spaces during inhalation, along with the manifestation of cold sweat. The third stage is asphyxia, when breathing is rare and shallow, skin is pale, pupils are dilated, breathing is interrupted, and cardiac activity ceases. In the third stage, fainting may occur, accompanied by the release of feces.
Diagnosis of Laryngeal Stenosis in Israel
Diagnosing laryngeal stenosis is not difficult. Specialists in Israel conduct a general examination and ascertain the medical history of the disease, using laryngoscopy to determine the extent of laryngeal narrowing and whether there is a tumor that caused it. Fibrolaryngoscopy allows for assessing the depth of stenosis. If there are difficulties in determining the diagnosis, CT and MRI are used.
Treatment of Laryngeal Stenosis in Israel
At the first signs of laryngeal stenosis, it is essential to immediately call for emergency assistance in Israel. It is advisable to humidify the air and thoroughly rub the patient's hands and feet. The patient must be hospitalized, where, depending on the cause of the disease, they will undergo a course of anti-edema, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic therapy. Severe conditions – asphyxia – require surgical intervention. The operation is called tracheotomy (an incision in the neck between the tracheal rings). To prevent laryngeal stenosis, it is important to timely diagnose and treat upper respiratory tract diseases, avoid throat injuries, inhalation of caustic smoke, and exposure to acidic and alkaline substances, and to have regular follow-ups with a doctor after surgery.