LARYNGITIS

DEFINITION

Laryngitis (pronounced lar-uhn-JIE-tiss) is an inflammation of the larynx, resulting in hoarseness of the voice.

DESCRIPTION

The larynx is the upper portion of the trachea (pronounced TRAY-keeuh), or windpipe. When a person breathes in, air passes into the nose or mouth. It then travels down the trachea into the lungs. The larynx also contains the vocal cords, used in making sounds. When air passes over the vocal cords, it causes them to vibrate. That vibration produces sound.

In laryngitis, the lower part of the larynx, including the vocal cords, is swollen and inflamed. The vocal cords can still vibrate, but not in their normal manner. The sound produced is husky. Laryngitis is a very common problem. It often occurs during an upper respiratory (breathing) tract infection, such as a common cold (see common cold entry).

CAUSES

In the vast majority of cases, laryngitis is caused by a virus. The virus is often the same one that causes a common cold or influenza (the flu; see influenza entry). In very rare cases, the disease is caused by a bacterium, such as the one that also causes tuberculosis (see tuberculosis entry). In people with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS (see AIDS entry), laryngitis can be caused by a fungus.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of laryngitis are similar to those of the common cold. They include a sore, scratchy throat; fever; runny nose; achiness; and tiredness. A person may have trouble swallowing and may experience coughing and wheezing. The most characteristic symptom of laryngitis, however, is a hoarse and raspy voice.

In very rare cases, swelling of the larynx can cause constriction (shrinking or blockage) of the airways. This problem is usually serious only in young children, whose airways are small.

DIAGNOSIS

A common clue used to diagnose laryngitis is the recent occurrence of a cold or the flu followed by hoarseness. The throat usually appears red and somewhat swollen. The doctor will usually listen to the patient's chest and back with a stethoscope. A harsh, wheezing sound is an indication of laryngitis.

Chronic (persistent) laryngitis may suggest the presence of tuberculosis. In such a case, a doctor can use an instrument known as a laryngoscope (pronounced luh-RING-guh-skope) to look directly into the patient's airway. The presence of redness, swelling, nodules (small lumps), and sores indicates the possibility of tuberculosis.

TREATMENT

Since laryngitis is usually caused by a virus, there is no cure for the disease. Treatment is aimed at relieving its symptoms. Gargling with warm salt water, taking pain relievers, using a moist air vaporizer, and getting plenty of rest are usually the best practices to follow.

An endoscopic view of vocal cords with laryngitis. (Reproduced by permission of

Custom Medical Stock Photo

)

When laryngitis is more serious, which is rare, it needs special treatment. For example, an infant who has trouble breathing may temporarily require an artificial airway. A person with tubercular laryngitis requires the combination of medications used to treat tuberculosis itself.

Alternative Treatment

One kind of alternative treatment is aromatherapy. In aromatherapy, the patient breathes fumes of special mixtures with soothing properties. For laryngitis, these mixtures may contain lavender, frankincense, thyme, or sandalwood. Special solutions for gargling can be made with a variety of herbs, including sage, yarrow, or licorice.

Some practitioners recommend the use of echinacea (pronounced eki-NAY-see-uh) to strengthen the immune system. Herbs believed to kill viruses, such as usnea (pronounced US-nee-uh), have also been suggested. Homeopathic remedies are recommended based on the patient's symptoms. Some people may get relief by placing cold compresses (pads) on the throat.

PROGNOSIS

Prognosis for laryngitis is excellent. Recovery is complete and usually occurs within a week.

PREVENTION

Most people get at least one cold or other upper respiratory tract infection a year. About the only way to avoid these infections is to wash one's hands well and often and to avoid contact with people who have colds. The same rules hold true for laryngitis. By avoiding colds and similar infections, the chances of developing laryngitis are greatly reduced.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Books

Stoffman, Phyllis. The Family Guide to Preventing and Treating 100 Infectious Diseases. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1995.

Organizations

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. On Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3357. (703) 836-444.