Larynx: the organ of voice; the air passage
between the lower pharynx and the trachea, containing the vocal cords and
formed by nine cartilages.
Laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx
Acute laryngitis may occur as an isolated infection or as part of a
generalized bacterial or viral upper respiratory tract infection.
Cause: Acute laryngitis results from infection, excessive use
of the voice, inhalation of smoke and or fumes, and aspiration of caustic
chemicals.
Chronic laryngitis results from upper respiratory tract infection such
as, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergy, and nasal polyps. It is also associated
with constant exposure to dust or other irritants, smoking, alcohol abuse,
and mouth breathing.
Symptoms:
Hoarseness
Pain – especially when swallowing and or speaking
Fever
Dry cough
Malaise
Laryngeal edema
Chronic laryngitis – A persistent cough
Treatment:
Resting the voice would be the primary treatment.
Analgesics and throat lozenges for pain – for viral infection
Antibiotic therapy – for bacterial infection
May require hospitalization – for severe, acute laryngitis
Occasionally, when laryngeal edema results in airway obstruction, a
tracheotomy (incision of an opening into the trachea through the skin and
the muscles of the neck) may be necessary.
In chronic laryngitis, effective treatment must eliminate the underlying
cause.
Suggestion: Patient should maintain adequate humidification by
using a vaporizer or humidifier during the winter, by avoiding air conditioning
during the summer (because it dehumidifies), by using medicated throat
lozenges, and by not smoking. Completing the prescribed antibiotic
therapy. Modification of predisposing habits.