Larynx pain after vomiting

introduction

Larynx pain can occur after frequent or very severe vomiting. Often there is a strong, burning pain in the larynx, which is accompanied by difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. The cause is the rising stomach acid, which gets into the larynx and leads to burns there. In severe cases, the chemical burn can cause life-threatening swelling of the larynx mucosa, which can lead to suffocation.

One-time larynx pain after vomiting is associated with high levels of suffering for those affected, but it is inherent no disease value. However, kick repeated Larynx and hoarseness after vomiting, an ENT specialist should definitely be consulted to avoid serious complications, such as Throat cancerto exclude.

causes

Larynx pain can occur with severe and repeated vomiting and cause great suffering in the person concerned. The cause of this is the acid that rises from the stomach during vomiting, which is primarily the esophagus and the teeth attacks. Due to the anatomical proximity to the esophagus, acid can also get into the larynx, which then causes the Larynx lining attacks. Since the lining of the larynx has no protective mechanisms against the acid, the larynx is burned, which causes severe pain.
In addition, the acid causes adjacent structures such as annoy and the Vocal folds damaged, causing it to hoarseness and difficulties swallowing can come. If the chemical burn is very pronounced, the laryngeal mucous membrane can swell as a result of the inflammatory reaction and block the larynx so that it sometimes closes shortness of breath and Airway obstructions can come. Much fluid and saliva are also lost during vomiting. This also causes the mucous membranes to dry out, which can make the pain worse. One-time larynx pain after vomiting is not dangerous because the body has its own Repair mechanisms and can restore the damaged mucous membrane.

However, if larynx pain occurs regularly with repeated vomiting, chronic damage to the larynx mucosa can result in a Precancerosis (Precancer) form what with a increased risk of throat cancer goes hand in hand.

Read our article on this: Laryngitis

Common causes of chronic and very severe vomiting are eating disorder, such as bulimia (Bulimia nervosa), or also alcohol-induced vomiting as part of a Alcohol addiction. Recurring larynx pain and hoarseness after vomiting should be treated with caution and discussed by a doctor.

Symptoms

Larynx pain is usually expressed as burning, severe sore throat along the larynx. They are often accompanied by hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. Larynx pain can occur after vomiting, but also as part of a cold or one Respiratory infection. If the cause is severe vomiting, the pain usually subsides within a few hours off again by itself.

If the cause of the larynx pain is a cold, the symptoms can occur, for example, when coughing.

diagnosis

Larynx pain after vomiting is associated with high levels of suffering for those affected and is often a reason to see a doctor. It is recommended to carry out a diagnostic test here Larynx (Laryngoscopy). A distinction is made here between the indirect laryngoscopy of the direct laryngoscopy. The larynx mirror is an examination with which the entire larynx can be visualized and its functionality checked.

Indirect laryngoscopy is primarily performed on an outpatient basis and is preferred. During this examination, the doctor inserts a small mirror or endoscope over the patient's mouth and down into the throat to view the larynx. The patient is awake. The investigation is not painful.
Another option for examining the larynx is direct laryngoscopy, which is usually only under anesthesia is carried out. In direct laryngoscopy, a surgical microscope is inserted into the patient's throat and the larynx is assessed. At the same time, biopsies (Tissue sampling) can be removed. The direct laryngoscopy is mainly used in A tumor is suspected carried out.

therapy

May be mild larynx pain after vomiting self cured become. It is important to protect the voice and the mucous membranes via inhalations (for example with essential oils or peppermint) to keep moist in order to promote wound healing. For severe pain, pain medication, for example Ibuprofen, be taken. Most of the time, the symptoms subside by themselves. For serious complications such as Shortness of breathbut should always be one immediately Emergency doctor be called.

More than 3 weeks Existing laryngeal pain and hoarseness should always be clarified by an ENT doctor in order to rule out a tumor. However, the most important thing in the treatment of larynx pain after vomiting is that Cause of vomiting adjust. In the case of an eating disorder or alcohol addiction, it is advisable to seek support from family or friends, or to seek professional help. There are many different centers and organizations that support and help those affected by their eating disorder or addiction, as well as offering numerous therapy options and approaches for conflict resolution.

Prognosis and prophylaxis

If laryngeal pain occurs once after vomiting, it usually has it no major disease value. However, repeated larynx pain as a result of vomiting can be accompanied by serious damage to the larynx and even in the long term Throat cancer cause.
Larynx cancer can only be curative through one surgical removal of the larynx and, depending on the type of cancer, can be associated with a poor prognosis and reduced life expectancy. As a preventive measure, it only helps to find the trigger for the vomiting and to treat it.