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 Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 25sec

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What to eat for laryngitis

Laryngitis is an emergency in otolaryngology, commonly seen in infants and toddlers. Generally, it is caused by acute inflammation that irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, mainly the vocal cords, leading to congestion and edema of the pharyngeal mucosa. Patients may exhibit sudden high fever, with a body temperature above 38°C, severe sore throat, hoarse voice, bark-like cough, and in severe cases, it may cause breathing difficulties or even lead to suffocation and death. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope can reveal severe edema of the bilateral vocal cords and incomplete closure of the glottis. In treatment, laryngitis initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. A routine blood test should be conducted; if there is an increase in white blood cells and neutrophils, a bacterial infection should be considered, and oral administration of cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics is effective. If lymphocytes are elevated, the patient should receive symptomatic antiviral treatment, which is also effective. Additionally, nebulized inhalation should be used to help reduce local congestion and edema. A bland diet should be maintained, avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Recovery is typically within about a week. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

49sec

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What should I do if I have laryngitis?

Laryngitis is a common and frequent disease in otolaryngology, with patients ranging from children to adults, each showing different symptoms. In children, due to the narrow glottis and loose submucosal tissue, inflammation can cause significant swelling, potentially leading to breathing difficulties or even asphyxiation. Some children may experience a hoarse voice and a hollow-sounding cough. In adults, laryngitis primarily presents as hoarseness and difficulty speaking, with breathing difficulties being extremely rare. Treatment for laryngitis generally involves anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and nebulized inhalation to address the symptoms, and most patients see a complete alleviation of symptoms after treatment. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

57sec

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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.)

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

40sec

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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 Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 16sec

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Does laryngitis cause a fever?

Laryngitis can cause fever and is considered an emergency in otolaryngology, prevalently seen in infants and young children. It can lead to sudden high fever, with temperatures above 38°C, severe throat pain, hoarse voice, bark-like coughing, and in severe cases, it can cause breathing difficulties, and even lead to choking and death. Examination may reveal evident congestion and swelling of the bilateral vocal cords, and incomplete closure of the glottis, resulting in the hoarseness of the voice. In terms of treatment, it is primarily necessary to use anti-inflammatory treatment targeted at symptoms, as laryngitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection, so patients can effectively use oral cephalosporin antibiotics. Additionally, corticosteroids are also used to reduce local congestion and swelling. During treatment, it is essential to closely monitor the patient's temperature and respiratory condition. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medication should be administered, and in cases of breathing difficulties, tracheotomy may be necessary. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)