Laryngitis
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| ICD-10 | J04.0 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 464.0-464.4 |
| ICD-10 | J37 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 476.0-476.1 |
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. It causes hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice because of irritation to the vocal folds (vocal cords).
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[edit] Types
It is categorized as acute if it lasts less than a few days. [1] Otherwise it is categorized as chronic which could last over 3 weeks.
[edit] Causes
Generally speaking, laryngitis is inflammation of the voicebox regardless of cause. Such causes include smoking, various allergies, contact with physical or chemical irritants, reflux and straining the larynx through singing or shouting. Laryngitis may also be caused by a viral or by bacterial infection. Fungal laryngitis is often seen in the immunocompromised or those taking inhaled steroids.
Laryngitis may cause hoarseness, but not all hoarseness may be due to laryngitis. Indeed, laryngitis is often used synonymously with hoarseness, but this is incorrect. Hoarseness itself may be due to cancer, vocal cord nodules/polyps/cysts, and even involuntary incorrect muscle use (ie, muscle tension dysphonia).
[edit] Treatments
Correct treatment depends on correct diagnosis of laryngitis. The most often cause of missed diagnosis of laryngeal cancer is belief that the hoarseness is due to laryngitis. Should hoarseness last for more than 3 weeks, one should contact an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, & Throat physician or ENT) for a direct visualization of the vocal cords.
If laryngitis is due to a viral cause:
- Ibuprofen and aspirin may help alleviate fever and some of the discomfort associated with laryngitis.
- Avoid speaking when possible. Speak softly, but do not whisper[citation needed].
- Drink warm liquids such as tea or a honey-lemon drink.
- Take cough drops/throat lozenges. If unavailable, suck on hard candy.
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of liquids: water, orange juice, etc.
- Humidifiers and warm showers can also help alleviate some symptoms.
- Avoid airborne irritants such as smoke and allergens.
- Gargle with a salt water rinse; avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol which can dry the throat (however, these can be helpful when the cause of the infection is bacterial).
- A tea of gingerroot can help reduce swelling of the vocal chords and relieve symptoms.
- Your physician may prescribe steroids to help accelerate the healing of the inflammation present.
If laryngitis is due to gastroesophageal reflux:
- Your physician may instruct you to take zantac or prilosec over-the-counter for 4-6 weeks.
If laryngitis is due to bacteral/fungal infections:
- Your physician may prescribe a course of antibiotics or anti-fungal medication.
[edit] External links
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