Voice box inflammation

Description

Laryngitis or voice box inflammation. Larynx inflammation which leads to temporary dysfunction and hoarseness. Larynx is a part of the airways between the pharynx (gorge) and the trachea (windpipe). It contains vocal cords as well as the ligaments and cartilage which support vocal cords and enable their functioning. This condition is most often caused by viral infections and usually lasts several days. Hoaseness that does not withdraw within 2 weeks require medical examination to exlude the possibility of laryngeal cancer or some other severe disorder.

Symptoms

Hoarseness, other symptoms of the infection of upper airways (like cough), swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Persistant symptoms require laryngoscopy (direct visualization with flexible laryngoscopy) to exclude the cancer.

Additional analyses

Laryngoscopy

Specialists

Otolaryngology, General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Therapy involves: rest, brething moisturized air, gurgling salty water and steroids in severe symptoms. Antibiotics are not usually helpful since laryngitis is caused by virus and not by bacteria.