Causes And Symptoms Of Laryngitis
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, the organ responsible for the passage of inhaled and expired air. It is the most important area for phonation, because the vocal cords are located at its level. So what are the symptoms of laryngitis?
According to the experts of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SEORL), this pathology is considered acute if the patient recovers after a short period of time (hours or days). If the symptoms last more than three weeks, the case is chronic.
As you will see in this article, laryngitis is a very common disease, usually caused by a virus. Therefore, knowing the causes and symptoms of laryngitis is essential. Below, we will tell you everything you need to know about it.
Prevalence of laryngitis in the general population
- Acute laryngitis represents 15-20% of all respiratory diseases. The incidence in infants is 3 to 6%. About 6 out of 100 people under the age of 6 suffer from this condition at some point.
- The typical profile of the affected person is a 2-year-old boy who suffers from the disease during autumn and winter.
- Acute laryngitis has a clear familial component. This is because, according to pediatric journals, children with relatives who have suffered from laryngitis are three times more likely to suffer from it.
- Infectious. They occur due to viruses (cold, flu or herpes), bacteria (Mycoplasma or diphtheria) or fungi (candidiasis or aspergillosis).
- Non-infectious. They occur due to allergies, trauma, medication or autoimmune disorders.
These pathogens are associated with upper respiratory tract infections, leading to typical clinical manifestations of influenza. Some of them are:
- Fever
- Dysphagia (swallowing problems)
- Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
In acute cases, this disease heals on its own. In fact, it disappears after a few days. The immune system fights against the causative agent and does not allow the occurrence of long-term effects.
One of the most common causative agents is the bacterium Mycoplasma, there are over 100 different species. The symptoms are very similar to those mentioned above: fever, unproductive cough, pain when swallowing and dysphonia (alteration of some of the acoustic qualities of the voice).
In this case, the treatment is based on antibiotics. Erythromycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin are effective in killing bacteria in the larynx.
- Allergies: acute inflammation of the vocal cords and the rest of the laryngeal mucosa after inhalation of allergens. It causes variable symptoms, from sore throat to severe airway obstruction.
- Inhalation: by direct contact of laryngeal tissue with harmful elements such as smoke or very hot air. This is common in fire survivors or firefighters.
- Trauma or vocal effort: laryngeal irritation caused by a blow or continuous use of the vocal cords.
What to remember about the causes and symptoms of laryngitis
