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.

Other Voices

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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 10sec

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Can I eat watermelon with laryngitis?

Laryngitis can be treated by eating watermelon; there are no problems with that. Laryngitis is an emergency condition in the otolaryngology field, most commonly occurring in infants and toddlers, especially those between two to three years old. It can cause sudden high fever in patients, accompanied by hoarseness, swelling and pain in the throat, and a bark-like cough. As the condition worsens, patients may experience difficulty breathing and even suffocate to death. The pathogens commonly seen are hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus, with the vocal cords being primarily affected. In terms of treatment, patients firstly need symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment, oral or intravenous antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, which are effective. Additionally, the use of corticosteroids for nebulized inhalation helps reduce local congestion and swelling, allowing for recovery within about a week. A light diet is recommended during treatment, including watermelon, peaches, pears, and apples. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a qualified doctor.)

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Written by Xu Qing Tian

Otolaryngology

55sec

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Can laryngitis heal by itself?

Patients with laryngitis can be cured. The primary causes of laryngitis are related to factors such as long-term smoking and drinking, improper use of the voice, and catching colds. In patients with laryngitis, the affected areas are primarily located on the vocal cord mucosa and the bilateral aryepiglottic fold walls, where the surface mucosa becomes edematous. For patients with laryngitis, it is important to avoid catching colds in daily life and to protect the voice by avoiding prolonged talking. By resting the voice, the laryngitis can often heal itself. If the laryngitis repeatedly does not heal, symptomatic treatment can be administered by taking oral traditional Chinese medicine that clears the throat and benefits the voice, thereby eliminating the mucosal inflammation in the throat. (Please take medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Bai Yan Hui

Pediatrics

42sec

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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

1min 11sec

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Throat inflammation: injections or medication?

For laryngitis, it is best to undergo infusion therapy. Acute laryngitis is an otolaryngology emergency, commonly occurring in infants and toddlers because their pharyngeal mucosa is relatively loose. Once infected by bacteria or viruses, it can cause sudden high fever with temperatures above 38℃ (100.4°F), as well as hoarseness and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may lead to asphyxiation or even death. Examination with an electronic laryngoscope can reveal significant hyperemia and edema in the pharyngeal mucosa, especially severe around the bilateral vocal cord arytenoid areas, leading to incomplete glottis closure. Under such circumstances, it is best to use antibiotics, such as cephalosporin antibiotics, and the patient should undergo infusion therapy. Additionally, it is advisable to use corticosteroids to reduce local mucosal congestion and edema. A light diet should be maintained during treatment, closely monitoring the patient’s breathing. If breathing difficulties arise, a tracheotomy may be necessary.