BSC NURSING III YEAR

1. Mr. Manikandan.T,
RN., RM., M.Sc(N)., D.C.A .,(Ph.D)
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Medical Surgical Nursing,
VMCON, Puducherry.

2. DEFINITION
• an inflammation of the larynx, often occurs as
a result of voice abuse or exposure to dust,
chemicals, smoke, and other pollutants or as
part of a URI.

3. CAUSES
• The most common cause is a virus, and laryngitis
is often associated with allergic rhinitis or
pharyngitis. (H.Influenza)
• Over use of voice during cold
• Bacterial invasion may be secondary. The onset of
infection may be associated with exposure to
sudden temperature changes, dietary
deficiencies, malnutrition, or an
immunosuppressed state.
• Viral laryngitis is common in the winter and is
easily transmitted to others.

4. CLINICAL FEATURES
• hoarseness or aphonia (complete loss of voice) and severe cough.
• Chronic laryngitis is marked by persistent hoarseness.
• Other signs of acute laryngitis include sudden onset made worse by
cold dry wind.
• The throat feels worse in the morning and improves when the
patient is indoors in a warmer climate.
• At times, the patient presents with a dry cough and a dry, sore
throat that worsens in the evening hours.
• Dyspnea, fever
• If allergies are present the uvula will be visibly edematous.
• Many patients also complain of a “tickle” in the throat that is made
worse by cold air or cold liquids.

5. TREATMENT
• Resting the voice
• Avoiding irritants (including smoking)
• Encourage fluid intake
• Inhaling cool steam or an aerosol. If the laryngitis is part of a
more extensive respiratory infection caused by a bacterial
organism or if it is severe, appropriate antibacterial therapy
• The majority of patients recover with conservative treatment
• Eliminating any primary respiratory tract infection,
• Eliminating smoking, and avoiding second hand smoke.
• Topical corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone,
dipropionate (Vanceril) may be given by inhalation.
• Treatment for reflux laryngitis typically involves use of proton
pump inhibitors such as omeprazole given once daily.