LARYNGITIS

By: Holly Rhue and Niral Patel

• Laryngitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the voice box (larynx) that is usually associated with hoarseness or loss of voice.

WHAT IS IT?

• Larynx and vocal cords• Causes include: Hoarseness Weak voice or voice loss Tickling sensation and

rawness of your throat Sore throat Dry throat Dry cough

WHAT PART OF THE BODY DOES IT EFFECT?

• Most cases of laryngitis are temporary and improve after the underlying cause gets better. Causes of acute laryngitis include:

Viral infections such as those that cause a cold

Vocal strain, caused by yelling or overusing your voice

Viruses such as measles or mumps

Bacterial infections such as diphtheria, although this is rare

CAUSES OF ACUTE LARYNGITIS:

• Laryngitis that lasts more than three weeks is known as chronic laryngitis. This type of laryngitis is generally caused by irritants over time. Chronic laryngitis can cause vocal cord strain and injuries or growths on the vocal cord (polyps or nodules). These injuries can be caused by:

Inhaled irritants, such as chemical fumes, allergens or smoke

Acid reflux, Chronic sinusitis Excessive alcohol use Habitual overuse of your

voice (such as with singers or cheerleaders)

Smoking

CAUSES OF CHRONIC LARYNGITIS:

• Acute laryngitis caused by a virus often gets better on its own within a week or so. Self-care measures can also help improve symptoms.

• Chronic laryngitis treatments are aimed at treating the underlying causes, such as heartburn, smoking or excessive use of alcohol.

• Corticosteroids. Sometimes, corticosteroids can help reduce vocal cord inflammation. However, this treatment is used only when there's an urgent need to treat laryngitis

TREATMENT:

• Humidifier• Rest Voice• Drink Fluids• Corticosteroids in

extreme cases

PHARMACOLOGY:

• Usually heals on its own within 48-72 hours

RECOVERY:

• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov• http://www.mayoclinic.com/healt

h/laryngitis/DS00366/DSECTION=symptoms

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/laryngitis/DS00366/DSECTION=causes

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/laryngitis/DS00366/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

WORKS CITED