Laryngitis

1. LARYNGITIS

2. DEFINITION
It is the inflammation
of larynx leading to
oedema of laryngeal
mucosa and
underlying structures.

3. ETIOLOGY
INFECTIOUS:
 Viral laryngitis can be caused by rhinovirus, influenza
virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, coronavirus, and RSV.
 Bacterial laryngitis can be caused by group A
streptococcus, streptococcus pneumoniae, C. diphtheriae, M.
catarrhalis,haemophilus influenzae, bordetella pertussis,
and M. tuberculosis.
 Fungal laryngitis can be caused by Histoplasma,
Candida (especially in immunocompromised persons)

4. NON INFECTIOUS
 Inhaled fumes
 Acid reflux disease
 Allergies
 Excessive coughing, smoking, or alcohol consumption.
 Inflammation due to overuse of the vocal cords
 Prolonged use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma treatment
 Thermal or chemical burns
 Laryngeal trauma, including iatrogenic one caused by
endotracheal intubation

5. Predisposing factors
 Smoking
 Psychological strain
 Physical stress
 Acid reflux
 Frequent sinus infectionsr
 Types – acute (less then 3 weeks)and
chronic (more than 3 weeks )

6. Pathophysiology
 Due to etiological factors
 The mucosa of the larynx becomes congested
and may become oedematous.
 A fibrinous exudate may occur on the surface.
 Signs and symptoms
 Sometimes infection involves the perichondrium
of laryngeal cartilages producing perichondritiis.

7. CLINICAL
FEATURES
 Husky, high pitched voice.
 Body aches, Fever, Malaise.
 Dysphonia (hoarseness) or aphonia (inability to speak)
 Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
 Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing), predominantly in children
 Dry, burning throat
 Dry irritating paroxysmal cough.
 Cold or flu-like symptoms
 Swollen lymph nodes in the throat, chest, or face
 Hemoptysis (coughing out blood)
 Increased production of saliva.

8.  Signs of acute URTI.
 Dry thick sticky secretions.
 Dusky red and swollen vocal cords.
 congestion of laryngeal mucosa.

9. TREATMENT
SUPPORTIVE
 Voice rest.
 Steam inhalation.
 Cough suppressants.
 Avoid smoking and cold climet.
 Fluid intake.

10. TREATMENT
DEFINITIVE
 If laryngitis due to gastroesophageal reflux, an H2-
inhibitor (ranitidine) or proton-pump inhibitor
(omeprazole) is used to reduce gastric acid secretions.
 If laryngitis is caused by thermal or chemical burns,
steroids are used.
 In viral laryngitis, drinking sufficient fluids will be helpful.
 If laryngitis is due to a bacterial or fungal infection,
appropriate antibiotic or antifungal therapy is given.

11. To improve vocal hygiene
 Drinking lot of fluids - Drink 7-9 glasses of water per day;
herbal tea and chicken soup also provides soothing effect.
 maintaining good general health - Exercise regularly.
 Avoiding smoking - They are bad for the heart, lungs and
vocal tract.
 Eating a balanced diet - Include vegetables, fruits and
whole grain foods.
 Avoid dry, artificial interior climates.
 Do not eat late at night - may have problems when
stomach acid backs up on the vocal cords.
 Use a humidifier to assist with hydration.