Drug therapy

In some cases it may be necessary to treat laryngitis with medication, for example if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies. An antibiotic for laryngitis is only useful and helpful if the laryngitis is caused by a bacterial pathogen. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria and can do nothing against viruses.

However, since laryngitis is usually caused by viruses, immediate antibiotic therapy is not indicated. If a wait-and-see attitude with the use of inhalations, sufficient drinking quantity and, if necessary, other household remedies does not bring any improvement, antibiotic therapy can be tried after some time.In case of direct detection of a bacterial pathogen, antibiotic therapy can be started earlier. Which antibiotic is best for laryngitis cannot be answered in this way, since the selection of the appropriate antibiotic depends on the respective pathogen.

There are many different bacteria that can cause infections. As they differ in their characteristics, they also have different sensitivities to different antibiotics. Which antibiotics are effective against a particular bacterium can be found out with the help of a so-called antibiogram.

The pathogen is cultured and then examined in the laboratory for its sensitivity to various antibiotics. The result is reported to the doctor so that he can select the appropriate antibiotic. However, the pathogen is not always detected directly, so that it is treated with certain antibiotics to which most germs are sensitive.

In the respiratory tract, for example, the following pathogens are frequently found

Amoxicillin,
Azithromycin,
Doxycycline
And further antibiotics to use.

Cortisone is usually only used in the treatment of laryngitis when the affected person develops shortness of breath. This is caused by swelling of the mucous membranes of the larynx. Cortisone causes the mucous membranes to swell again and the patient can breathe again.

In cases of shortness of breath, the patient must be taken to a hospital as quickly as possible in order to receive optimal monitoring. In the case of severe pain in the context of laryngitis, various painkillers can be used. In most cases, conventional preparations such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are sufficient to relieve the pain. If these medications are intolerant or the symptoms are more severe, Metamizol (Novalgin®) or Diclofenac (Voltaren®) can also be used. If the pain does not improve, a medical clarification is recommended.