Diagnosis
Acute laryngitis
Inflammation of the vocal cords.
Etiology
Etiology [uid]
Viral: rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, adenovirus, and influenza
Superimposed bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis
Non-infectious laryngitis: [uid]
Vocal trauma/abuse/misuse
Allergy
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Asthma
Environmental pollution
Smoking
Inhalational injuries
Pathophysiology [uid]
Trigger --> local inflammation of the vocal folds and surrounding tissues
Usually resolves within 2 weeks
If symptoms persist --> superinfection or a transition to chronic laryngitis
Epidemiology
Incidence per 100.000 [uid][mgd]
Symptoms & findings
Symptoms
Cough, Dysphonia, Fever, Hoarseness, Lymphadenopathy, Mucus, Odynophagia
Clinical findings
Vocal cord erythema, Vocal cord swelling
Anamneses
None listed.
Localized findings
Approach
Clinical diagnosis
Laryngoscopy
Treatment
Resting the voice [uid]
Steam inhalation
Avoidance of irritants or GERD: Smoking, alcohol, coffee, spice, fatty food, chocolate, peppermint and late meals
Fluid intake
Pin killers
Corticosteroids
Antibiotics
Differential diagnoses
Epiglottitis, Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, Rhinitis, Spasmodic dysphonia
References
[1] Gupta G, Mahajan K. Acute Laryngitis. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534871
[2] Wood JM, Athanasiadis T, Allen J. Laryngitis. BMJ. 2014 Oct 9;349:g5827.