Laryngitis: Symptoms, Treatment, Cost and Side Effects
Last Updated: Sep 05, 2019
What is Laryngitis?
Laryngitis means laryngeal inflammation. It is a condition of inflammation of the voice box from overuse, irritation or infection.
What are the symptoms of laryngitis?
Laryngitis symptoms:
- Cold
- Cough
- Irritation to the throat
- Fever
- Pain while swallowing
- Running nose
What causes laryngitis?
Laryngitis causes:
The potential causes of Laryngitis are cold-like symptoms. Chronic laryngitis is usually caused due to lifestyle factors, such as ongoing exposure to irritants.
How laryngitis is diagnosed?
The acute laryngitis usually resolves on its own, but if it does not resolve on its own, it is advisable to visit a doctor. The health care professional will help you with the process further. Firstly it the doctor will do a diagnosis of laryngitis which requires a little testing. Generally the doctor checks the upper respiratory tract where the infection has occurred and is associated with loss of voice. The larynx gets reinforced by the patient answering questions in a hoarse voice. The examination is often brief and only limited to the ears, nose, and throat.
In most cases of laryngitis it does require any testing to confirm the diagnosis. But for chronic laryngitis, the doctor confirms with blood tests, X-rays and other diagnostic tests. The tests will depend upon the patient and other potential concerns that doctor has regarding the cause of the hoarseness. Laryngoscopy is the most common test done to confirm chronic laryngitis and id performed to look directly at the vocal cords and evaluate their function.
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How laryngitis is treated?
Laryngitis treatment:
The acute form of laryngitis generally resolves on its own, though in case of a chronic laryngitis, the treatment is basically aimed at the underlying condition, primarily smoking. One can treat the Laryngitis on own with a bit of self care. It is better to rest the voice and take a break from talking. Usually Laryngitis cause inflammation and resting the voice allows for time for it to heal the irritated vocal cords and throat lozenge which will soothe the sore throats.
As far as medications are concerned, it is better to consult a doctor for medical advice before having any medicine. It is better for a couple of days before visiting a doctor, as Laryngitis usually resolves on its own and is self treatable. The common medicine used to treat Laryngitis is Antacid, which counteracts the effects of stomach acid and helps to deteriorate the inflammation. A non-steroidal and anti-Inflammatory drug is given by the doctor which relieves pain, decreases the inflammation and reduces fever. Analgesics are also used to relieve the pain and a Proton-Pump inhibitor is used to decreases acid release in the stomach.
In case of chronic Laryngitis, Specialists are recommended. A Primary Care Provider (PCP) will help diagnoses and treat the diseases or an ENT (Otolaryngologist) will help to treat ear, the throat disorders.
Are there any side effects?
Anyone can be treated for Laryngitis. But in case of Chronic Laryngitis, several tests have to be performed. Someone with a history of throat surgery should be extra careful and treatment side effects will depend upon individual’s current condition.
What are the post treatment guidelines?
There are no proper set of post treatment guidelines. But Viral infections such as colds are the most common causes of laryngitis, so patients are recommended not to consume chilled drinks or ice cream, and also to stay away from things where from they can catch cold easily. Patients are also advised not to consume alcohol for the next few weeks and stop smoking, which also including second hand smoke. Use of inhaled steroid medicines are also not advised, such as asthma inhalers.
How long does it take to recover?
Laryngitis can recover on its own, is self-limiting and generally lasts for only a few days. The symptoms go away within 7 days, but can linger up to two or more weeks. If the symptoms like irritation in throat or hoarseness persist longer than three weeks, it is considered to be chronic laryngitis and it is advised to visit a doctor immediately.
What is the price of laryngitis treatment in India?
Acute Laryngitis is self-limited and does not need medicines. But in the case of Chronic Laryngitis, the treatment with medicine can cost somewhere between Rs. 100 to Rs. 1500. Most of the medications for Chronic Laryngitis cost under Rs 100 for a single leaf of pills. The antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications will cost under Rs 150 and depends on the type of medication that is prescribed by the doctor as well as the dosage that you are required to take.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
Yes, the results are permanent, but in case of Chronic Laryngitis, the results may not be permanent.
References
- Laryngitis- Medline Plus, Medical Encyclopedia, NIH, U.S. National Library of Medicine [Internet]. medlineplus.gov 2019 [Cited 06 August 2019]. Available from:
- Laryngitis- Mayo Clinic [Internet]. mayoclinic.org 2019 [Cited 06 August 2019]. Available from:
- Laryngitis- Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. merckmanuals.com 2018 [Cited 06 August 2019]. Available from:
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