Highlights & Basics
- Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, which can lead to edema of the true vocal folds. Causes may be infectious or noninfectious (e.g., vocal strain, reflux laryngitis, chronic irritative laryngitis).
- Acute laryngitis is usually a clinical diagnosis, characterized by hoarseness arising over <7 days, preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection. It is usually self-limiting. Patients may present with airway distress due to edema and high fever. Exudative tonsillopharyngitis with fever and anterior cervical lymphadenitis is highly suggestive of a bacterial origin. Laryngitis can also be secondary to post nasal drip and/or sinus infection and bacterial etiologies should be ruled out in a patient with nasal symptoms.
- Chronic laryngitis is the presence of laryngeal inflammatory symptoms including hoarseness, globus, pain, dysphagia, throat clearing, or cough lasting >3 weeks. A thorough evaluation and specialist consultation, including laryngeal exam, should be obtained because chronic laryngitis can mimic symptoms of laryngeal malignancy.
- Treatment for viral laryngitis consists of voice rest and hydration. For bacterial causes, antibiotics are used along with supportive measures. Vocal strain is managed with voice therapy and vocal hygiene.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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