What are the symptoms of laryngeal edema

Edema is a symptom that can easily occur in various parts of the body. The larynx may also become swollen, and this condition is often clinically called laryngeal edema. Laryngeal edema has a great impact on the body and may even affect breathing in severe cases. Therefore, the problem of laryngeal edema must be taken seriously and treated in a timely manner. Laryngeal edema is treated in acute and chronic stages. Laryngeal edema is generally common in the acute stage, and if laryngeal edema is not treated, it may deteriorate into laryngeal cancer. When treating laryngeal edema, it is important to consider the symptoms and prescribe the right medicine for the condition. So what are the specific symptoms of laryngeal edema?

1. Symptoms of radiotherapy in patients with laryngeal cancer

Patients with laryngeal cancer are prone to laryngeal edema and breathing difficulties during radiotherapy, so they should pay close attention to their breathing. If symptoms such as inspiratory dyspnea, retraction sign, and cyanosis of the lips occur, laryngeal edema should be considered. If laryngeal edema occurs, appropriate anti-edema drugs and hormones should be used under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate the reaction, and preparations for tracheotomy should be made if necessary.

2 Acute treatment of laryngeal edema

Once acute laryngeal edema occurs, it can rapidly worsen and cause fatal airway obstruction. Most patients with angioedema present with some degree of lip and facial swelling. If accompanied by hoarseness, swelling of the tongue and oropharynx, this often indicates that laryngeal edema is very likely to occur. For such patients, endotracheal intubation should be considered as early as possible, and intubation should be performed in a conscious sedation state without the use of muscle relaxants. If intubation is delayed, the patient's condition often deteriorates within 0.5-3 hours, with progressive stridor, dysphonia, laryngeal edema, huge tongue swelling, facial and neck swelling, and hypoxemia. In this case, endotracheal intubation and cricothyroid membrane puncture are already very difficult. Attempting to perform endotracheal intubation will further aggravate laryngeal edema and easily cause bleeding in the throat. The patient became extremely agitated due to lack of oxygen and refused to cooperate with oxygen therapy.

3. Home treatment for laryngeal edema

(1) Do not talk

No matter what causes your laryngeal edema, the most important thing is to let your vocal cords rest for a while, and even whispering should be avoided.

(2) Drink plenty of water

Experts recommend drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day, or juice and lemon tea. It is best to drink warm water; cold water will only make the problem worse.