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Laryngitis - Laryngitis symptom, treatment, causes


Laryngitis means inflammation of the larynx (voice box), which may be acute or chronic. Acute laryngitis is most often due to viral infection, but may also be caused by allergies or inhaled irritants {smoke and fumes).

Chronic laryngitis may be due to excessive use of the voice. chronic inhalation of irritants, or other respiratory disorders that cause persistent coughing. Laryngitis causes hoarseness that may progress to loss of the voice. Apart from eliminating the possible causes, there is no specific treatment. Resting the voice and inhaling steam help to settle the inflammation

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box) generally associated with hoarseness or loss of voice. It causes hoarse voice or the complete loss of the voice because of irritation to the vocal folds (vocal cords). The larynx is a framework of cartilage, muscles and mucous membranes that forms the entrance of your windpipe (trachea). Inside the larynx are your vocal cords two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. Excessive use of the voice, an allergic reaction, and inhalation of irritants such as cigarette smoke can cause short-lived (acute) or persistent (chronic) laryngitis. Symptoms are an unnatural change of voice, such as hoarseness, or even loss of voice that develops within hours to a day or so. Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx and is a common condition of the throat. Fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), difficulty in swallowing, and a sore throat may occur in severe infections. Laryngitis may be short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Although acute laryngitis usually is nothing more than an irritation and inflammation from a virus, persistent hoarseness can signal a more serious problem.

Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation and swelling of the larynx, which is also known as the voice box. Laryngitis also may accompany bronchitis or any other inflammation or infection of the upper airways. 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. Normally your vocal cords open and close smoothly, forming sounds through their movement and vibration. But in laryngitis, your vocal cords become inflamed or irritated. When air escapes between the cords when it is not supposed to, your voice sounds breathy, raspy and hoarse. The sound may be due to a weak or slightly paralyzed vocal cord on one side; polyps, which are small, soft growths; or nodules, which are harder growths.

Causes of Laryngitis

The common Causes of Laryngitis :

  • Excessive coughing.
  • Bacterial or fungal infection.
  • Allergies .
  • Irritants or chemicals.
  • Inflammation due to overuse of the vocal cords.
  • Viral infection.

Symptoms of Laryngitis

Some Symptoms of Laryngitis :

  • A hoarse voice .
  • Fever.
  • A sore throat .
  • Difficulty speaking .
  • Dry throat .
  • Tickling sensation and rawness of your throat .
  • Hoarseness.
  • A headache .
  • Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck.

Treatment of Laryngitis

  • Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken at regular intervals can ease any associated headaches and fever .
  • Vocal therapy may help some people especially those at risk of permanently damaging their voice.
  • In all cases you should avoid smoking and areas where others are smoking.
  • In some emergency situations, more commonly in children than adults, the danger of your throat swelling shut exists.
  • Drink warm (but not hot) liquids such as tea or a honey-lemon drink.
  • Try to rest your voice and avoid shouting, singing, talking or whispering for long periods. If you overuse your voice when the vocal cords are inflamed, it may make the inflammation worse and take longer for your normal voice to return.
  • In this situation, you will receive intravenous antibiotics and probably steroids.

 

Laryngitis - Laryngitis symptom, treatment, causes

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