Laryngitis
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammatory of larynx mainly because of overuse, irritation or infection. Specifically in laryngitis vocal cords become irritated or inflamed causing it to swell. This leads to hoarseness of voice and sometimes voice become undetectable. Lyrangitis can be acute or chronic or can be due to some viral infection.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of lyrangitis include:
- Hoarseness of voice
- Voice become weak or sometimes loss
- Soar throat
- Dry throat
- Dry cough
- Sense of tickling and rawness
If following symptoms occur the condition is severe
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Long lasting fever
- Increasing pain over weeks
- Drools more than usual ( in children )
- Symptoms of laryngitis can mimic croup (inflammation of the larynx and the airway), epiglottis ( an inflammation of the tissue that acts as a lid ) and inflammation of trachea
Causes
Main causes of laryngitis are:
- Acute laryngitis mostly occur due to viral infection, Vocal strain, bacterial infections.
- Chronic layrngitis mostly occur due to Inhaled irritants, Acid reflux, chronic sinusitis and alcohol abuse.
- Cancer
- Bowing of vocal cords
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon the detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Along with this some tests are also done like:
- Lyrangoscopy
- Biopsy of suspicious area.
- Needle biopsy
Treatment
Usually laryngitis is self limiting but following treatment options can be considered if symptoms are not going away.
- Medications like antibiotics, corticosteroids
- Rarely surgery is needed.
Home Remedies
- Taking steam and breathing moist air
- Rest your voice and don’t speak in high tones
- Keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid decongestant
- Avoid putting strain on your voice and whispering.