Laryngitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Summary

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx, often caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or chronic irritants like smoking or acid reflux. Acute laryngitis typically lasts under 3 weeks and resolves on its own, while chronic laryngitis lasts longer and requires treatment of underlying causes like allergies or reflux. Symptoms include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and in some cases, shortness of breath. Treatment focuses on vocal rest, hydration, and addressing the root cause, with antibiotics for bacterial infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, especially in children and individuals with recurrent issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box), affecting vocal cords and causing hoarseness (dysphonia).
• 😀 Acute laryngitis lasts less than 3 weeks and is often caused by viral infections like rhinovirus or influenza.
• 😀 Chronic laryngitis lasts more than 3 weeks and is typically caused by allergies, irritants like cigarette smoke, or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
• 😀 The larynx contains vocal cords that vibrate to produce sound when air passes through them. Inflammation can disrupt this process, causing hoarseness.
• 😀 Common symptoms of laryngitis include dysphonia (hoarseness), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and dyspnea (difficulty breathing), especially in children.
• 😀 Bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus or Haemophilus influenzae, can cause acute laryngitis, often following a viral infection.
• 😀 Chronic laryngitis can lead to cellular changes in the larynx, potentially increasing the risk of laryngeal cancer due to dysplasia (cell transformation).
• 😀 Diagnosis of acute laryngitis is typically based on symptoms, while chronic laryngitis may require laryngoscopy and biopsy for a more thorough examination.
• 😀 Treatment for acute laryngitis involves resting the voice, staying hydrated, and using pain medications. Antibiotics are prescribed if there is a bacterial infection.
• 😀 For chronic laryngitis, it is important to address underlying causes such as allergies, irritants, or acid reflux, and avoid voice overuse.
• 😀 Laryngitis can be diagnosed and managed effectively by focusing on the three main symptoms: dysphonia, dysphagia, and dyspnea.
• 😀 Clinicians should focus on understanding the causes of laryngitis and provide targeted treatments based on whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Q & A

What is laryngitis and what causes it?

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box). It is most commonly caused by viral infections, such as those causing the common cold, but can also result from bacterial infections, allergies, overuse of the voice, or exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke or acid reflux.

How is laryngitis classified?

Laryngitis is classified into two types: acute and chronic. Acute laryngitis lasts less than 3 weeks, while chronic laryngitis lasts for more than 3 weeks.

What is the larynx and what role does it play in the body?

The larynx is located in the upper neck, just below the point where the trachea and esophagus split. It is also called the voice box because it contains the vocal cords, which produce sound when air passes through them.

What are the symptoms of laryngitis?

The main symptoms of laryngitis include a hoarse voice (dysphonia), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and in some cases, difficulty breathing (especially in children with smaller airways).

How does viral infection contribute to acute laryngitis?

Viral infections, such as those caused by rhinovirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are the most common causes of acute laryngitis. These infections affect the upper respiratory tract and lead to inflammation of the larynx.

What are the main causes of chronic laryngitis?

Chronic laryngitis is commonly caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, acid reflux, and allergies. Overuse of the voice, such as excessive yelling, can also contribute to chronic inflammation of the larynx.

What are goblet cells and what is their function in the larynx?

Goblet cells are specialized cells in the mucosal epithelium of the larynx that produce mucus. The mucus helps trap foreign particles and protect the respiratory tract from irritation and infection.

How does acid reflux lead to laryngitis?

In individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid can travel up the esophagus and irritate the larynx, leading to inflammation and symptoms of laryngitis, a condition called reflux laryngitis.

What is the role of laryngoscopy in diagnosing chronic laryngitis?

Laryngoscopy is a procedure in which a tube with a camera is inserted into the mouth to visualize the larynx. It is helpful in diagnosing chronic laryngitis and ruling out other conditions, such as laryngeal cancer, by allowing a direct view of the larynx and the option to take a biopsy.

What are the recommended treatments for acute laryngitis?

For acute laryngitis, treatment primarily involves resting the vocal cords, staying hydrated, and using pain medications. If the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

How is chronic laryngitis treated?

Chronic laryngitis treatment focuses on addressing underlying causes. This may include using allergy medications, avoiding irritants like smoke, and taking medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).