What causes laryngitis?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Laryngitis is a relatively common ENT disease with various clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, and burning sensation. Some patients may also experience swallowing obstruction, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. Regarding the causes, it could be due to an acute viral infection, or an acute bacterial infection leading to inflammation. Some patients are affected due to improper diet or exposure to external irritants. In such cases, it is necessary to visit an ENT department promptly for a laryngoscopy and routine blood tests to assess the severity of the condition.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Difference between the symptoms of laryngitis and throat cancer

There is a fundamental difference between laryngitis and laryngeal cancer. Laryngitis is an inflammatory infectious disease, mainly caused by bacterial infection or chronic inflammatory conditions, clinically characterized primarily by hoarseness. Treatment is mainly through medication, such as oral medications or nebulized inhalation therapy. Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumorous disease, primarily squamous cell carcinoma. Clinically, in addition to hoarseness, we can also observe tumorous lumps and swelling of the cervical lymph nodes, which are manifestations of malignant tumors. The treatment of laryngeal cancer primarily involves comprehensive treatment led by surgery, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and some biological treatments, etc. Therefore, there is a fundamental difference between the two.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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What tests are done for acute laryngitis in children?

Generally speaking, laryngitis is classified as an inflammatory disease. To determine whether it might be a bacterial or viral infection, we typically recommend a complete blood count and C-reactive protein test. Based on the white blood cell count, the classification of white blood cells, and the level of C-reactive protein, we can make an initial judgment about whether the cause is likely viral or bacterial, and then proceed with the corresponding treatment. Additionally, laryngoscopy can also be performed to examine the condition of the laryngeal tissues and other structures for differential diagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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Do you have a cough from laryngitis?

Laryngitis can cause severe coughing. Laryngitis is caused by acute inflammation that affects the throat, primarily the vocal cords, leading to sudden high fevers over 38.5°C. Patients experience severe throat pain, hoarseness, irritating coughs, bark-like coughs, and in severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing, choking, and even death. Generally, laryngitis is more common in infants and young children and can spread through the respiratory or digestive tract. During an examination with a laryngoscope, congested and swollen bilateral vocal cords are apparent, with good mobility but incomplete closure. In terms of treatment, symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary for laryngitis. This can include oral or intravenous antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, which are effective. Additionally, corticosteroids are used to reduce local congestion and swelling. A light diet is recommended, and gradual improvement is usually seen within a week. (The use of medication should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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What foods should not be eaten with laryngitis?

If it's just a simple case of laryngitis, depending on the general condition of the child, if it's only hoarseness and the overall symptoms are not severe, there are usually no special restrictions. However, if there is significant laryngeal obstruction, difficulty in swallowing, or difficulty in breathing, a liquid diet should be the main focus. A light diet is easier for the child to accept and helps with a quicker recovery. The general rule is to avoid spicy and irritating foods temporarily, as these can exacerbate swelling in the throat and hinder recovery. This is something that needs attention.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of laryngitis

Laryngitis is a relatively common otolaryngological disease with a variety of clinical symptoms and individual differences. Common symptoms include hoarseness, sore throat, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Some patients may also experience swallowing obstruction and difficulty breathing. In such cases, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist for routine blood tests and a laryngoscopy to determine the specific extent of the condition. In terms of treatment, most patients may consider oral medication, and it is recommended to combine this with nebulization. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe and the clinical symptoms are evident, a small number of patients might need intravenous treatment. During treatment, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor recovery. (Please use medication under the guidance of a qualified physician.)