Laryngitis can be infectious as well as noninfectious in origin. The resulting inflammation of the vocal folds results in a distortion of the sound produced there.[1] It normally develops in response to either an infection, trauma to the vocal folds, or allergies.[3] Chronic laryngitis may also be caused by more severe problems, such as nerve damage, sores, polyps, or hard and thick lumps (nodules) on the vocal cords.[4]
Viral[edit] => Most acute cases of laryngitis are caused by viral infections,[1] the most common of which tend to be rhinovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, coronavirus, and RSV. In patients who have a compromised immune system, other viruses such as herpes, HIV and coxsackievirus may also be potential causes
Bacterial[edit] => This is another major cause of acute laryngitis, and may develop in conjunction with or due to a viral infection.[1] Common bacterial strains are; group A streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, C. diphtheriae, M. catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, Bordetella pertussis, Bacillus anthracis, and M. tuberculosis. In developing countries, more unusual bacterial causes may occur such as mycobacterial and syphilitic, though these may occur in developed nations as well.[1
Fungal[edit] => Laryngitis caused by fungal infection is common but not frequently diagnosed according to a review by BMJ and can account for up to 10% of acute laryngitis cases.[1] Patients with both functioning and impaired immune systems can develop fungal laryngitis, which may develop as a result of recent antibiotic or inhaled corticosteroids use.[1] Certain strains of fungi that may cause laryngitis include; Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Candida (especially in immunocompromised persons), and Cryptococcus and Coccidioides
Trauma[edit] => Often due to excessive use of the vocal folds such as excessive yelling, screaming, singing. Though this often results in damage to the outer layers of the vocal folds, the subsequent healing may lead to changes in the physiology of the folds.[1] Another potential cause of inflammation may be overuse of the vocal cords.[5] [6] [7] [8] [9] Laryngeal trauma, including iatrogenic (caused by endotracheal intubation), can also result in inflammation of the vocal cords.[11
Allergies[edit] => Findings are unclear as to whether asthma may cause symptoms commonly associated with laryngitis.[1] Some researchers have posited that allergic causes of laryngitis are often misdiagnosed as being the result of acid reflux.[12
Reflux[edit] => One possible explanation of chronic laryngitis is that inflammation is caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux which causes subsequent irritation of the vocal folds.[13
Autoimmune disorders[edit] => Approximately between 30-75% of persons with rheumatoid arthritis report symptoms of laryngitis.[1]&Symptoms of laryngitis are present in only 0.5-5% of people that have sarcoidosis.[1] According to a meta-analysis by Silva et al. (2007), this disease is often an uncommon cause of laryngeal symptoms and is frequently misdiagnosed as another voice disorder.[14
Acute laryngitis&Chronic laryngitis Granulomatous laryngitis Pseudomyxomatous laryngitis&Granulomatous laryngitis&Pseudomyxomatous laryngiti
Visual diagnosis[edit] => The larynx itself will often show erythema (reddening) and edema (swelling). This can be seen with laryngoscopy or stroboscopy (method depends on the type of laryngitis).[7]:108 Other features of the laryngeal tissues may include
Redness of the laryngeal tissues (acute)&Dilated blood vessels (acute)&Thick, yet dry laryngal tissue (chronic)&Stiff vocal folds&Sticky secretions between the vocal folds and nearby structures (the interarytenoid region
Referral[edit] => Some signs and symptoms indicate the need for early referral.[1] These include
Difficulty swallowing&Vocal stridor&Ear pain&Recent weight loss&History of smoking&Current or recent radiotherapy treatment (in the neck region)&Recent neck surgery or surgery involving endotracheal tubing&Person is a professional voice user (teacher, singer, actor, call center worker, and so on
The primary symptom of laryngitis is a hoarse voice.[7]:108 Because laryngitis can have various causes, other signs and symptoms may vary.[8] They can include
Dry or sore throat&Coughing (both a causal factor and a symptom of laryngitis)&Frequent throat clearing&Increased saliva production&Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)&Sensation of swelling in the area of the larynx (discomfort in the front of the neck)&Globus pharyngeus (feeling like there is a lump in the throat)&Cold or flu-like symptoms (which, like a cough, may also be a causal factor for laryngitis)&Swollen lymph nodes in the throat, chest, or face&Fever&General muscle pain (myalgia)&Shortness of breath, predominantly in childre
Voice quality[edit] => Aside from a hoarse-sounding voice, changes to pitch and volume may occur with laryngitis. Speakers may experience a lower or higher pitch than normal, depending on whether their vocal folds are swollen or stiff.[1][9] They may also have breathier voices, as more air flows through the space between the vocal folds (the glottis), quieter volume[10] and a reduced range.[1][1]