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Laryngitis | |
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Endoscopic image of an inflamed larynx caused by acid reflux | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Otorhinolaryngology |
Symptoms | Hoarse voice, fever, pain[1][2] |
Duration | Usually a little more than 2 weeks[1] |
Causes | Viral, trauma, bacterial[1] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, examination via laryngoscopy if concerns[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Epiglottitis, laryngeal cancer, croup[1] |
Treatment | Voice rest, fluids[1] |
Frequency | Common[1] |
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box).[1] Symptoms often include a hoarse voice and may include fever, cough, pain in the front of the neck, and trouble swallowing.[1][2] Typically, these last under two weeks.[1]
Laryngitis is categorised as acute if it lasts less than three weeks and chronic if symptoms last more than three weeks.[1] Acute cases usually occur as part of a viral upper respiratory tract infection,[1] other infections and trauma such as from coughing are other causes.[1] Chronic cases may occur due to smoking, tuberculosis, allergies, acid reflux, rheumatoid arthritis, or sarcoidosis.[1][3] The underlying mechanism involves irritation of the vocal cords.[2]
Concerning signs that may require further investigation include stridor, history of radiation therapy to the neck, trouble swallowing, duration of more than three weeks, and a history of smoking.[1] If concerning signs are present the vocal cords should be examined via laryngoscopy.[1] Other conditions that can produce similar symptoms include epiglottitis, croup, inhaling a foreign body, and laryngeal cancer.[1][4]
The acute form generally resolves without specific treatment.[1] Resting the voice and sufficient fluids may help.[1] Antibiotics generally do not appear to be useful in the acute form.[5] The acute form is common while the chronic form is not.[1] The chronic form occurs most often in middle age and is more common in men than women.[6]
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