Laryngitis: symptoms, causes, therapy - FITBOOK

Von Celina-Madelaine Bergunde | Oct 21, 2022 at 4:49 am

After an infection, you suddenly stop talking, singing and screaming? Laryngitis can be the reason. FITBOOK explains possible causes, which symptoms are noticeable with the inflammation and how it can be treated.

Laryngitis is inflammation of the lining of the larynx. It usually occurs as a result of or in connection with a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It can occur both acutely and chronically. An acute illness usually lasts three to seven days. If the condition lasts three weeks or longer, it is called chronic laryngitis.¹ Since the larynx plays a key role in the formation of sounds, patients often perceive voice changes.

Typical symptoms of acute laryngitis?

Acute laryngitis can often manifest itself through the following symptoms:

Voice changes such as hoarseness or a “hoarse” voice
early fatigue of the voice
drier Cough
scratchy/sore feeling
difficulties swallowing
Sore throat

These symptoms can also occur in chronic laryngitis. Other signs would include acute dysphonia (voice disorder), foreign body sensation, odynophagia (difficulty swallowing), and excessive throat clearing.¹

If you have symptoms such as breathing difficulties, you should definitely consult a doctor. Because in this case the larynx swells sharply, and a dangerous disease process should be ruled out.

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What are the possible causes?

smoker and immunocompromised patients are particularly at increased risk of developing laryngitis. The mucous membrane of the larynx is constantly irritated, which can also lead to chronic laryngitis.^1,2

Typical triggers for laryngitis are viral upper respiratory infections. More rarely, the following causes may also be present:

bacteria
dry air
mechanical stimuli (heavy strain on the voice)
chemical stimuli (e.g. cigarette smoke)
Pre-existing conditions (e.g. laryngopharyngeal reflux)

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How is laryngitis treated?

If a viral infection is the cause of acute laryngitis, it usually heals after a few days without any consequences. Although it is a self-limiting disease, it is usually accompanied by a doctor.³ However, if the condition lasts three weeks or longer, you should definitely consult a doctor.

The most important thing is to protect your voice. Heavy strain on the vocal cords can prolong the healing process. Above all, you should make sure that in the lounge a sufficient humidity reigns. In addition, a regular Inhale the healing process. In order to prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes, you should pay attention to your fluid balance and drink enough.²

In chronic laryngitis, a antibiotic treatment often not used as initial therapy. Instead, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) should be able to combat the cause directly. These are active ingredients that counteract acid secretion in the stomach.⁴

Also interesting: Scarf for a sore throat – does it really help?

How is a diagnosis made?

Symptoms and the duration of the illness are often first asked about in anamnesis by the doctor treating you. As part of the diagnosis, changes in the mucous membranes such as redness, swelling and mucus deposits are then examined by a doctor. A flexible endoscope is usually used to examine the larynx. If the patient suffers from a strong gag reflex, the endoscope can also be inserted through the nose over the nasopharynx and oral pharynx.

Occasionally, stroboscopy is also performed. With this one can observe the vibration behavior of the vocal folds and thus also assess fine disturbances.

The extent of the inflammation cannot always be fully diagnosed. In such a case, a direct laryngeal endoscopy can be carried out in a clinic using anesthesia. In addition, tissue samples can also be taken in order to subsequently examine them in the laboratory.²