laryngitis

What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, also known as the voice box. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, overuse or irritation of the vocal cords, or exposure to certain irritants such as cigarette smoke.

• Causes: The most common cause of short-lived (acute) laryngitis is a viral infection of the upper airways, such as the common cold [14]. Laryngitis can also be caused by excessive use of the voice, allergies, inhalation of certain medications, or irritants like cigarette smoke [14].
• Symptoms: The main symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness, which can range from a raspy voice to complete loss of voice [9][10]. Other symptoms may include sore throat, coughing, and difficulty swallowing.
• Types: Laryngitis can be acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis lasts less than 3 weeks, while chronic laryngitis is a longer-term condition that can cause vocal cord strain and injuries [2][8].
• Complications: In children, laryngitis can lead to serious complications such as croup (a narrowing of the airways) or epiglottitis (an inflammation of the flap at the top of the larynx) [11].

Treatment

The treatment for laryngitis depends on its cause and severity. For acute viral laryngitis, self-care measures such as voice rest, drinking fluids, and humidifying the air can help improve symptoms [12]. Chronic laryngitis treatments aim to address underlying causes, such as heartburn, smoking, or excessive use of alcohol [12].

Prevention

To prevent laryngitis, it's essential to avoid overusing your voice, stay hydrated, and avoid exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. If you experience symptoms of laryngitis, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Not provided [2] - Chronic laryngitis can cause vocal cord strain and injuries or growths on the vocal cords (polyps or nodules). [3] - Voice change caused by laryngitis, or voice box inflammation, can be accompanied by constant throat pain or pain with talking or swallowing. [4] - Not provided [5] - Not provided [6] - Not provided [7] - Not provided [8] - Acute laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week or so. [9] - The main symptom of laryngitis is hoarseness. Your voice may sound raspy, be deeper than normal, or break now and then. You may lose your voice completely. [10] - Result: noun | inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx; characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and coughing [11] - Laryngitis Complications. Laryngitis can be very serious in children. It may lead to croup, a narrowing of the airways, or epiglottitis, an inflammation of the flap at the top of the larynx. [12] - Acute laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week or so. Self-care measures, such as voice rest, drinking fluids and humidifying your air, also can help improve symptoms. Chronic laryngitis treatments are aimed at treating the underlying causes, such as heartburn, smoking or excessive use of alcohol. [13] - Laryngitis is an inflammation of your voice box (larynx) due to overuse, irritation or infection. [14] - The most common cause of short-lived (acute, lasting less than 3 weeks) laryngitis is . Viral infection of the upper airways, such as the common cold. Laryngitis also may accompany bronchitis or any other inflammation or infection of the upper airways. Excessive use of the voice, allergies, inhalation of certain medications, or irritants such as cigarette smoke can cause acute or persistent ... [15] - Laryngitis is the name for inflammation of the larynx. The larynx is the voice box. Laryngitis can be acute or chronic. It is most commonly a temporary issue that lasts 3–7 days and goes away ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Laryngitis

Laryngitis, an inflammation and swelling of the voice box (larynx), can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Hoarseness or loss of voice: A hoarse or croaky voice is often one of the first symptoms of laryngitis [4].
• Sore throat: A sore or dry throat can be a symptom of laryngitis, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow [7].
• Tickling or rawness in the throat: Some people may experience a tickling or scratchy sensation in their throat when they have laryngitis [3][8].
• Difficulty speaking or loss of voice: In some cases, laryngitis can cause difficulty speaking or complete loss of voice (aphonia) [9].
• Mild fever: A low-grade fever is sometimes associated with laryngitis [2][5].
• Irritating cough: An irritating cough that doesn't go away can be a symptom of laryngitis [1][6].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may not always be present. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Diagnostic Tests for Laryngitis

Laryngitis can be diagnosed through various tests, which help confirm the presence and extent of the condition. Here are some diagnostic tests used to diagnose laryngitis:

• Laryngoscopy: This is a procedure where a doctor uses a light and a tiny mirror to visually examine the vocal cords and larynx. The test can be performed using a flexible or rigid scope, and it helps identify any irregularities on the vocal cords (1, 5).
• Indirect or direct flexible laryngoscopy: This test is recommended for symptoms persisting more than three weeks, as it provides a detailed view of the larynx and can confirm findings in laryngitis (4).
• Formal voice analysis: This test involves analyzing the patient's voice to identify any changes or abnormalities that may indicate laryngitis (6).
• Fiberoptic laryngoscopy: This is a type of laryngoscopy that uses a flexible scope with a light and camera to visualize the vocal cords and larynx. It can confirm the diagnosis of laryngitis (6, 8).

Other Diagnostic Methods

In addition to these tests, a thorough history and physical examination are also essential in diagnosing laryngitis. A doctor will typically ask questions about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant information to make an accurate diagnosis.

• Clinical diagnosis: Laryngitis is usually diagnosed clinically based on symptoms such as loss of voice or change in voice that persist for a certain period (7).
• Direct examination with a flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope: This test allows for direct visualization of the larynx and can be used to confirm the diagnosis of laryngitis (8).

These diagnostic tests help doctors accurately diagnose laryngitis, which is essential in developing an effective treatment plan.

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Medications Used to Treat Laryngitis

Laryngitis treatment often involves medications to alleviate symptoms and support the healing process. The type of medication needed depends on the underlying cause of laryngitis, which can be viral or bacterial.

• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections, antibiotics such as erythromycin [5] may be prescribed to reduce voice disturbance and cough.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids like fusafungine [5] can provide fast relief in limited applications by reducing inflammation.
• Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs, such as antacid medications that suppress acid production [7], are effective against heartburn-related laryngitis.
• Penicillin V: In some cases, penicillin V [8] may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections.

Other Medications

In addition to antibiotics and corticosteroids, other medications may be used to treat laryngitis symptoms:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Mucolytics: Mucolytic medications [14] can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel.

Important Note

It's essential to note that laryngitis often resolves on its own within a few days, even without treatment. Therefore, medication is usually only prescribed if the symptoms persist or worsen over time.

References:

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Differential Diagnosis of Laryngitis

Laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx, can be caused by various factors and must be differentiated from other conditions to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI): Acute laryngitis is often a mild and self-limiting condition typically lasting 3 to 7 days, which can be caused by viral upper respiratory infections [2].
• Vocal Fold Cysts, Nodules, or Polyps: These benign growths on the vocal folds can cause hoarseness and must be differentiated from laryngitis.
• Laryngeal Stenosis: A narrowing of the airway that can cause breathing difficulties and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
• Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy: This condition, caused by a wide range of factors including thyroid cancer, lung cancer, thoracic aortic aneurysm [5], can mimic laryngitis symptoms.
• Infectious Diseases: Croup, epiglottitis, diphtheria, pertussis, laryngeal tuberculosis, syphilis, leprosy, and actinomycosis are infectious diseases that must be considered in the differential diagnosis [6].
• Tracheal Injury, Laryngeal Airway Trauma: These conditions can cause inflammation of the larynx and must be ruled out.
• Iatrogenic Injury to Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: This condition, caused by medical procedures, can mimic laryngitis symptoms [7].
• Chronic Laryngitis: A diagnosis made when symptoms persist for more than three to four weeks, which can be caused by long-term inhalation of irritants [8].

A thorough evaluation and specialist consultation are essential to rule out these conditions and ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

References: [2] - 1. Clinical characteristics of herpes zoster laryngitis. [5] - Chronic laryngitis is the presence of laryngeal inflammatory symptoms including hoarseness, globus, pain, dysphagia, throat clearing, or cough lasting >3 weeks. [6] - Upper respiratory tract infections involve the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and large airways. [7] - Tracheal Injury, Laryngeal Airway Trauma [8] - Chronic laryngitis is the presence of laryngeal inflammatory symptoms including hoarseness, globus, pain, dysphagia, throat clearing, or cough lasting >3 weeks.