🔅Laryngitis is a condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the larynx, or voice box, which contains the vocal cords. The vocal cords vibrate and produce sound when air passes through them.
– When the larynx is inflamed, the vocal cords cannot function properly, resulting in a hoarse or weak voice, or sometimes loss of voice.
Common causes of Laryngitis
– The most common causes of laryngitis are:
1). Viral infections; such as the common cold or flu, which can irritate the throat and larynx.
2). Overuse or strain of the voice; such as by shouting, singing, or talking for a long time, which can damage the vocal cords.
3). Allergies; which can cause inflammation and mucus production in the throat and larynx.
4). Irritants; such as smoke, dust, chemicals, or alcohol, which can dry out and irritate the throat and larynx.
5). Acid reflux; which is when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and throat, causing irritation and inflammation of the larynx.
Signs and symptoms of Laryngitis
– After any of the above triggers gets hold of you, it plainly leads to laryngitis. The symptoms of laryngitis usually include:
• Hoarseness or change in voice quality.
• Difficulty while speaking or making sounds.
• Developing a sore throat or a dry throat.
• Coughing or tickling sensations in the throat.
• Mild fever or headaches
This symptoms may last for a few days to a week, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. However, if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or if they are accompanied by other signs of a serious problem, such as: difficulty breathing, swallowing, or coughing up blood; it is advisable to see a doctor.
Diagnosing Laryngitis
– The diagnosis of laryngitis is usually based on the history of symptoms and a physical examination of the throat and larynx. The doctor may use a lighted instrument called a laryngoscope to look inside the throat and larynx and check for signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, or damage to the vocal cords.
– The doctor may also take a sample of tissue from the larynx for further testing if there is a suspicion of an infection or a growth.
Treatment of Laryngitis
– The treatment of laryngitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. The main goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.
– Some of the common treatments for laryngitis are:
• Resting the voice and avoiding talking or singing until the voice recovers.
• Drinking plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and hydrated.
• Using a humidifier or inhaling steam to moisten the air and soothe the throat.
• Gargling with warm salt water or using lozenges to ease the soreness and irritation in the throat.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation
• Taking antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection causing laryngitis.
• Taking antihistamines or decongestants if there are allergies causing laryngitis.
• Taking antacids or proton pump inhibitors if there is acid reflux causing laryngitis.
• Avoiding smoking or exposure to smoke or other irritants that can worsen laryngitis.
• Seeking medical attention if there are signs of a serious problem or if the symptoms do not improve within two weeks.
LARYNGOSCOPY
– Laryngoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to examine the larynx and other parts of the throat using a laryngoscope.
– A laryngoscope is a thin tube with a light and a camera at its end that can be inserted through the mouth or nose into the throat. The doctor can then see images of the throat and larynx on a monitor and look for any abnormalities or problems.
– Laryngoscopy can be done for various purposes, such as:
• To diagnose conditions that affect the throat and larynx, such as infections, inflammation, growths, injuries, or cancer.
• To remove foreign objects that are stuck in the throat or larynx.
• To take biopsies or samples of tissue from the throat or larynx for further testing.
• To perform surgery on the throat or larynx, such as removing growths or repairing damage.
Laryngoscopy procedures
– There are different types of laryngoscopy procedures, depending on how they are performed and what they are used for.
– Some of the common types are:
🔅 Indirect laryngoscopy
– This is when the doctor uses a small mirror attached to a handle to reflect light into the mouth and see inside the throat and larynx. This type of laryngoscopy is usually done in an office setting with local anesthesia sprayed on the throat.
🔅 Direct fiber-optic (flexible) laryngoscopy
– This is when the doctor uses a flexible tube with a light and a camera at its end to go through the nose into the throat and see inside the larynx. This type of laryngoscopy is usually done in an office setting with local anesthesia sprayed on the nose and throat.
🔅 Direct rigid (surgical) laryngoscopy
– This is when the doctor uses a rigid tube with a light and a camera at its end to go through the mouth into the throat and see inside the larynx. This type of laryngoscopy is usually done in an operating room with general anesthesia and is used for surgery or biopsy.
Preparing for a Laryngoscopy
– Don't get scared when you hear this. It is always good to be prepared physically and psychologically to avoid "disappointments".The preparation for laryngoscopy depends on the type of procedure and the reason for doing it. The doctor will give specific instructions on what to do before, during, and after the procedure.
– Some of the general steps are:
1). Informing the doctor about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications that may affect the procedure.
2). Avoiding eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure.
3). Arranging for someone to drive home after the procedure if general anesthesia is used
4). Following the doctor's advice on how to care for the throat and voice after the procedure.
Risks and complications from Laryngoscopy
– The risks and complications of laryngoscopy are rare but may include:
• Bleeding or infection in the throat or larynx.
• Damage to the teeth, tongue, or lips.
• Injury to the vocal cords or nerves that control them.
• Reaction to anesthesia or medications.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Laryngoscopy is a useful procedure that can help diagnose and treat various conditions that affect the throat and larynx. It can also help prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life of people who have problems with their voice or breathing.
