Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box that causes a hoarse or lost voice. Most acute cases come from viral infections or voice strain and get better in 1 to 2 weeks.
Key symptoms
- Hoarse, weak or lost voice
- Dry, scratchy throat and dry cough
- Cold symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat
- Throat clearing or heartburn in chronic cases
What you find on exam
- Work of breathing; listen for stridor
- Throat and neck exam, including lymph nodes
- Signs of infection: fever, red throat
- Ability to swallow saliva
Tests
- Diagnosis is clinical in acute cases
- Laryngoscopy if hoarseness lasts over 4 weeks, sooner in smokers
- No routine labs or X-rays
Treatment basics
- Voice rest, avoiding whispering
- Fluids, humidified air and throat lozenges
- No antibiotics for viral laryngitis
- Treat causes: reflux, smoking, allergies, poor inhaled steroid technique
Red flags
- Stridor or trouble breathing
- Drooling or cannot swallow (possible epiglottitis)
- Hoarseness over 4 weeks in a smoker or with a neck lump
Practice it in Making Synapses
Making Synapses cases
Related guides
Sources: NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint; NBOME COMLEX-USA clinical presentations. Written by Making Synapses. Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations.