Laryngitis

Question 1

What is laryngitis?

Answer 1

An inflammation of the larynx which especially affects children

Question 2

How long does acute and chronic laryngitis last?

Answer 2

Acute < 3 weeks

Chronic > 3 weeks

Question 3

What cells are within the larynx?

Answer 3

Goblet cells - secrete mucous
Columnar cells - Cilia

**Columnar cells are susceptible to hyperplasia in chronic laryngitis

Question 4

What are the causes of acute laryngitis?

Answer 4

Viral
Bacterial - strep pneumonia, Haemophiluz influenza
overuse of the voice

Question 5

What are the causes of chronic laryngitis?

Answer 5

allergies
chronic exposure to irritants (smoke)
severe acid reflux
overuse of the voice

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of laryngitis?

Answer 6

Dysphonia
Dysphagia
Dyspnoea

Cough

Question 7

What investigations can be done?

Answer 7

Laryngoscopy - can take a biopsy if needed

Question 8

What are the complications of laryngitis?

Answer 8

Laryngeal cancer

Epiglottitis

Question 9

What is the treatment for acute laryngitis?

Answer 9

Fluids
Rest vocal cords
Pain medication

Question 10

What is treatment for chronic laryngitis?

Answer 10

Treat the underlying cause