OVERVIEW

What is acute laryngitis?

Acute laryngitis is an acute inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa caused by various factors such as infection, vocal overuse, or inhalation of harmful gases. It occurs more frequently in spring and winter, with a higher incidence in males than females.

The manifestations of acute laryngitis differ between adults and children. Generally, pediatric cases are more severe and progress faster. This content primarily discusses adult acute laryngitis.

For questions related to pediatric acute laryngitis, click to view.

Is acute laryngitis common?

Acute laryngitis is a common respiratory infection, often secondary to acute rhinitis or acute pharyngitis.

SYMPTOMS

What are the common symptoms of acute laryngitis?

• Hoarseness: Initially, the voice may become low-pitched, then turn hoarse, and in severe cases, complete loss of voice may occur.

• Cough and phlegm: At the onset, it may present as a dry cough without phlegm, worsening at night. Later, throat mucus may increase, becoming thick and difficult to expel.

• Throat pain: Pain worsens when speaking or swallowing, and severe cases may lead to difficulty swallowing. There may also be a sensation of a foreign body or dryness in the throat.

• Nasal and pharyngeal symptoms: Since acute laryngitis often follows a cold, symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and a feeling of a foreign body in the throat are common.

• Systemic symptoms: These may include chills, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing may occur. These symptoms are less common and milder in adults but more pronounced in children.

How does acute laryngitis develop?

Acute laryngitis often occurs after a cold. Following a viral infection, a secondary bacterial infection may develop. Initially, inflammation typically affects the nasal, nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal areas, then spreads downward, causing acute inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa.

What are the complications of acute laryngitis?

• Recurrent acute laryngitis may lead to chronic laryngitis, resulting in prolonged illness.

• As the condition progresses, acute tracheobronchitis may develop.

What severe consequences can acute laryngitis cause?

• In severe cases, speech may be reduced to a whisper or lost entirely.

• Severe acute laryngitis may significantly narrow the glottis, impairing breathing and potentially leading to respiratory distress or suffocation, which can be life-threatening. Children with acute laryngitis are more likely to develop breathing difficulties.

CAUSES

What causes acute laryngitis?

• Viral or bacterial infections;

• Overuse of the voice, common in professions like teachers, actors, or salespeople;

• Improper vocalization, such as excessive talking, shouting, or severe coughing;

• Inhalation of harmful gases, such as smog, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, ammonia, or dust, causing prolonged irritation;

• Excessive smoking or alcohol consumption;

• Low immunity due to factors like cold exposure or fatigue.

Who is more likely to get acute laryngitis?

Acute laryngitis can occur in anyone but is more common in children aged 6 months to 3 years. Additionally, professionals who overuse their voices, such as teachers, actors, and salespeople, are also at higher risk.

Is acute laryngitis contagious? How is it transmitted?

Acute laryngitis itself is not contagious. However, it is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, so individuals with weakened immunity may contract the infection after contact with a patient. Isolation is not necessary.

DIAGNOSIS

When should you suspect you have acute laryngitis?

If you experience a rough, low, or hoarse voice (feeling like you can't speak) accompanied by coughing and phlegm during a cold, after overusing your voice, or for no apparent reason, you should suspect acute laryngitis.

What tests are needed for acute laryngitis? Why are these tests performed? What precautions should be taken?

• First, an ENT specialist will conduct a detailed examination of the patient's nose and throat. The patient only needs to cooperate with the doctor's examination, with no special precautions required.

• Laryngoscopy, including direct electronic or fiberoptic laryngoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy, can determine the severity of inflammation, assess airway patency, and identify potential risks like laryngeal obstruction (e.g., polyps, nodules, or even malignant growths). It also checks for vocal cord immobility, swelling severity, and glottis size to aid diagnosis. Note: Electronic or fiberoptic laryngoscopy should be performed on an empty stomach. Avoid eating or drinking for about 4 hours before the test to reduce nausea or vomiting during the procedure.

• Depending on the condition, some patients may need an X-ray to check for abnormalities in the respiratory tract, such as the trachea or lungs. Patients should cooperate with the examination.

• A complete blood count (CBC) can determine whether an infection is present and whether it is bacterial or viral, helping to guide further treatment.

What diseases can acute laryngitis be easily confused with?

• Acute pharyngitis: This condition also causes throat pain, nasal congestion, and coughing, but it usually does not lead to hoarseness. Clinical symptoms can help differentiate the two.

• Acute bronchitis: This disease also presents with coughing, phlegm, fever, and throat pain, but its main symptoms are coughing and phlegm. An X-ray can help distinguish between the two.

TREATMENT

Which department should I visit for acute laryngitis?

You should go to the otolaryngology department.

What are the treatment methods for acute laryngitis?

• Rest your vocal cords and try to speak as little as possible or not at all.

• If fever occurs, antipyretic and analgesic drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used in moderation to relieve discomfort and reduce body temperature.

• Quit smoking and drinking, avoid irritation from harmful gases and dust, and correct improper vocalization methods.

• Local ultrasonic nebulization inhalation therapy, using steroid-containing medications inhaled through a nebulizer via the mouth or nose.

• If bacterial infection is present, antibiotic treatment may be administered.

• Symptomatic treatment, such as expectorants for excessive phlegm or local hormone therapy for significant pain.

Can acute laryngitis heal on its own?

If it is in the early stages or symptoms are mild, strict vocal rest may lead to self-recovery. However, if symptoms are obvious, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to avoid worsening or lung complications.

What are the common side effects of medications for acute laryngitis?

Medications used to treat acute laryngitis may include antibiotics and hormonal drugs:

• Antibiotic treatment: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, etc. Some patients may experience allergic reactions.

• Hormonal treatment: Prolonged use may lead to oral fungal infections, so rinsing the mouth after nebulization is necessary.

Are there any sequelae after treatment for acute laryngitis?

• If acute laryngitis is not properly treated, sequelae such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking, or inability to produce high-pitched sounds may occur.

• If vocalization methods are not corrected or timely and appropriate treatment is not received, acute laryngitis may develop into chronic laryngitis, potentially leading to vocal nodules or even vocal polyps over time.

Is follow-up necessary for acute laryngitis? How is it done?

Follow your doctor's advice. If the doctor deems follow-up necessary, revisit the otolaryngology department as scheduled.

Can acute laryngitis be completely cured?

With proper treatment and removal of the cause, acute laryngitis can improve and be completely cured.

Can acute laryngitis recur after treatment? What should I do if it recurs?

Recurrence is possible. If symptoms reappear, practice vocal rest immediately and seek medical attention promptly.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What should patients with acute laryngitis pay attention to in their diet?

• Avoid spicy or irritating foods;

• Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits;

• Reduce or avoid oily and salty foods;

• Consume moderate amounts of protein-rich foods such as fish and eggs to boost immunity.

What should patients with acute laryngitis pay attention to in daily life?

• Avoid overusing the voice;

• Avoid shouting loudly;

• Avoid severe coughing;

• Get adequate rest, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid staying up late.

Does acute laryngitis affect normal life, study, or work?

Due to symptoms like hoarseness, coughing, and throat pain, acute laryngitis can impact daily life, study, and work. Patients also need vocal rest, which may interfere with work or study for those whose jobs require frequent speaking, loud talking, or singing.

Can patients with acute laryngitis fly, engage in strenuous exercise, or travel to high-altitude areas?

Flying is allowed. However, strenuous exercise and high-altitude travel should be avoided during acute laryngitis, as it may cause varying degrees of throat obstruction, making such activities unsuitable.

PREVENTION

How to prevent acute laryngitis?

Acute laryngitis can be prevented through the following measures:

• Avoid catching colds when possible, and seek early treatment if you do get a cold.

• Avoid prolonged excessive talking or shouting loudly.