Page contents
- What is laryngitis
- symptoms
- Causes and risk factors
- Multiples
- Diagnosis
- treatment
- protection
The larynx is located at the top of the trachea. Inside the larynx are two pairs of vocal cords, and each cord is composed of a muscle, a tendon, and a mucous membrane.
We breathe when the cords are open and far apart, as the inhaled air passes through the nose, mouth, and pharynx through the two tendons down into the trachea to the lungs, and the exhalation is done in the same way, and we can produce sound if the cords are closed and attached to each other.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the vocalization source, ie the larynx.
Types of laryngitis
There are two main types of laryngitis, which are as follows:
1. Acute laryngitis
There is confusion in talking about the two terms in the public about the larynx and pharynx. The larynx, as we mentioned, is the center of pronunciation. Its upper external feature is the epiglottis. As for the pharynx, it is the center of swallowing. It is located above the larynx in the back of the mouth after the tongue. Its meaning hurts my throat more precisely.
The most common feature of pharyngitis is pain; On the other hand, acute laryngitis is a viral or bacterial infection, and the inflammation forms part of the inflammation of the respiratory tracts, such as: influenza, bronchitis, and sinusitis, accompanied by inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords, which hinders the proper functioning of the tendons and the output of the voice.
The result is hoarseness, and in severe cases we may lose the voice. Trying to speak during hoarseness causes pain in the larynx area; Because the muscles of the voice struggle to cope with the hoarseness, laryngitis generally clears up with the inflammation of the airways, and is not associated with other complications such as shortness of breath.
The larynx in children is so narrow that the breathing distance between the cords remains narrow, and therefore they may suffer from shortness of breath in the event of their laryngitis.
It is generally associated with acute respiratory tract infection and resolves within a few days.
2. Chronic laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis is characterized by persistent hoarseness lasting 3-4 weeks or longer.
Symptoms of laryngitis
There are many symptoms that indicate a sore throat, the most important of which are:
1. General symptoms of laryngitis
The most prominent symptoms of laryngitis are the following:
- Hoarseness.
- Double the sound.
- loss of sound
- Tickling and roughness in the throat.
- Sore throat.
- dry throat;
- dry cough;
2. Cases that require medical advice
Among the most prominent cases that require a doctor’s consultation are the following:
- Hoarseness that does not go away within 7-10 days in cases of flu or cold.
- Body temperature rose above 38.5 ° C.
- Shortness of breath, swallowing problems, persistent cough, or purulent mucus.
- The appearance of hoarseness in children, especially if the sound of crying resembles barking.
- People for whom sound makes a living, such as: artists, singers, teachers, lawyers, or telephone operators.
- Hoarseness that lasts for more than a month without an apparent cause.
- When hoarseness is accompanied by a persistent irritable cough.
- Bloody sputum with or without coughing.
- Exacerbation of hoarseness with no visible cause.
Causes and risk factors for laryngitis
There are many causes and factors that lead to laryngitis, as follows:
1. Causes of laryngitis
The causes of laryngitis vary according to the type, as follows:
Causes of acute laryngitis
Among the main causes of acute laryngitis are the following:
- The viral infection that causes the common cold.
- Voice strain caused by yelling, or excessive talking.
- Bacterial infection is a less common cause.
Causes of chronic laryngitis
Among the main causes of chronic laryngitis are the following:
- Excessive use of the voice, especially when the way the voice is produced is incorrect, and causes constant irritation of the laryngeal mucosa.
- Allergies, and chronic inflammation of the respiratory tracts, such as: sinusitis.
- Inhalation of irritants, such as: chemicals and smoke.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Excessive drinking of alcohol.
- smoking.
The causes and severity of their impact vary from person to person.
2. Risk factors
The most important general risk factors for laryngitis are the following:
- Exposure to infection in the respiratory tract, such as: colds, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
- Exposure to irritants, such as: smoke and chemicals.
- Excessive use of sound.
Complications of laryngitis
In some cases where laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the infection can spread to the upper respiratory tract.
Diagnosis of laryngitis
The doctor diagnoses laryngitis as follows:
1. Laryngoscopy
In a procedure called laryngoscopy, a doctor can visually examine the vocal cords using a light and a small mirror to look at the back of the throat, or the doctor may use fiber-optic laryngoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and light through the nose or mouth. To monitor the movement of the vocal cords and the patient speaking.
2. Biopsy
If a doctor sees a suspicious area, they may do a biopsy by taking a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
laryngitis treatment
Laryngitis is treated as follows:
1. Treatment of acute laryngitis
Home self-care measures can relieve symptoms of acute laryngitis by:
- Voice relief.
- Drink fluids.
- Air humidification.
2. Treatment of chronic laryngitis
Treating the causes of chronic laryngitis helps relieve and treat inflammation, and the most prominent treatments used are:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used in specific cases, as bacteria are not the main cause of laryngitis.
- Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroids can help reduce laryngitis.
Prevention of laryngitis
Laryngitis can be prevented by:
- Quit smoking, as it irritates laryngitis.
- Minimize drinking alcohol and caffeine.
- Drink plenty of water to get rid of the mucus stuck in the throat.
- Stay away from spicy foods that increase exposure to heartburn and GERD.
- Be sure to diversify in healthy foods, especially those that contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
- Avoid attempting to self-clean the throat, as this may further irritate the throat.
- Take care to prevent catching a respiratory infection by taking care of personal hygiene, and staying away from patients.
- Make sure to take the flu vaccination on time.
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