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Hoarseness of the voice, a sore throat, and cough are often perceived as a manifestation of a common cold. However, similar symptoms may indicate inflammation of the larynx. The disease may develop against the background of viral and bacterial infections, overstrain of the vocal cords, inhalation of irritating substances, or exposure to other adverse factors.
If such symptoms do not go away within several days or gradually intensify, it is worth consulting an otolaryngologist. Timely diagnosis helps determine the cause of inflammation and select the optimal treatment tactics. It is possible to make an appointment for a consultation with an otolaryngologist by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.
Laryngitis — is inflammation of the larynx, which can spread to the vocal cords and lead to a change in the voice, hoarseness, or even its temporary loss. The larynx participates in the process of breathing and voice formation, so the inflammatory process often affects not only well-being, but also the ability to speak normally.
Laryngitis can differ by the duration of the course, the cause of occurrence, and the nature of changes in the mucous membrane of the larynx. Determining the form of the disease helps establish an accurate diagnosis and select the most effective treatment.
Depending on the duration of the disease, the following are distinguished:
acute — develops suddenly and usually lasts up to several weeks;
chronic — is characterized by a long course with periodic exacerbations and remissions.
In a chronic course, symptoms may be less pronounced, but bother for a long time.
Depending on the factor that caused the inflammation, the following are distinguished:
viral — most often occurs against the background of acute respiratory viral infections;
bacterial — is associated with the multiplication of a bacterial infection in the area of the larynx;
fungal — occurs less often and more often develops against the background of immune disorders or long-term use of some medicinal products;
allergic — occurs as a result of contact with allergens.
Establishing the cause of the disease is important for choosing the correct treatment tactics.
Separately, forms are distinguished that differ in clinical manifestations and the nature of the lesion of the larynx:
catarrhal — is accompanied by superficial inflammation of the mucous membrane;
hypertrophic — is characterized by thickening of separate areas of the mucous membrane;
atrophic — is accompanied by thinning of the mucous membrane of the larynx;
stenosing — leads to narrowing of the lumen of the larynx and may cause difficulty breathing.
Each form of laryngitis has its own features of the course and requires an individual approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Laryngitis in an adult or child may develop under the influence of various factors. Most often, inflammation of the larynx occurs against the background of infectious diseases, however, it can also be provoked by irritation of the mucous membrane, excessive strain on the vocal cords, and some chronic diseases.
The most common causes include:
viral infections of the upper respiratory tract;
bacterial infections;
overstrain of the vocal cords during long conversations, singing, or public speaking;
inhalation of tobacco smoke, dust, chemical substances, and other irritants;
allergic reactions;
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
hypothermia;
decreased local or general immunity.
According to American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the most common cause of acute laryngitis is viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.
Doctors of “Oxford Medical” note: sometimes inflammation of the larynx develops simultaneously with other diseases of the ENT organs. For example, pharyngitis or inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx may contribute to the spread of infection and the appearance of symptoms of laryngitis.
Manifestations of the disease may differ depending on the cause, form
and severity of the course.
The most common symptoms of laryngitis include:
hoarseness of the voice or its temporary loss;
pain, soreness, or a feeling of irritation in the throat;
dry persistent cough;
discomfort or pain during conversation.
Other possible signs of laryngitis include a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, the need to cough up often, and general malaise. In some cases, fever is observed with laryngitis, especially if the inflammation is associated with an acute viral or bacterial infection.
Doctors of “Oxford Medical” recommend consulting a doctor if voice impairment or other symptoms persist for more than several days, gradually intensify, or are accompanied by difficulty breathing.
To establish the diagnosis, an otolaryngologist analyzes the patient's complaints and conducts an examination of the ENT organs. In many cases, laryngitis can be suspected already during the initial appointment, however, to assess the condition of the larynx and exclude other diseases, additional examinations are sometimes needed.
If necessary, the following may be prescribed:
laryngoscopy — examination of the larynx and vocal cords using endoscopic equipment;
a throat swab to determine the causative agent of the infection;
a complete blood count;
additional examinations to exclude other diseases of the larynx.
Doctors of “Oxford Medical” note that timely diagnosis allows not only to establish the cause of inflammation, but also to exclude other pathologies that may be accompanied by hoarseness of the voice. For example, prolonged voice impairment sometimes requires additional examination to exclude such diseases as throat cancer.
The tactics of therapy depend on the cause of the disease, its form, and the severity of symptoms. That is why treating laryngitis independently is not recommended. To achieve the best result, it is important to eliminate not only the manifestations of inflammation, but also the factor that caused it.
Treatment of laryngitis may include:
local anti-inflammatory and antiseptic medications;
agents for moisturizing the mucous membrane of the larynx;
antipyretic medications when the temperature rises;
antibacterial therapy if there are indications;
physiotherapeutic procedures, in particular UHF therapy;
recommendations for reducing the load on the vocal cords.
During treatment, it is also recommended to talk less, avoid shouting and singing, maintain a sufficient drinking regimen, and give up smoking until full recovery.
Features of treatment of different forms of laryngitis
| Type of laryngitis | Features of treatment |
| Viral | Local anti-inflammatory medications, agents for moisturizing the mucous membrane, and improving symptoms are used. |
| Bacterial | Antibiotics are prescribed according to indications, as well as local anti-inflammatory and antiseptic medications. |
| Allergic | The basis of treatment is elimination of contact with the allergen and the use of antihistamine medications. |
| Chronic | Elimination of the causes that maintain inflammation, as well as local anti-inflammatory therapy and treatment of concomitant diseases, is important. |
| Stenosing | Treatment may include anti-inflammatory therapy, medications for reducing laryngeal edema, and other methods depending on the severity of the condition. In case of severe breathing impairment, emergency medical care may be needed. |
In some cases, treatment of concomitant diseases of the ENT organs may be needed at the same time. For example, in chronic tonsillitis, cleaning of the tonsil lacunae may be performed according to indications, which helps reduce the activity of the chronic inflammatory process.
In most cases, laryngitis responds well to treatment and passes without consequences. However, in the absence of timely therapy or with a severe course of the disease, the development of complications is possible. The risk of their occurrence is higher with bacterial forms of inflammation, a chronic course, and weakened immunity.
Possible complications are:
spread of the inflammatory process to the lower respiratory tract with the development of bronchitis or pneumonia;
prolonged voice impairment or its partial loss;
chronization of the inflammatory process;
narrowing of the lumen of the larynx and difficulty breathing.
Stenosing laryngitis requires special attention. With this form of the disease, pronounced swelling of the mucous membrane can lead to narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, because of which breathing difficulties occur. Such a condition requires immediate medical care.
Following simple recommendations helps reduce the likelihood of inflammation of the larynx and decrease the risk of repeated exacerbations. For prevention, it is recommended to:
timely treat acute respiratory and ENT diseases;
avoid hypothermia and prolonged exposure to cold air;
give up smoking and minimize exposure to tobacco smoke;
not overstrain the vocal cords during long conversations, singing, or public speaking;
maintain sufficient air humidity in the room;
avoid contact with dust, smoke, and other irritating substances;
strengthen immunity with the help of a balanced diet, physical activity, and full sleep.
Special attention to prevention should be paid to people whose professional activity is associated with constant vocal load, as well as patients with chronic diseases of the ENT organs.
The cost of treatment of laryngitis depends on the cause of the disease, the necessary scope of diagnosis, and the chosen therapy tactics. In some cases, a doctor's consultation and conservative treatment are sufficient, while in others additional examinations, physiotherapeutic or other procedures may be needed.
After the examination and assessment, the otolaryngologist will determine the optimal treatment plan and orient you regarding the cost of the necessary medical services. You can preliminarily view the prices for doctors' consultations here. To make an appointment, leave a request through the online appointment form on the website or call the contact center.
The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Sources:
An otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngitis. If necessary, he may prescribe additional examinations to determine the cause of inflammation and choose the optimal tactics of therapy.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx and vocal cords, so it is often accompanied by hoarseness of the voice. Bronchitis affects the bronchi and usually manifests as a cough with sputum production and discomfort in the chest.
Contagiousness depends on the cause of the disease. Viral and bacterial laryngitis can be transmitted to other people, while allergic laryngitis or laryngitis associated with overstrain of the vocal cords is not contagious.
With an infectious origin, a person is usually contagious during the period of acute symptoms. The duration depends on the causative agent, but most often ranges from several days to one week.
Yes, it can. In some cases, the main manifestations are hoarseness of the voice, soreness, and discomfort in the throat. At the same time, cough is one of the most common symptoms of this disease.
In most cases, the voice begins to recover within several days after the inflammation decreases. Full recovery usually takes from one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the disease.
In the absence of high temperature and pronounced deterioration of well-being, short walks are usually not contraindicated. At the same time, hypothermia, cold air, and excessive vocal load should be avoided.
It is not recommended to use warming procedures independently. In some forms of the disease, they may intensify inflammation. The advisability of such methods should be determined by a doctor after an examination.
Milk is not prohibited with laryngitis if it is well tolerated. Warm drinks may temporarily reduce discomfort in the throat, but they do not directly affect the cause of the disease.
Inhalations may be used for some forms of laryngitis, but only on the recommendation of a doctor. The choice of the medication for inhalation and the method of performing the procedure depends on the cause of inflammation and the features of the course of the disease.
Accurate diagnostics. The otolaryngology department is equipped with equipment from leading manufacturers of medical technology, which allows accurate assessment of the condition of ENT organs.
Experienced doctors. Consultations are conducted by specialists with many years of experience who work according to modern clinical recommendations.
Comfortable appointment. At Oxford Medical, an ENT specialist provides consultations in Kyiv and Irpin, which makes it possible to choose a convenient location and the optimal time for a visit.
Modern inpatient department. Surgical treatment is carried out in the modern surgical inpatient department of the private clinic Oxford Medical.
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