Laryngitis

Definition

The disease inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) describes an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the larynx. The larynx is an anatomical structure between the pharynx and the trachea. It plays an important role in swallowing and voice formation.

• The epiglottis closes the larynx when swallowing and prevents the passage of chyme into the trachea.
• When we breathe out, the vocal folds are vibrated by the tension, enabling us to speak. An inflammatory change in the vocal folds is referred to as vocal fold inflammation.

As part of a laryngitis, there are consequently restrictions in speaking and swallowing. Laryngitis can be acute or chronic.

Laryngitis in children often manifests itself as subglottic laryngitis (pseudocroup) . After infection, the larynx swells considerably and the affected children suffer from a barking cough and breathing difficulties. The young patients are helped by inhalation with decongestants and cold and humid ambient air.

In the case of inflammation of the epiglottis, on the other hand, one speaks of epiglottitis . This rare but life-threatening disease occurs particularly in childhood and is caused by bacteria. Sick children are severely exhausted and have fever, shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing. They don’t want to lie down, preferring to sit with their mouths open and their heads stretched forward. Other symptoms include irritability and restlessness. Vaccination against hemophilus influenzae offers reliable protection against the infectious disease.

Diphtheria (Real Krupp) is a disease that often occurs with laryngitis and tonsillitis. Due to widespread vaccination, diphtheria has become a very rare disease since the 1960s. Less than 30 people in Germany contract diphtheria every year.

Causes of laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is usually triggered by viral infections of the upper respiratory tract . A simple cold or a flu-like infection can descend from the nasopharynx to the larynx. In some cases, acute laryngitis can turn into chronic laryngitis if the patient does not rest sufficiently. A high strain on the voice and staying in dry and smoky rooms support the development of the disease.

In most cases, chronic laryngitis is triggered by persistent damage to the mucous membranes caused by regular smoking and the consumption of alcohol. Both chronic coldsas well as a chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses can be favorable factors for the disease. Other triggering aspects can be occupational exposure to dust and bad, smoky air. Incorrect voice technique and voice disorders are also considered to be the reasons for the complaints. The regular inhalation of asthma sprays and COPD sprays as well as heartburn (reflux oesophagitis) can also lead to symptoms. The chronic irritation leads to swelling and keratinization of the tissue. The result is hoarseness and a deeper voice.

Symptoms of laryngitis

• Hoarseness to loss of voice
• feeling of dryness in the throat
• sore throat
• Rough and dry cough
• Frequent throat clearing
• sore throat when speaking
• difficulties swallowing

Risk of infection with laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is usually caused by viral infections that trigger a cold or influenza, for example. The viruses can be transmitted as a smear infection as well as a droplet infection and cause laryngitis to be contagious. If a sick patient coughs, tiny air particles (aerosols) are distributed in the immediate vicinity, which can then be inhaled by a person close to them.

Patients with previously damaged laryngeal mucosa, such as smokers, are particularly at risk of developing laryngitis. Also, patients with a weakened immune system are more susceptible than other people.

Duration of laryngitis

Laryngitis usually heals within a few days. If sufficient protection has not taken place, acute laryngitis can turn into chronic laryngitis.

Diagnosis of laryngitis

As a rule, general practitioners or paediatricians are the first point of contact for health problems. The ear, nose and throat specialist specializes in diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

In order to make the correct diagnosis, the doctor treating you will first ask you a few questions about your symptoms and the course of the disease. As part of this so-called anamnesis interview , the causes and severity of the symptoms can already be discussed.

This is usually followed by the physical examination . The larynx is not visible in a simple examination.

This requires an examination instrument called a larynx mirror (laryngoscope) . The corresponding examination is called laryngoscopy , but it can usually not be carried out by the family doctor, but only by an ENT doctor. In indirect laryngoscopy , the larynx is examined using a mirror. The examination is not very invasive and is performed on the awake patient. As a rule, indirect laryngoscopy is not painful, but it is somewhat uncomfortable. In direct laryngoscopyon the other hand, a rod-shaped laryngoscope is inserted into the trachea. During this laryngoscopy, the mucous membrane can be examined more closely and small tissue samples can be taken. Patients are given a brief general anaesthetic. In the presence of laryngitis, the vocal cords in the larynx appear red, swollen and covered with purulent secretions.

If the symptoms do not go away within a few days, further investigations such as a chest x-ray or an ultrasound examination may be necessary to clarify other causes.

You can do that yourself

• Cigarette smoke and alcohol irritate the mucous membranes. Therefore, consumption should be stopped or greatly reduced.
• save your voice Even whispering should be avoided, as this puts even more strain on the voice.
• Wear warm neck wraps. Heat supports the healing process.
• Drink warm teas. A lot of liquid keeps the mucous membranes moist.
• Avoid dry, smoky rooms. Room humidifiers can be used for additional humidity.
• Steam inhalation with saline moistened the mucous membrane. Sage or marshmallow can also be inhaled and are good home remedies for laryngitis. You can find detailed instructions in the article Bronchitis .
• In order to avoid laryngitis and colds, you should ensure a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet, try to get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Vitamin C and zinc can be taken prophylactically against respiratory infections at the beginning of the dark season.

Therapy of laryngitis

In addition to the above measures, various medications may be prescribed. Moisturizing lozenges, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medications can relieve symptoms. Depending on the cause of the laryngitis, the underlying disease should also be treated. If incorrect voice technique is the trigger for the symptoms, speech therapy treatment can help. Antibiotic therapy is not indicated in most cases, since the pathogens are usually viruses.

Complications of laryngitis

Laryngitis usually heals on its own and patients quickly find relief from symptoms with drug therapy. In some cases, the course can be severe: Fibrin coatings on the vocal folds lead to breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. With bacterial infections, there is a risk of a collection of pus (abscess) forming in the area of ​​the larynx. In rare cases, hoarseness can persist even after the inflammation has healed. Voice exercises with the speech therapist can help here.

When to seek help

• You have had persistent hoarseness for more than three weeks . If you have these symptoms, you should consult an ENT specialist for further examinations.
• You have a strong feeling of illness, fever and chills .
• If you have breathing difficulties or shortness of breath , you should seek immediate medical attention.

How can Med-Healths help?

Do you have a dry cough or suffer from hoarseness? A video consultation about Med-Healths can help you pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms. The doctor can prescribe you appropriate medication for laryngitis and, if necessary, issue a referral to the ear, nose and throat specialist. It is also possible to issue a sick note.