Laryngitis

Laryngitis, the medical term, refers to inflammation of the larynx, an important part of the respiratory system located between the trachea and pharynx. The larynx plays a crucial role in creating the voice and protecting the airways from the aspiration of food and drink during speech.

When inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) occurs, a variety of symptoms may occur, including hoarseness, coughing , and loss of voice.

Acute laryngitis is an inflammatory condition that lasts up to three weeks. Symptoms usually appear suddenly, and are characterized by hoarseness, difficulty and painful swallowing, shortness of breath, stridor (a rough, high-pitched sound when inhaling, indicating obstruction of the large airways, primarily the larynx or trachea) and cough. In adults, it is usually mild and self-limiting, while in children it can be severe with acute life-threatening symptoms.

Chronic laryngitis is most often characterized by prolonged hoarseness, which is not the result of an infection, but of prolonged irritation and structural changes in the larynx.

Laryngitis can affect people of all ages. The reasons for its occurrence are numerous, the most common are viral and bacterial infections.

Viruses, such as those that cause colds or flu, are often the primary culprits for the development of laryngitis.

Among bacteria, common pathogens include Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Fungal infection is also possible, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

In addition to infections, exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or chemicals can also cause laryngitis, as can inappropriate use of the voice. In some people, long-term exposure to these irritants can result in chronic laryngeal problems.

Laryngitis is a common disease, but the exact frequency is difficult to determine, as well as the number of cases in a particular population over a period of time. The reason for this lies in the fact that those affected often do not seek medical help, but self-medicate symptomatically. Also, laryngitis often results from a concomitant acute respiratory infection affecting the nose, pharynx and/or sinuses.

Laryngitis can show a variety of symptoms of varying intensity, and recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely treatment.

There are several key symptoms associated with laryngitis:

• Hoarseness

One of the most common symptoms of laryngitis is hoarseness. A person may notice that their voice is hoarse or sounds harsh. Hoarseness is the result of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the larynx, especially the vocal cords themselves, which interferes with their normal vibration. Hoarseness can be mild or pronounced.

• Cough

Cough is a common symptom of laryngitis, often dry and irritating, especially when triggered by irritants such as cigarette smoke or air pollutants. Sometimes it can be productive, with the expulsion of mucus.

In the case of inflammation of the laryngeal space under the vocal cords, which is often present in subglottic laryngitis in children, the cough may have a characteristic sound similar to the “barking of a dog”.

• Loss of voice

In some cases, laryngitis can cause complete loss of voice (aphonia), which is especially pronounced in severe cases of laryngitis. Loss of voice can be temporary or long-term, depending on the cause of laryngitis and the timeliness of treatment.

• Sore throat

People with laryngitis often experience discomfort or sore throat that can be mild or intense, depending on the severity of the inflammation. The pain does not have to be pronounced, but if it exists, it sometimes additionally interferes with communication because the patient tries to “save the voice”.

The diagnosis of laryngitis is usually made on the basis of the medical history and clinical picture. If the symptoms follow a typical course, such as a characteristic cough and hoarseness, the diagnosis can be made already on the basis of these indications.

If the symptoms persist for more than three weeks or there is no improvement after seven to ten days of treatment in primary health care, a specialist otorhinolaryngological examination is recommended. This examination is also necessary earlier in cases of severe forms of the disease, since it provides a visual representation of the larynx.

Severe laryngitis can reveal redness, minor or major oedema of the vocal cords, and the presence of thick viscous secretions. The movement of the vocal cords is usually neat.

Changes in other parts of the larynx are also possible. If redness and edema are observed in the supraglottic area (above the glottis), this may indicate epiglottitis, which requires hospital treatment. Such laryngitis in childhood is a seriously dangerous condition, and it can be diagnosed in the primary health care office.

The diagnosis and treatment of laryngitis depend on the cause and severity of the symptoms. In most cases, laryngitis caused by a viral infection often goes away on its own, and therapy is directed to relieve symptoms.

Here are some common treatment approaches:

1. Voice Rest:
   • An extremely important step in the treatment of laryngitis is the rest of the voice.
   • Avoid shouting, whispering, and other activities that can put extra strain on your vocal cords.
   • Rest allows the larynx to recover, reduces the risk of complications, and if it is necessary to speak, prefer a full voice instead of whispering.
2. Drinking hot drinks:
   • Consuming hot beverages such as tea or soup can relieve irritation of the larynx.
   • Stay hydrated by drinking enough water or applying preparations with hyaluronic acid.
3. Steam inhalation:
   • Steam inhalation provides relief, moisturizing the mucous membrane of the larynx and reducing irritation.
   • The addition of eucalyptus or menthol oil can enhance the effect of steam inhalation.
   • In children with subglottic laryngitis, exposure to cold can reduce the severity of coughing.
4. Medications to relieve symptoms:
   • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever.
   • Cough syrups are used to suppress cough.
5. Occupational therapy:
   • People who urgently need to restore their voice can temporarily use inhalation of corticosteroids, calcium glucoheptonates and local anesthetics.
6. Antibiotics (in certain cases):
   • If laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
   • Proper administration of antibiotics is important as directed by the doctor.
7. Antifungals (in certain cases):
   • Fungal laryngitis is more often treated with oral fluconazole, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we are aware of how important your voice is for everyday interaction with others. That is why we apply modern technology and methods that bring your vocal cords back into shape.

Problems such as hoarseness, straining when speaking and cracking of the voice are just some of the phenomena that can arise due to polyps on the vocal cords.

Therefore, do not wait for the hoarseness to disappear naturally, but make an appointment today by calling +3851 2444 646, or by filling out the online form.