Laryngitis
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What is laryngitis?
The larynx is the voice box, the area of the throat where the vocal cords and the rest of the cartilage and muscles that intervene to form the voice through movement and vibration that occurs with the passage of air are located.
When we refer to laryngitis, we highlight the inflammation of this area, which can cause sound distortion, resulting in a deeper or hoarse voice in the patient.
Laryngitis can be classified as acute, a short-duration condition, or chronic, which is related to ongoing discomfort for more than two weeks.
During laryngitis, the patient may experience various symptoms related to the throat, and the voice can range from hoarse to almost imperceptible, depending on each patient.
It is necessary to seek professional medical help when there is suspicion of chronic laryngitis that produces persistent hoarseness. Although laryngitis is not related to anything serious, it can reveal serious illnesses.
Symptoms of laryngitis.
To recognize inflammation of the larynx, it is necessary to identify if any of these symptoms are present:
- Sore throat.
- Dry cough.
- Scratchiness in the throat or irritation.
- Partial or total loss of voice.
- Hoarse voice.
- Feeling of having a dry throat.
Alarm signals to consult an otolaryngologist.
It is important to know which alarming symptoms require immediate professional review, and these are:
- Expulsion of blood with coughing.
- Respiratory problems or difficulty breathing.
- High and persistent fever.
- Persistent and increasing pain within a period of more than two weeks.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Your breathing becomes noisy (wheezing, snoring, or stridor).
Although we mentioned that laryngitis is not a serious condition, it is related to other organs of the respiratory tract that require immediate attention in case of presenting symptoms.
Causes of laryngitis.
Among the situations that can cause laryngitis, we find:
- Infections by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and even some parasites. As a result, they can cause acute or chronic laryngitis, depending on each case.
- Excessive use of the voice, known as vocal stress. It can be caused by screaming, singing, or not hydrating the throat properly.
- Intoxication by gases, some chemicals, or smoke can irritate the larynx, or in other cases, provoke allergic reactions.
- Excessive consumption of harmful substances such as tobacco or alcohol.
Diagnostic process to detect laryngitis.
Acute laryngitis can be diagnosed through a physical examination carried out by an otolaryngologist, who rules out that other areas of the respiratory tract are involved.
On the other hand, chronic cases of laryngitis require more detailed attention, including specialized tests recommended by a professional otolaryngologist such as laryngoscopy to identify the disease behind the problem.
Treatment for laryngitis.
Home care measures:
A recommendation for cases of acute laryngitis where the problem is viral or due to vocal stress. These care measures include rest for the voice, increased fluid intake, avoiding irritants such as cigarettes, etc.
Antibiotic medication:
Ideal for cases in which the infection is bacterial. To detect this type of laryngitis, the doctor must perform certain tests to determine the cause and prescribe an effective antibiotic.
Corticosteroid medications:
Effective for emergency cases where respiratory function needs to be restored, airways expanded, and laryngitis associated with croup treated.
Risk factors for laryngitis.
- Being exposed to irritant gases can increase the chances of developing laryngitis. These agents can include: smoke in any form, large quantities of alcoholic beverages, emissions of chemical substances in the workplace, or household cleaning products.
- Being in places where excessive use of the voice is required, such as singing, shouting, or speaking loudly.
- Suffering from infectious diseases such as the flu, cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, etc.
Do you think you have laryngitis? Dr. Lech can help you in Panama.
A Panama-based otolaryngologist who is willing to help you regain your health.
Testimonials from Dr. Lech
LAURA RUIZ RUIZ
2022-06-21
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2022-05-19
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2022-05-19
Buen Dia
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Michel Guerrero
2022-04-25
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