LARYNGITIS
Definition Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box), which can be acute or chronic.
Types of Laryngitis
- Acute laryngitis
- Chronic laryngitis
Aetiology of Acute Laryngitis
- Infection by viruses (common cold, influenza, etc.)
- Bacterial infection (Streptococcus, Haemophilus, etc.)
- Irritants (smoking, pollution, etc.)
- Allergies (dust, pollen, etc.)
- Vocal strain
Aetiology of Chronic Laryngitis
- Long-standing irritation from environmental factors (smoking, pollution, etc.)
- Vocal strain
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Allergies
- Chronic infections
Clinical Features of Acute Laryngitis
- Hoarseness of voice
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain on swallowing
Clinical Features of Chronic Laryngitis
- Hoarseness of voice
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain on swallowing
- Weight loss
Differential Diagnosis
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Vocal cord cancer
- Postnasal drip
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
Complications of Acute Laryngitis
- Respiratory failure
- Severe hoarseness
- Scarring of vocal cords
Complications of Chronic Laryngitis
- Vocal cord scarring
- Vocal cord atrophy
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Respiratory failure
Investigations
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, etc.)
Management of Acute Laryngitis
- Rest the voice
- Stay hydrated
- Use humidifiers
- Avoid irritants
- Antibiotics if bacterial infection suspected
Management of Chronic Laryngitis
- Vocal therapy
- Lifestyle modifications (avoiding irritants, etc.)
- Medications (steroids, etc.)
- Surgery (in severe cases)
Homoeopathic Treatment of Acute Laryngitis
- Aconitum napellus (acute onset, hoarseness, and pain)
- Belladonna (inflammation, redness, and swelling)
- Lachesis (itching, burning, and hoarseness)
- Spongia tosta (dry, hacking cough and hoarseness)
- Hepar sulphuris (pneumonia and laryngitis)
Homoeopathic Treatment of Chronic Laryngitis
- Calcarea carbonica (chronic fatigue and hoarseness)
- Silica (chronic hoarseness and dryness)
- Phosphorus (chronic inflammation and pain)
- Lycopodium (chronic cough and hoarseness)
- Sulfur (chronic hoarseness and dryness)