Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. The main symptom is hoarseness up to voicelessness, often accompanied by a dry, painful cough. Other symptoms may also be (up to 40 ° C), severe sore throat or fever.

Classification

Laryngitis can be divided into an acute form and a chronic form. The acute form is divided into an inflammation of the different floors of the larynx ( supraglottis, glottis, subglottis ), but especially the vocal folds ( glottis ). The subglottic laryngitis is also called croup. Very often also the upper portion of the trachea is involved; then speak of a laryngotracheitis. As chronic laryngitis applies if the inflammation persists for more than three weeks.

Causes

Acute laryngitis is caused mainly by viral infections of the upper respiratory tract or rarely by strong vocal load in rooms with dry, possibly smoky air.

Chronic laryngitis develops

• From an acute laryngitis with insufficient protection of the voice,
• By smoking and work in dusty, dry environment,
• By alcohol abuse,
• By reflux of gastric juice, gastric see laryngitis,
• During continuous mouth breathing with nasal obstruction,
• In the context of ascending infections ( bronchitis with constant cough )
• Rarely incorrect vocal technique or as a result of long existing functional voice disorder.

Chronic laryngitis is always subject to observation, since the transition of chronic inflammation to precancerous and cancer often happens gradually.

Therapy

In addition to treating an underlying disease and elimination of noxious agents involved (eg, tobacco smoke) the vocal conservation is paramount. At most softly, gently speak with lowered voice - It is expedient temporarily to dispense entirely with the vocal use. Whisper should be strictly avoided, because if the required maximum voltage of the vocal cords causes a significant burden. Hot neck envelopes and hot drinks and steam inhalations with essential oils, for example, from chamomile flower or sage leaves (please note that the alcohol in liquid extracts dried unfavorable ) have a soothing effect. In a swelling of the vocal folds hydrocortisone-containing inhalations can be supportive; with secondary infection with pus formation antibiotics. If coughing is treated symptomatically.

In chronic laryngitis tobacco, alcohol and spicy foods should be avoided at reflux are proton pump inhibitor drug of choice. Through inhalation, the dry mucous membranes are wetted, decongestants should not be used. If necessary, should be improved through operational measures nasal breathing or be learned by voice therapy a proper vocal technique.