chronic laryngitis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Defined as presence of laryngitis for more than three weeks (1).
- is more common in males.
- may be predisposed to by:
- smoking
- drinking spirits
- voice overuse, e.g. by teachers, singers
- chronic upper airway infection, e.g. sinusitis
- tuberculosis (2)
- constant exposure to irritants (2)
- clinical features
- it is characterised by a hoarseness of voice that tires easily
- throat may be uncomfortable and the patient may have to clear his throat constantly
- on examination the cords are thickened and pink and the surrounding mucosa is often red and dry.
- treatment
- is resting of the voice and steam inhalations, although this is often ineffective
- underlying cause has to be removed (2)
- usually heals itself in a week or two (2)
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