A Family Doctor's Tale - LARYNGITIS

DOC I HAVE A HOARSE VOICE

Have you ever times when your voice was so hoarse and soft that your friends or family cannot even hear you or thought you were mumbling to yourself. These are all signs of laryngitis. Teachers and lecturers are most prone to get it.
 
Laryngitis ( A Simple Guide to Laryngitis) is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the laryngx (Vocal box) which produces the sound of the voice.


Laryngitis is caused by
1.bacterial or viral infections of the larynx.
2.excessive use of voice
3.inhalation of irritants such as cigarette smoke


Laryngitis is also associated with
1.bronchitis
2.pneumonia
3.whooping cough
4.diphtheria


Laryngitis produces mild but uncomfortable symptoms:


1.hoarseness of voice
2.loss of voice
3.pain on speaking
4.Tiredness
5.Fever of low grade rarely


The most important indications of Laryngitis are:
1.Symptoms of hoarseness or loss of voice

2.Physical examination of the throat may showed the presence of redness and swelling of the vocal cords with some pus discharge. The movement of the vocal cords may be impeded.
Sometimes nodules may be found on the vocal cords due to excessive usage of voice.


To confirm the diagnosis:
1.nasal and throat swabs to determine the type of infection

2.Xray of the chest and neck to determine any pressure of other organs pressing on the larynx

3.A biopsy of the nodules on the vocal cords if present to exclude malignancy


In order to recover from Laryngitis, the patient should:
1.Rest the voice. A rested patient will recover faster.


2.Adequate warm Fluids helps to keep the mucus membranes moist


3.Steam inhalations may help


4.Antibiotics if there is suspicion of bacterial infection.

5.Gargles and decongestants may help to soothe the throat and vocal cords


6.Avoid smoking.talking


Acute laryngitis usually clears up within 10 days.

Very rarely chronic laryngitis may cause hoarseness of voice for months or years.