0
Laryngitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the voice box (larynx) that is usually associated with hoarseness or loss of voice.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe voice box (larynx) is located at the top of the airway to the lungs (trachea). The larynx contains the vocal cords. When the vocal cords become inflamed or infected, they swell. This can cause hoarseness, and may sometimes block the airway.
The most common form of laryngitis is an infection caused by a virus. It may also be caused by:
- Allergies
- Bacterial infection
- Bronchitis
- Common cold
- Flu
- Injury
- Irritants and chemicals
- Pneumonia
Laryngitis often occurs with an upper respiratory infection.
Several forms of laryngitis occur in children that can lead to dangerous or fatal respiratory blockage. These forms include:
Symptoms- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck
A physical examination can determine whether hoarseness is caused by a respiratory tract infection.
Patients with lasting hoarseness (especially smokers) will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) for tests of the throat and upper airway.
TreatmentBecause most common laryngitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics may not help. Your health care provider will make this decision.
Resting your voice helps by reducing inflammation of the vocal cords. A humidifier may soothe the scratchy feeling that comes with laryngitis. Decongestants and painkillers may relieve the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, if you have one.
Expectations (prognosis)Laryngitis that is not caused by a serious condition should get better.
ComplicationsRarely, severe respiratory distress may develop. This will require medical attention.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:
- A small child who is not teething has difficulty breathing, swallowing, or is drooling
- A child less than 3 months old has hoarseness
- Hoarseness has lasted for more than 1 week in a child, or 2 weeks in an adult
- Try to avoid people who have upper respiratory infections during cold and flu season.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid crowded places.
Stopping smoking may help prevent tumors of the head and neck or lungs, which may lead to hoarseness.
ReferencesCummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.
Rakel P, ed. Conn's Current Therapy 2007. 59th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007.
What else can I help you with?
What to do for a cat with laryngitis?
My cat has laryngitis too and we are going to take it to the vet and get the best answer from them.
Can you catch laryngitis?
Not directly. But I could catch a cold, which could cause laryngitis.
When was Laryngitis - Glee - created?
Laryngitis - Glee - was created on 2010-05-11.
How do you use laryngitis in a sentence?
Business coach, Catherine Franz, shares with you some of her experiences with laryngitis and the mistakes that cost her business.
Who is the director for Glee Laryngitis?
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon directed the Laryngitis episode of Glee. This was his first episode that he has directed. The Laryngitis episode was written by the creator Ryan Murphy.
What the correct code for acute and chronic laryngitis?
ICD 9 CM Code for Acute Laryngitis- 464.00 ICD 9 CM Code for Chronic Laryngitis- 476.0
What is the inflammation of the voicebox is called?
This is also known as laryngitis, Laryngitis is usually caused by a virus or occurs in people who overuse their voice. Occasionally, a person may develop laryngitis from bacterial infections, and rarely, from infections such as tuberculosis,syphilis, or a fungal infection.
What foods can't you eat when you have laryngitis?
You can eat any food when you have laryngitis. There is no food you can't eat.
You are 24 weeks pregnant can you catch laryngitis?
Of course you can. Laryngitis is a virus, noone is immune to any virus.
Do you get laryngitis or influenza with the loss of alveolar elasticity?
No, alveolar elasticity would not directly lead to laryngitis or influenza.
What would you lose if you had laryngitis?
If you had laryngitis, you would lose your voice or experience hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and a sore throat. Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx) that can make your voice sound raspy or weak.
Can cats have laryngitis?
Yes, they can.
