Voice , Swallowing
& Throat - Conditions
Voice , Swallowing
& Throat - Procedures
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is infection or inflammation of the vocal cords resulting in their swelling. Acute laryngitis may be due to viral infection, bacterial infection or it can occur after vocal abuse, trauma and allergy.
Symptoms include a change in quality of voice, throat irritation, cough and sometimes fever.
The main treatment includes voice rest, avoidance of irritants, antibiotics, analgesics, steam inhalation and sometimes steroids.
Chronic laryngitis is characterised by chronic inflammation of larynx due to incomplete resolution of acute laryngitis, or chronic irritation from smoking or gastro-oesophageal reflux, resulting in long standing changes to the vocal cords.
The main clinical features include hoarseness, constant hawking, throat discomfort and irritating cough.