Laryngitis
Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx, commonly known as the voice box, and is often linked to respiratory infections, such as the common cold, or can result from excessive strain on the voice. Symptoms include a dry throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a red, swollen larynx. The condition can be caused by various factors, including bacterial and viral infections, irritants like smoke or dust, and chronic voice strain often seen in professions involving extensive vocal use, such as singing or public speaking. Laryngitis can present in either acute or chronic forms, with chronic cases sometimes stemming from underlying health issues or environmental irritants. Treatment varies by cause but may involve voice rest, hydration, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and in severe cases, surgical intervention for growths on the vocal cords. While generally self-limiting, persistent symptoms should be evaluated, as they may indicate more serious conditions, including polyps or even laryngeal cancer. Understanding the signs and causes of laryngitis can facilitate early intervention and management to prevent complications.
Laryngitis
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Throat
DEFINITION: Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), often associated with common colds, bacterial infection, or straining the voice. The throat is dry, swallowing becomes difficult, and speech is a hoarse whisper.
CAUSES: Bacterial infection (common cold, typhoid fever, diphtheria, syphilis), viral infection (influenza), irritants (chemical fumes, dust, smoke, alcohol), consistent strain or abuse of voice
SYMPTOMS: Red and swollen larynx; discharge; obstruction that can cause suffocation if severe; polyps, cysts, or other fibrous growths on vocal cords
DURATION: Acute or chronic
TREATMENTS: Depends on cause; may include resting the voice, antibiotics, or surgery
Causes and Symptoms
The larynx, located directly above the windpipe (trachea), is the short, hollow tube containing the vocal cords, two heavily lined slits in a mucous membrane. Voiced sounds, such as vowels, result when air from the induces vocal fold vibration. Laryngitis occurs when the folds are obstructed or do not vibrate properly; depending on the cause, laryngitis is classified as simple, chronic, diphtheritic, tuberculous, or syphilitic.
Simple laryngitis may be caused by bacterial infection (common cold, typhoid fever), a virus (influenza), or nonbacterial irritants (chemical fumes, dust, or tobacco smoke). The site is the mucous lining the larynx. It becomes red and swollen, secreting a viscous discharge that impedes vocal fold vibration. In severe cases of viral infection, the may become completely obstructed, causing suffocation.
Chronic laryngitis often results from excessive smoking, alcoholism, or consistent or abuse of the voice. It is an occupational hazard of auctioneers, orators, singers, and those who frequently shout for long periods, such as cheerleaders. Nondisease-induced chronic laryngitis may also be instigated by hysteria, allergic reaction, remote disease of the nerves serving the voice, strong external pressure against the larynx, or irritation caused by tubes inserted down the throat to sustain breathing.
Diphtheritic laryngitis occurs when diphtheria afflicting the upper throat spreads to the larynx. The result may be a membrane of diseased cells infiltrating the and obstructing the vocal cords.
Tuberculous laryngitis is a spread from the lungs. Tubular nodulelike growths are formed in larynx tissue, leaving ulcers on the surface. Starting at the vocal cords, this infection may spread over the entire larynx and eventually destroy the epiglottis and laryngeal cartilage.
Syphilitic laryngitis is one of the many complications of syphilis. Sores or mucous patches form in the larynx, eventually producing tissue destruction and scar formation. The mucous membrane becomes dry and covered with polyps (small bumps of tissue that project from the surface). These distort the larynx, shorten the vocal cords, and produce persistent hoarseness.
Treatment and Therapy
Simple laryngitis is best treated by resting the voice. When it is absolutely necessary to speak, it should be with a soft, breathy voice, not a whisper. The throat should be kept well lubricated by frequent drinks of water and not cleared. Relative humidity in the should be maintained at 40 to 50 percent, and alcohol, tobacco, and should be avoided. Complete recovery usually occurs within several days.
A persistent hoarseness indicates a bacterial infection (usually curable by antibiotics) or polyps, cysts, or other fibrous growths on the vocal cords. These growths may become ulcerated and require surgical intervention. Although cancer of the larynx is not uncommon (2 percent of malignancies), it is usually completely curable if detected sufficiently early.
Systemic diseases not localized in the larynx, such as and syphilis, are best treated by antibiotics.
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