Laryngeal infections

Acute laryngitis
Aetiology:
1. Viral infection of URT, adenovirus or influenza virus, but secondary bacterial infection may supervene.
2. Voice abuse
3. Exposure to fumes, air pollution, smoking and alcohol abuse.
Clinical features:
1. Hoarseness of voice
2. Pain and laryngeal discomfort
3. Cough
4. Flu like symptom
On examination:
May reveal a pharyngitis, the larynx will be red and swollen with thickened vocal cords
.
Treatment:
1. Voice rest
2. Humidification by steam inhalation
3. Avoidance of irritants
4. Analgesia and local soothing agent
5. Antibiotic like Amoxicillin

Recurrent acute laryngitis with incomplete resolution may predispose to chronic laryngitis
Acute epiglotitis:
A special form of acute laryngitis in which the inflammatory changes affect mainly the loosly attached mucosa of the epiglottis. It occur between 2-6 years with sudden onset less than 6 hours.It occur in adult also.
Pathology:
Localized oedema may obstruct the airway,H.influenzae is usual causative organism
On examination:
Examination is diagnostic but may be delayed until the facilities for intubation and tracheostomy are available so no attempts to depress the tongue or indirect laryngoscopy as this can cause laryngospasm.