Laryngitis - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Larybite or laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, which is the part of the respiratory tract where the vocal cords is at. This condition can be caused by overuse of the larynx, irritation, or infection.

Laryngitis is usually characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, hoarseness, or even loss of voice. In children, because the structure of the respiratory tract is smaller, breathing difficulties can occur. However, this rarely happens.

Symptoms of Laryngitis

Laryngitis can be characterized by mild and transient (acute) symptoms, to more serious and lasting (chronic) symptoms. Common symptoms of laryngitis include:

• Discomfort in the throat
• dry throat
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fever
• Voice becomes hoarse or even disappears

Laryngitis can also occur with other inflammation of the respiratory tract, namely the nose, throat, or tonsils. Other symptoms of inflammation of the respiratory tract that can appear are headaches, runny nose, weakness and aches and pains, and swollen lymph nodes.

When to go to the doctor

Most cases of acute laryngitis can be treated at home. However, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks and continue to worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Laryngitis can cause other, more serious symptoms. Immediately seek medical attention to the Emergency Room (IGD) if the following symptoms appear:

• Fever that doesn't go away
• More severe sore throat
• Difficult to swallow
• Bleeding cough
• Difficult to breathe

Patients with children can also experience serious symptoms that require treatment in the ER. These symptoms include:

• High-pitched breath sounds when you inhale (stridor)
• Drooling or drinking too much
• Fever above 39ºC
• Bleeding cough
• Difficult to swallow
• Difficult to breathe

These symptoms can signal the presence of other serious conditions, such as croup and epiglottitis.

Causes of Laryngitis

Laryngitis is divided into two types, namely acute laryngitis and chronic laryngitis. Each type has a different cause. Here is the explanation:

Acute laryngitis

Acute laryngitis is a type of laryngitis that lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Some can even recover on their own without treatment. Usually, the condition will improve when the cause has been treated. The following are some of the causes of acute laryngitis:

• Band injury voice

  Vocal cord injuries can be caused by overusing the vocal cords when talking, singing, shouting, or coughing.

• viral infection

  The viruses that cause infections that cause acute laryngitis are usually the same types of viruses that cause other respiratory infections.

• Infection bacteria

  One type of bacteria that causes acute laryngitis is diphtheria bacteria.

Chronic laryngitis

Laryngitis is called chronic if it lasts more than three weeks. Generally, this type of laryngitis occurs as a result of exposure to the cause continuously for a long time. The causes of chronic laryngitis are:

• Changes in the shape of the vocal cords due to age.
• Smoking habit.
• Alcohol addiction.
• The habit of using the voice excessively and over a long period of time, as a singer or cheerleader usually does.
• Frequent exposure to substances that irritate or cause allergic reactions, such as chemicals, dust, and smoke.
• Fungal infections, usually occur in asthmatics who use long-term inhaled corticosteroid drugs.
• Paralysis of the vocal cords due to certain injuries or diseases, such as a stroke.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A person with a weakened immune system is more at risk of developing laryngitis, for example people with HIV/AIDS, people undergoing chemotherapy, or people taking long-term corticosteroid medications.

Diagnosis of Laryngitis

In diagnosing laryngitis, the doctor will first look at the symptoms experienced by the patient. The most easily detectable symptom of laryngitis is a voice that turns hoarse or even disappears altogether.

The doctor will then perform a physical examination of the throat using a small glass. The doctor will also do a blood test and examine the throat by wiping the throat with a cotton bud (small cotton) for later examination in the laboratory. This examination aims to determine if there is a bacterial or fungal infection.

To see the condition of the larynx in more detail, for example irritation or damage to the vocal cords, some of the following investigations can be done:

• Laryngoscopy

  Laryngoscopy examination is done by inserting an endoscope, which is a special tube equipped with a light and camera at the end, into the larynx through the mouth or nose.

• Biopsy

  Examination is done by taking a small sample of laryngeal tissue to be examined in the laboratory to determine the cause of laryngitis.

If laryngitis persists or recurs over a long period of time, the doctor will refer the patient to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist for further examination.

Laryngitis Treatment

Most laryngitis clears up on its own in about a week, without medication. The goal of treatment is to relieve bothersome symptoms and speed healing.

To treat laryngitis independently, there are several ways that can be done at home, including:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid consuming drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Inhale inhaler Contains menthol to relieve uncomfortable respiratory tract.
• Eating candy mint and gargle with warm salt water or a special mouthwash to soothe the throat.
• Speak slowly to relieve hoarseness and reduce tension on inflamed vocal cords.
• Avoid using medicines that can dry out the throat, such as decongestants.
• Avoid exposure to irritants and allergens, such as cigarette smoke and dust.
• Quit smoking.

In addition to home remedies, some medicines can also be given by doctors to treat laryngitis. Most of these drugs work to treat the cause or condition that underlies the occurrence of laryngitis. These drugs include:

• Ibuprofen or paracetamol, to relieve sore throat, headache, or fever.
• Antihistamines, to treat allergies that arise.
• Stomach acid-lowering drugs, to treat GERD.
• Cough medicine, to relieve cough.
• Corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation of the vocal cords.
• Antibiotics, to treat bacterial infections.

Laryngitis Complications

Complications can occur when laryngitis is caused by an infection. The infection can spread to other parts of the respiratory tract, for example to the lungs.

A person suffering from laryngitis can also experience a chronic cough. This condition will make the sufferer easily choke, so that food enters the respiratory tract and causes lung infection (pneumonia).

Prevention of Laryngitis

Laryngitis can be avoided by preventing its causes and risk factors. The following are some ways that can be done to prevent laryngitis:

• Get a flu shot every year, according to a schedule.
• Limit consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Do not smoke.
• Drink more water.
• Get used to washing hands before and after eating, or after using the toilet.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace.
• Reduce the volume when speaking.